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Dr Deepa Suvarna
Paediatrician
155 Answers | 18 FollowersFollow
Dr Deepa Suvarna is a practising paediatrician with 25 years of experience. She completed her MD in paediatrics from the TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, MBBS from the King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and diploma in child health from the College of Physicians and Surgeons.... more
Answered on May 17, 2025
Kindly advice, how to develop appetite in 4 years old boy who does not like to have. The mother struggles to convince her son and quite often fails. The child growth rate is poor as immunity also lacks.
Looking forward to your valuable expert advice.
G ABDUL LATHEEF
Grand father of the child.
Ans: He should be examined by his ped for iron deficiency, worm infestation. Stop all junk food and sweets including biscuits. Milk intake should be limited to 1 or max 2 glasses a day and not with bottle. Make healthy variations of pizza, noodles , pasta and burgers.
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Answered on May 07, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2025
My son is active in athletics. We follow a vegetarian diet at home. How can I ensure my 7-year-old is getting enough protein, iron, and vitamin B12, and supplements necessary at this age? What can I replace eggs and meat with?
Ans: Dairy products like milk, curds, cheese and paneer provide calcium. Green veggies esp leafy vegetables are a good source of iron and vitamins. Whole pulses like beans, soyabean, chana, moong provide protein
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Answered on May 01, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2025
My six-year-old son has always been very active. But for the last couple of days, he has seemed extra restless and has had trouble sitting still, even for short periods. Should we monitor for ADHD? What are some of the signs he may have ADHD?
Ans: ADHD presents as inability to sit at a place for a length of time, inability to complete a task, inability to concentrate without getting distracted and disturbing others in class. If the teachers are complaining of such behaviour then consult a child psychologist
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Answered on May 01, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2025
Our daughter is 9 months old. We have started solids, but my toddler only wants to eat a few things and refuses everything else. How can I encourage better variety without turning meals into a battle?
Ans: Continue to offer only solids at meal time. Don't get her used to a bottle in case she doesn't eat as that will become a habit
Try different foods and give her what you eat
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Try different foods and give her what you eat
Answered on May 01, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2025
My son gets these itchy rashes after eating certain snacks or playing outside. We have seen it sometimes on his arms and neck. Sometimes they show up after an hour. It doesn't happen every time, so I am really confused. How do I know if it is a food allergy, a reaction to something in the environment like pollen or grass, or just sensitive skin?
Ans: You need to see a dermatologist for thos
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Answered on Apr 29, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2025
My child wakes up multiple times at night and takes a long time to fall back asleep. She is 2.5 years old. Is this just a phase, or could there be a sleep issue?
Ans: She should not be fed during the night when she wakes up other than water if she asks. Some studies advise letting the child go back to sleep on her own without any carrying, rocking etc. If the problem persists then a sleep study is advisable to check for sleep apnea which could happen due to adenoid enlargement
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Answered on Apr 29, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2025
Hi Doctor. Our son is 5 years old and will be going to school now. He is potty trained during the day, but at night, he still wets the bed. We can't be wearing diapers all day. At what point should we be concerned?
Ans: If he is dry in the day there is no need for diapers. Restrict any liquid 1 hour before bedtime. Empty the bladder at bedtime. There are special mats which sound an alarm on slight wetting so that he can be taken to the toilet. All this is assuming you have consulted your pediatrician and a urine test has been done.
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Answered on Apr 02, 2025
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My 5-year-old grandson has Kawasaki disease – will he fully recover?
Ans: If he has coronary artery aneurysms then he needs regular echocardiograms and follow up with a pediatric cardiologist till the aneurysms regress. Till that happens, he is at a risk for myocardial infarctions hence will require lifestyle changes. Most aneurysms regress after a year. But follow ups will be required for some years as will be advised by the cardiologist
Asked on - Apr 04, 2025 | Answered on Apr 04, 2025
ListenHi, mam he has 8mm aneurysm, can it be cured
Ans: The pediatric cardiologist will be able to answer this best. Generally 8 mm is considered large and hence has greater complications
Answered on Mar 20, 2025
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Answered on Jan 28, 2025
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Can I Give PediaSure and Moktel Syrup to My 2.6-Year-Old Daughter?
Ans: I cannot comment on brand names on this platform. Please consult your pediatrician regarding this
In general, by 2 a child should consume the full family diet including fruits and vegetables. No supplements are needed in that case.
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In general, by 2 a child should consume the full family diet including fruits and vegetables. No supplements are needed in that case.
Answered on Jan 23, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 23, 2025Hindi
Listen Stuffy Nose in Active Daughter: Outdoor Play or Deeper Cause?
Ans: It is most probably allergic rhinitis due to the weather and pollution. Another cause could be enlarged adenoids. You will need to get her checked by her pediatrician who may advise X rays and blood tests. She will most probably need steroid spray intra nasally.
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Answered on Jan 21, 2025
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Answered on Jan 21, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 21, 2025Hindi
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Help! My son has allergies and there's constant dust from highway construction. What can I do?
Ans: If he is wheezing or has rhinitis then those can be treated. Prevention consists of avoiding dust, using an air purifier, only wet mopping of floor and surfaces. In severe cases, allergen immunotherapy can be tried
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Answered on Jan 21, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 21, 2025Hindi
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Answered on Jan 16, 2025
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Answered on Jan 12, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 10, 2025Hindi
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Answered on Jan 06, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 06, 2025Hindi
Listen Struggling With Screen Time Addiction: My 5-Year-Old's Tantrums Are Out of Control - What Can I Do?
