John M. Young, MD

Pediatrician In Amarillo, Texas

Best of Amarillo - Pediatrician

Crispin Borunda

What To Look For If You Suspect Your Infant Has Allergies

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It is unusual for an infant to suffer from environmental allergies. However, your baby may experience traditional allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and rashes. These symptoms are often caused by something other than an allergic reaction. Learning more about allergies and their causes helps you recognize the signs of allergies during infancy and as your child ages.

Understanding allergens

When your child comes down with a rash or stuffy nose, it is often difficult to find the cause. Are they dealing with an allergy, a cold, or something else entirely? Allergies are one of the most frequently reported medical conditions for children. Allergic reactions are the body’s overreaction to a substance that is ingested or present in the surrounding environment. The culprits of these reactions are called allergens. The cause of your child’s allergy is not always clear, but allergists have found that genes play a major role. If both parents have suffered from allergies, the child’s risk of developing allergies raises to about 70 percent.

When to watch for allergies

Infants may develop allergies to food as soon as the food is introduced, but environmental allergens are unlikely in the early stages of life. It takes about a year to develop sensitivities to environmental allergens. Since foods are the most likely cause of allergies for infants, watch for symptoms immediately after a new food is introduced. If you have breastfed your baby, you will likely see signs of food allergy after you start to introduce solid food, if allergies are present at all.

Common food allergies in infants

Young children commonly have with milk, egg, fish, nut, soy, or wheat allergies. If your infant is allergic to cow’s milk, this could show up as soon as you introduce formula. Nearly 80 percent of the formulas are milk-based. How will you know your child has a food allergy? Food allergies often result in skin rashes, wheezing, hives, congestion, and digestive issues. It is best to take your baby to a pediatrician as soon as you suspect infant allergies.

Allergy testing for infants

Rashes and nasal congestion in children are often caused by something other than an allergen, although these are common allergy symptoms. If your infant displays symptoms of allergies after introducing food, you should visit your pediatrician. The doctor will go over your child’s symptoms and ask about a family history of allergies, then conduct a physical exam. If your child is old enough, the pediatrician will test the skin. Both infants and young children may need to have their blood tested. Once the cause of the allergic reaction is found, your pediatrician can come up with a plan to avoid allergens and treat your infant’s symptoms.

Helping Healthy Children Grow Into Healthy Adults

If you suspect your child has allergies, finding the right pediatrician with experience in allergy testing and treatment is vital. The office of Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. You can reach us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email for more information about our Services.

Recognizing Early Flu Symptoms in Children

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During the winter months, the flu is a dreaded illness–especially with children. While the virus displays similarly in both children and adults, it is highly contagious among children. The reason for this quick spread is because they are still learning to practice proper hygiene and are less likely to wash their hands frequently (particularly after coughing into them or wiping a runny nose) or cover their mouths when sneezing. 

As a result, flu outbreaks in schools and daycares are common. Early detection and treatment of the sick child is the most effective way to prevent the virus’ spread as well as lessening the severity of the flu’s symptoms. 

So, how can you tell if your child has the flu?

Common Flu Symptoms

While none of these symptoms can be considered a “sure-fire” way to tell if someone is indeed sick with the flu, they can most certainly be relied upon as a sign of illness. If you see these symptoms in children, it’s very likely that they have an illness and are likely contagious.

Fever

Fevers are how the body fights infection and bacteriophages. Children have a tendency to run a fever more often than an adult. So a fever in itself does not mean the child has the flu, but if they have a higher temperature that does not subside or respond to fever-reducing medication (such as Motrin and Tylenol), you may be dealing with a viral infection like the flu. 

Ear Pain

When mucus builds up in the sinuses it can cause pressure and pain. Some children can feel that pain in their ears, which is the reason why ear pain is a symptom of the flu (especially when there is no infection in the ear that would cause the pain). 

