Ask the Doctor: Steroids for Croup?

Michelle Asks:

I was wondering what you would suggest for treatment for croup. My son has had it twice this year and both times the doctor prescribed steroids. Is there any other treatment for croup? Thanks! Read more

Understanding Acute Rheumatic Fever

This is by far the most feared complication of Strep throat.  Any discussion of Strep throat would be incomplete without a brief discussion about Acute Rheumatic Fever.  This complication is definitely something you DO NOT want your child to get.  It can be pretty nasty.  At best, it means Read more

You Decide: What is a Strep Carrier?

Understanding what it means to be a Strep carrier is critical if you want to understand the management of sore throat.  It is especially critical for Smart Parents to understand so they can be vigilant to make sure their children are not needlessly exposed to antibiotics and their side-effects.  While most physicians are aware that some kids Read more

Understanding Strep Throat

In my last post, I covered some Myths & Facts surrounding sore throat, especially Strep throat.  In this post, I want cover the basics of Strep throat and how to differentiate it from the far more common sore throat associated with the common cold and other viral illnesses.  Many doctors test and treat for Strep when children clearly have an illness that is not caused by Strep.  Remember from my last post… just because there is Strep in your child’s mouth (and thus the test is positive), it does not mean that your child has Strep throat.  Our job as doctors is not to blindly order tests and prescribe medication based on the results.  We are charged with a much greater responsibility Read more

Myths & Facts: Sore Throat

This is one of my favorite topics. If you are an antibiotic-lover, you might be a little shocked to read what I have to write. However, I will try and give you unbiased information so that you can decide for yourself.  Let me just start by saying this… the way many doctors (especially pediatricians) approach sore throat, and more specifically strep throat, is one of the the most irrational practices in medicine. Billions of dollars are probably wasted on this irrational practice each year. The final irony Read more

Flying with Babies: Essentials

We just wrapped up our 4th flight in less than 9 months with our son. While flying with babies is always a challenge, I thought I would share a few of the essential items that we use to make things more manageable. Read more