Ans: It will be difficult but you have to be firm
Tell him that he has a total time of 1 hour. To be divided as per his choice. But once the time is reached take the screen or remote away. Regardless of the tantrum , the rule should not change. It will take a week till he realises you are serious and won't back down. Take him to a children's park or organise a play time with a friend or a trip to the zoo on holidays. Start reading a book with him.
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Tell him that he has a total time of 1 hour. To be divided as per his choice. But once the time is reached take the screen or remote away. Regardless of the tantrum , the rule should not change. It will take a week till he realises you are serious and won't back down. Take him to a children's park or organise a play time with a friend or a trip to the zoo on holidays. Start reading a book with him.
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Answered on Jan 04, 2025
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Answered on Jan 03, 2025
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Answered on Jan 02, 2025
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 02, 2025Hindi
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Answered on Dec 25, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Dec 23, 2024Hindi
Listen My 4-Year-Old Won't Eat Fruits or Veggies: Should I Worry?
Ans: Donot offer processed stuff especially if sweet like biscuits as a food substitute. Be consistent with meal times and no snacks to be offered in between. This includes sweet drinks like juices too. Junk food to be allowed only once a week or two weeks of she has been eating a balanced diet through the week. So no chocolates on a daily basis. Once you do this, she will start getting hungry. Then only give her a balanced diet even if she resists. It doesn't matter if she eats less than what you think should be eaten.
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Answered on Dec 19, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Dec 19, 2024Hindi
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Answered on Dec 16, 2024
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Answered on Dec 14, 2024
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Answered on Nov 13, 2024
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How can I help my 2-year-old son who isn't speaking in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?
Ans: No screen time for him. Read stories to him. Put up charts of words with pictures and read out a word everyday till he learns that and then move to the next word. When he points to something, say the word and encourage him to speak the word.
Try to have online consultation with speech therapist based in India who you can visit when you come here
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Try to have online consultation with speech therapist based in India who you can visit when you come here
Answered on Nov 08, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Nov 04, 2024Hindi
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Answered on Oct 31, 2024
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Answered on Oct 17, 2024
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Answered on Oct 16, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Oct 16, 2024Hindi
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Newborn Daughter Not Going Potty: Worried Mom Seeks Advice
Ans: An exclusively breast fed baby may pass stools infrequently but the stools will be soft and will not cause distress while passing
However it is better to get her checked by a pediatrician to see if thyroid hormone levels need to be checked
If formula fed then constipation is known to occur
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However it is better to get her checked by a pediatrician to see if thyroid hormone levels need to be checked
If formula fed then constipation is known to occur
Answered on Sep 29, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 27, 2024Hindi
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Answered on Sep 29, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 27, 2024Hindi
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Answered on Sep 29, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 27, 2024Hindi
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Answered on Sep 07, 2024
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Answered on Aug 28, 2024
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Answered on Aug 25, 2024
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Answered on Aug 11, 2024
My 17-Year-Old Son Isn't Growing Taller: What Should I Do?
Ans: Onset of puberty depends on many factors. There may be a history of familial delayed puberty. His pediatrician would have charted his height increments till now and would be able to tell you if it is in the normal range or if tests are required.
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Answered on Aug 09, 2024
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Answered on Aug 05, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Aug 05, 2024Hindi
Listen 12-Year-Old Daughter's First Period and Height Concerns: Seeking Expert Advice
Ans: Her final height depends on genetic and external factors like diet and activities. Based on her growth velocity till now, her pediatrician will be able to give you an estimated height. Once puberty sets in, the growth plates at the end of long bones start fusing so growth usually stops in 2 years. Ensure has a balanced diet with good protein intake, an active lifestyle with at least 1 sport.
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Answered on Jul 31, 2024
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Answered on Jul 03, 2024
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Answered on Jun 24, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2024Hindi
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Is It Okay If My 9-Year-Old Daughter Is Addicted to Lays Chips?
Ans: Junk food gives immediate satisfaction almost like a drug. Hence gets addictive. Explain to her the ill effects and tell her that she can have one small packet once a week. Once she gets used to that and stops craving, then increase the duration to 2 weeks and then a month. It will take time and patience
Find alternatives like low salt baked alternatives
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Find alternatives like low salt baked alternatives
Answered on Jun 20, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2024Hindi
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My 16-Year-Old is Skipping Meals to Lose Weight: What Can I Do?
Ans: For a 16 year old, it would be best if the weight is below 90kg. 80-85 is good unless he is heavily into sports and has a lot of muscle mass. Check for abdominal fat which is bad and needs to be worked on
Diet should be free of junk, processed and aerated or sweet drinks. Incorporation of vegetables, fruits ,whole grains esp millets will be good. Regular physical activity, aerobic plus strength training depending on his schedule.
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Diet should be free of junk, processed and aerated or sweet drinks. Incorporation of vegetables, fruits ,whole grains esp millets will be good. Regular physical activity, aerobic plus strength training depending on his schedule.
Answered on Jun 17, 2024
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Answered on May 27, 2024
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Answered on May 24, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - May 24, 2024Hindi
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Answered on May 24, 2024
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Answered on May 12, 2024
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Answered on May 05, 2024
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Answered on May 02, 2024
Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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How to Calm My 4-Year-Old Daughter During Frequent Tantrums?
Ans: Some children are more active than others. Engage her in play which will absorb her like puzzles or play dough. Read stories to her and do not show her the mobile, tablet or tv . Shouting will only teach her to shout back when she is upset or frustrated. Needless to say, hitting is a no- no
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