Body Aches

Children are notoriously challenging when trying to pinpoint the source of any body aches and pains. Their general descriptions of “it hurts” can be maddening in any other circumstances, but if they repeatedly state that they “hurt all over” and that they “don’t feel good”, you may have a case of the flu on your hands. This is particularly true if there is a high fever present that does not respond to fever-reducing medication. 

Congestion

Congestion is a flu symptom that some people experience to a greater degree than others. If your child has a lot of congestion with the flu, you’ll want to keep an eye out for ear and sinus infections that are caused by mucus buildup that cannot properly drain.

To minimize the mucus buildup, make sure you’re running a good humidifier, encourage your child to drink plenty of water, and have her blow her nose frequently. If she’s too young to blow her nose, suctioning with a bulb syringe and using saline drops are also effective.

Sore Throat

Sore throats are another common symptom of the flu. Although strep throat is one of the most common causes of sore throats in kids, the sore throat that comes along with the flu can also be pretty bad. It may not be quite as intense as strep, and it doesn’t usually hurt so badly that it’s difficult to swallow. If you aren’t sure whether your child’s sore throat is caused by strep or the flu, take him to the doctor to be tested.

Loss of Appetite or Decreased Energy

Most of us don’t feel like eating very much when we’re sick, and the same holds true for children. The first signs of illness in children are usually a decrease in appetite. Children will often seem more tired than usual and not eat very well. If you notice your child’s appetite and activity levels have decreased watch for any further signs of flu symptoms. Young children under the age of 5 have a much higher risk of complications of the flu that can be circumvented if caught and properly treated in enough time. 

Visit with a pediatrician today

If you think your child may have whooping cough or could be exposed, contact Dr. John Young and his caring Team today. We have the experience and knowledge to give you and your child the best possible clinical experience. You can reach us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email for more information about our Services.

What Parents Should Know About Whooping Cough

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Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can cause serious health issues in babies and children as well as adults. This bacterial illness usually shows up five to ten days after being exposed, but sometimes symptoms don’t show up until weeks after exposure. It is important for parents to understand the symptoms of pertussis and what can be done to help prevent it.

Early signs of whooping cough

In most people who contract whooping cough, early symptoms include a cough and cold-like symptoms. The cough is often not present in babies at first, but they may be affected by apnea. This condition causes a pause in breathing and can be extremely dangerous.

Early symptoms in children include a runny nose, mild fever, apnea, and a mild cough. Because these aren’t surprising symptoms, many pediatricians and parents treat them like the common cold. This means that if your child has whooping cough, you may not even know it until the symptoms get worse.

Later symptoms of whooping cough

After about one to two weeks, the more well-known symptoms of pertussis will start to show. Your child may experience rapid coughing fits followed by a “whoop” sound that is high pitched. Vomiting and exhaustion are also common pertussis symptoms. The coughing fits will be more common as the condition continues and will usually be at their worst at night.

Why whooping cough is dangerous

Although the symptoms listed above are manageable, pertussis is a cause for concern, especially in babies and younger children. In the later stages of the disease, children are more susceptible to other respiratory infections. Around half of the babies younger than age one that gets pertussis requires hospital care. If your baby has this disease, they will probably not cough as much but could stop breathing and turn blue. Recovery is slow, so children can still experience coughing and susceptibility to other infections for months after whooping cough passes.

Preventing whooping cough in your child

The best way to prevent your child from contracting whooping cough is to take them to the pediatrician for a vaccine. You should also keep your children, especially babies, away from others who have the disease. The DTaP vaccine is the recommended preventative for pertussis. This also helps protect against tetanus and diphtheria. Adults can get the vaccine to protect them from getting whooping cough and it is safe for pregnant women.

Visit with a pediatrician today

If you think your child may have whooping cough or could be exposed, contact Dr. John Young and his caring Team today. We have the experience and knowledge to give you and your child the best possible clinical experience. You can reach us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email for more information about our Services.

