Question: Hi im 17 and sometimes i can`t control my speech. i sometimes studder or mix up a whole sentence or totaly forget what i was about to say. im also having a problem with my saliva. i could be talking to my mom and turn my head downward to look at something or pick something up and saliva jus runs out . . .

Answer: Dear 17 year old with difficulty controlling speech, Are these speech and saliva problems new or have they been going on since your head trauma? In either case, I would discuss these symptoms (including when you notice them and how they change) with your primary physician. Once your physician rules . . .

Ask an Expert: Paula Rabidoux PhD/CCC-SLP, Children’s Health View full article

Is it a tic or a nervous habit?

Question: My daughter just turned 9. She has always been & still is a major picker of bumps and sores. So bad she is covered in scars. About 1 year ago she started clearing her throat all the time. That stopped now she makes this strange mouth movement all the time. Sometimes I think she is aware and some . . .

Answer: As your daughter is 9 years old and still bed wetting, it is reasonable to see a pediatric urologist and have her assessed for any possible physical component to this issue. Nine years old is getting into the upper age end of this being an average developmental issue vs. a true physical disorder. . . .

Ask an Expert: Sarah Sauntry RN, MS, CPNP-PC, Children’s Health View full article

Red Splotches On The Skin

Question: My 3 year old daughter developed a red splotch on her knee about 8 months ago. It looks a bit like a rug-burn, except the skin isn`t broken. It`s more red around the edge, is about nickle sized, and looks like it`s made up of little spots, maybe like broken blood vessels, but not as red. Recently, w . . .

Answer: It is always difficult to comment upon a skin condition, despite your excellent description. I would definitely recommend that your daughter be seen by your pediatric health care provider for a thorough examination of her skin. While this is not an emergency visit, I would recommend an appointment . . .

Ask an Expert: Sarah Sauntry RN, MS, CPNP-PC, Children’s Health View full article

What`s Next, Been Sick for Almost a Year

Question: My daughter is 17 and has been sick for 11 months. Initially, she had chronic sore throats, swollen glands, blisters in her throat, nausea, fatigue, depression and ongoing low grade fever. She has been test seven times for strep and mono and come negative everytime. Her tonsils were removed five mon . . .

Answer: I think an infectious disease specialist is an excellent idea. She may be having one of the prolonged fever-of-unknown-origin (FUO) syndromes that are best evaluated and treated by a pediatric infectious disease specialist. I would not seek care by an adult infectious disease specialist because . . .

Ask an Expert: Mary Gottesman PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN, Children’s Health View full article

Wide Opening Mouth

Question: Hello, My 4 years old daughter opens her mouth very wide about 20 times a day. When I ask her to close it, she she tries to close it under duress, what looks unnatural. Throw doctor didn`t see any tonsils enlargement. I read about some tics, children may have it. She had DTaP and Polio shots last mo . . .

Answer:

I am sure that is a concerning behavior! Since your daughter did have the behavior previously, it is very unlikely that it is a consequence of her immunizations. A tic disorder, if that is in fact what it is, is not listed in any of the immunization literature from the American Academy . . .

Ask an Expert: Mary Gottesman PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN, Children’s Health View full article