9 Common Childhood Conditions And Their Symptoms

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There are many conditions and a variety of symptoms your child can experience. As a parent, you don’t want your child to feel sick or hurt, but it can be confusing to pinpoint what is affecting them. It is helpful to know some common conditions children can get and how a pediatrician can treat them.

1. Sore Throat

This is a common symptom in children of all ages and can be attributed to many conditions. The most common reasons your child may have a sore throat include a virus or strep throat. If this painful symptom is caused by a virus, you can only treat the pain and irritation. In the case of bacterial infections like strep throat, antibiotics can help.

If you think your child might have strep throat, take them to the pediatrician as soon as possible. They will perform a quick in-office swab test or lab test to determine if they have strep throat or something else. If the test is positive, your child will need to take a full course of antibiotics, even if their symptoms improve.

2. Ear Pain

There are many conditions that can cause ear pain in children, including swimmer’s ear, a sinus infection, ear infections, and tooth pain. The pediatrician can inspect your child’s ears to see what is causing them pain. If it is something associated with other symptoms like a sore throat or fever, they may prescribe an antibiotic. For middle-ear infections, your child may need to take amoxicillin if they are not allergic and if infections aren’t recurring. Keep in mind that if the ear pain is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help.

3. Bronchitis and Bronchiolitis

Both of these conditions affect the lungs. Bronchitis and chronic bronchitis affect the more central, larger areas of the lungs and are typically seen in adults. If your child does get a chest virus, it should not require antibiotics.

Bronchiolitis is more common in children and is most often associated with wheezing. Like bronchitis, this condition doesn’t require antibiotic treatment. The most you can do is keep your child comfortable and treat the symptoms. Make sure to watch for difficulty breathing, eating, and dehydration, which can all be dangerous symptoms. Premature children and those with asthma may need different treatments.

4. Bacterial Sinusitis

This condition is associated with cold symptoms like daytime cough and nasal drainage. If the mucus is thick and yellow or your child has a fever for three or four days, your child may need antibiotics.

5. The Common Cold

Colds are common in people of all ages and are caused by a virus in the upper respiratory tract. It is not uncommon for younger children to get six to eight colds each year. Congestion, coughs, and a runny nose can last for up to ten days.

A cold can become dangerous if your child has a sinus infection. Green mucus doesn’t mean your child needs antibiotics, but it is best to take them to the pediatrician to be sure.

6. Coughs

Viruses are one of the most common causes of coughs. This means that antibiotics will not help if the culprit of their cough is from a viral infection. Cough medicine can be given to children over six, but should not be given to younger kids without a doctor’s recommendation.

7. Urinary tract infections

These are also known as bladder infections or UTIs and they don’t just happen to adults. Symptoms include frequent urination, a burning sensation, bedwetting, and pain in the abdomen and back. The pediatrician will need a urine sample to determine if a UTI is the cause of your child’s discomfort. This will also help them figure out what type of bacteria is causing the infection and what treatment is needed.

8. Skin infections

If you think your child has a skin infection, their pediatrician can perform a culture or swab test to find out why. Be sure to let them know if your child has a history of or possible exposure to resistant bacteria like staph infection or MRSA.

9. General aches and Pains

Children are resilient, but they can feel general aches and pains just like adults. These include sore muscles, bruises, sprained ankles, ear pain, and sore throats. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe to give to children depending on what their pediatrician says about the dosage. Narcotic pain medicines should never be given to kids.

Do you need a reliable pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas?

A pediatrician can help diagnose and treat your child if they have any of the above symptoms or conditions. Dr. John Young and his caring team have the experience and knowledge to give you and your child the best possible clinical experience. Give us a call at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Send Us an Email to learn more about our Services. You can also visit our offices in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.

Does Your Child Have Allergies Or Asthma?

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There are many similar symptoms of allergies and asthma. Both affect your child’s breathing and both can make them miserable. If you know the differences between the two conditions, you will be able to help your child manage their symptoms.

The differences between allergies and asthma

Allergies happen when the immune system tries to fight off something like pollen, dander, dust, and certain types of food, even if these things do not actually pose a threat. Symptoms vary depending on the trigger but can be easier to treat than asthma by avoiding allergens. They include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion.

Asthma is a medical condition that is chronic, or long-lasting, and can appear to be similar to allergies. Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and even chest tightness can happen with both, but not typically with allergies. For asthmatic children, these symptoms are common and can be dangerous. With proper medication and management, asthma can also be handled.

Are allergies associated with asthma attacks?

Both of these conditions seem similar and they can actually be linked when an allergic reaction triggers asthma. If this happens to your child, they probably have allergy-induced asthma. The symptoms are usually the same as normal attacks and the triggers are the same as those that cause an allergic reaction. These include pet dander and pollen.

Preventing allergic reactions is the key to stopping these types of attacks. Spring can be difficult since pollen is almost impossible to avoid, but other triggers can be more easily managed. There are also medications that can be used to treat both allergies and asthma.

Treating allergies and asthma

These medical conditions require different treatments, although some can overlap. Speaking with a pediatrician as soon as you suspect that your child suffers from either issue will help you figure out what treatments they need.

For allergies, there are few types of medications that can be given. These come in many forms including shots, pills, nasal sprays, inhalers, liquids, and skin creams. Antihistamines prevent the chemical histamines that trigger allergic reactions from forming. Corticosteroids offer relief from the inflammation caused by allergies. Mast cell stabilizers also prevent histamines from forming, but they take longer to work. Decongestants treat some of the symptoms of allergies but do not help prevent reactions.

Asthma medications offer both short-term and long-term relief from symptoms. Rescue medications can treat symptoms and stop attacks. These short-term treatments include intravenous corticosteroids and various inhalers. Long-term medications that help prevent asthma attacks include pill-form leukotriene modifiers and inhalers with corticosteroids.

Identifying allergies vs. asthma

There are some ways that you can tell the difference between these two conditions. For example, asthma is often caused by things like pollen or cigarette smoke, while allergies are more often triggered by pollen, dust, or foods. Here are some tips to help you and your pediatrician identify which condition your child may have.

Allergies: The first step in helping your child handle allergies is to find the trigger of their symptoms. If they are sneezing after playing in the grass, they are probably allergic to it. A pediatrician can test for allergies to find the triggers as well. Once allergens have been identified, treatments can be chosen based on your child’s needs.

Asthma: This condition can be harder to identify than allergies. Some children do not have any symptoms until their first asthma attack. Others show signs of allergy-induced asthma or simply have a chronic cough. If your child shows one or more symptoms of this condition, visit the pediatrician as soon as possible. They will be able to provide a successful treatment plan.

Asthma and allergy testing in Amarillo, Texas

If you think your child may suffer from allergies or asthma, a pediatrician can help. Call Dr. John Young and his Team at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our Services. You can also visit our offices in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.

4 Common Childhood Illnesses A Pediatrician Can Help Treat

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There are many illnesses that your child may face as they grow up. A pediatrician can help with identifying and treating these issues. They include chickenpox, colds/coughs, infections, fevers and high temperatures, food allergies, and whooping cough.

Chickenpox

Although this illness typically happens in childhood, it can be contracted at any age. It is usually mild but can be dangerous in certain conditions, so it should be taken seriously. There are no specific treatments, but fever reducers and creams can be used to help with the symptoms. The incubation period is between 10 to 21 days. Your child will be contagious 2 days before symptoms show to around 5 days after the scabs become dry.

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease that can cause red rashes over the entire body. These turn into blisters filled with fluid that will harden into scabs. Other symptoms of this illness include the following.

  • Fever
  • Itchiness
  • Irritability
  • Inflammation

Serious side effects can happen to your child, including pneumonia, dehydration, bacterial skin infections, and bleeding issues. Pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid others with chickenpox, as it can cause fetal malformations and other serious problems.

Coughs, colds, and infections

Coughs, colds, and infections are common among children and aren’t always serious. There are similarities and differences between these issues.

Coughs

Coughs are often associated with a cold, but this virus isn’t the only thing that results in coughing. Usually, a cough will resolve on its own. As long as your child is eating, drinking, and breathing properly, you don’t have to worry too much. If your child is wheezing or their cough will not go away, you should contact a pediatrician. Other conditions that can result in coughing include whooping cough, pneumonia, asthma, and allergies. Signs of more serious conditions including the following.

  • Coughing throughout the night
  • Discomfort
  • Coughing for longer than 2 weeks
  • High fever
  • Skin color changes to blue or pale

If your child is not breathing normally, you should consult a pediatrician immediately and if they can’t breathe, call 911.

Colds

Because there are so many different cold viruses, your child may get a few colds every year. Your child should build up an immunity to colds as they age. If they get a cold, it will usually subside within 5 to 7 days. Be sure to keep your child hydrated and avoid nasal decongestants. Ask your pediatrician about fever and pain reducers, as well as saline nose drops.

Infections

These can come from a variety of sources and some are highly contagious. Common infections in babies and children include ear infections, strep throat, tetanus, and skin infections. Some infections can be treated with antibiotics or other medications. Others will just need to heal on their own or can be prevented with immunizations. Speak with your pediatrician to learn more about infections to look out for.

Whooping cough

This bacterial infection, also known as pertussis, is a serious condition that affects babies and young children. It is highly contagious and can be spread from adults to children. Whooping cough usually starts with mild cold-like symptoms, progress into severe coughing fits with wheezing, and then clear up. Here are some things every parent or parent-to-be should know about pertussis.

  • A vaccination that helps prevent whooping cough (the DTaP immunization) can be given to adults before a baby is due.
  • If someone comes into contact with pertussis, they can be given antibiotics to help prevent spreading it.
  • Symptoms begin to show 1 to 2 weeks after exposure.
  • The condition lasts between 6 and 10 weeks if no serious complications occur.
  • Common symptoms include mild fever, forceful coughing fits, wheezing, vomiting, and pauses in breathing.
  • Dangerous symptoms include bleeding or inflammation in the brain that can result in confusion, brain damage, and seizures.
  • Treatment includes antibiotics or hospitalization in serious cases.

Whooping cough has been worse in the past, but it is still a problem in the United States and around the world. There is a vaccination that can be given to children that helps stop the spread of the virus. If you suspect your child has whooping cough, visit a pediatrician as soon as possible.

Allergies

Pediatric allergies are common in children and include food allergies, skin allergies, and seasonal allergies.

Food allergies are more likely to develop in babies if there is a family history of eczema, hay fever, food allergies, or asthma. If you slowly introduce different foods into your child’s diet, it may help them build up an immunity to certain foods. Also, if they already have a food allergy, it will help you identify the cause more easily.

Seasonal allergies often show in the spring, summer, and fall and can be caused by a number of things. Pollen and grass are typical allergens, as are dust and dirt. Other allergies can be triggered by candles, perfumes, chlorine in pools, and mold.

Skin allergies are also common in children and can be caused by a number of factors. You may see hives, eczema, and rashes if your child comes into contact with an allergen.

Seeing a pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas

If your child is showing signs of allergies, whooping cough, infections, colds, or chickenpox, a pediatrician can help diagnose and treat the symptoms. Dr. John Young and his Team are here to help you keep your child healthy. You can reach us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email for more information about Our Services. You can also visit us at 1500 S Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo to speak with our staff.

What You Can Do If Your Child Breaks A Bone

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It is not uncommon for a child to break one or more of their bones while they are growing up. As much as you try to prevent this kind of accident, it may still happen. You need to know what kind of first aid your child needs if this painful situation occurs.

Defining a broken or fractured bone

There are two different ways that a bone can break. It can crack or shatter into many pieces. Violent trauma, sports injuries, or accidents are some of the situations which can result in a broken bone. Immediate medical care is required for the proper treatment of cracked or shattered bones. They are not usually life-threatening injuries, although they can be.

Broken bones are defined by a few different names. When there is a break on only one side of the bone, it is called a greenstick fracture. A torus or buckle fracture occurs when one side has an outward bend, but there is no break on the other side. A tiny piece of bone that breaks off with a tendon or ligament is called an avulsion fracture.

A tiny bone crack is called a stress fracture. If your child or teen’s growing bone breaks, they may have a growth plate fracture. If the bone breaks into pieces (two or more), then it is called a comminuted fracture. Finally, when a bone collapses, that is called a compression fracture.

Recognizing the symptoms of a broken bone

Be on the lookout for one or more of the following symptoms if you suspect your child has a broken bone. Some can mean that your child is at risk of something more serious than a broken bone like infection or blood loss.

  • Numbness
  • A bone sticking out of the skin
  • Extreme pain in the injured area that worsens when movement occurs
  • Heavy bleeding at the injury site
  • Visible deformity
  • Swelling
  • A blue tinge to the skin in the injured area

Giving your child first aid care for a broken bone

If you think your child may have a broken bone, there are steps you can take to apply first aid. First, stop any bleeding by elevating the wound and applying pressure to the injury. Use a clean cloth, clean piece of clothing, or sterile bandage.

Have your child stay as still as possible so that they will not make the injury worse, especially if it is on their neck or back. You can make a sling or a splint to help isolate an arm or leg. Wrap an ice pack or bag of ice cubes with a cloth and apply it to the injury to help reduce swelling. Remove and apply the pack at ten-minute intervals. Be aware that your child may go into shock. Treatment for this situation is to reassure them, get them into a comfortable position, and cover them with a blanket or extra clothing for warmth.

Call 911 or get your child to an emergency room as soon as you can, especially if the injury is serious or there is a lot of bleeding. If your child can be safely moved to the car, then take them to an emergency facility.

Be sure to visit a pediatrician if your child breaks a bone

It is important that you take your child to a pediatrician for follow-up care after they break a bone. If you need more information about caring for your child’s broken bone, call Dr. John Young and his caring staff at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330. We are dedicated to keeping your child healthy and providing the best clinical experience possible. You can also Email Us or visit in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our Services.

Making The Most Out Of Your Child’s Doctor Visits

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You likely have many questions about your child’s medical care. One of the first questions you may have is whether to use a family doctor or a pediatrician. Family doctors and pediatricians can provide medical care for teens, children, and babies. Both can perform routine care including immunizations, checkups, and well-baby exams. They are both capable of treating illness your child may develop too. But, a pediatrician focuses only on caring for babies, children, and teens, rather than people of all ages.

There are many factors to consider when choosing your baby’s pediatrician including location and the needs of other family members. Ultimately, you must pick a professional you feel comfortable with and someone you can trust to help you make decisions about your child’s care. The following can help you make the most out of your child’s doctor visits.

How to find the right pediatrician

Finding the right pediatrician is the first step in getting the most out of your child’s medical care. A great way to find a doctor for your child is through word of mouth. Talk to other parents in your area, family members, and friends. Hearing about personal experiences others have with a specific professional is an excellent source of information. You can also check with the agencies that grant licenses to doctors, social media outlets like Facebook, and review websites.

How to prepare for your child’s doctor visits

When it’s time to take your child to the doctor, it’s easy to forget all the questions you’ve wanted to ask since the last visit. Your child is probably nervous about interacting with someone unfamiliar, which makes it more difficult to focus on your questions. It will help you to list your concerns and issues in order of priority and bring them to the visit.

What to expect when you see the pediatrician

When you are taking your child to the pediatrician for a checkup or because they are not feeling well, you can expect a few things. You should be prepared to provide information and answer questions about their history and current condition. Keeping track of your child’s development, growth, and any health issues you’ve observed is a good idea. This will help you share this information with your child’s doctor if they don’t’ already have the information.

The pediatrician will address any health concerns you have, explain any findings from their exam, and then treat any minor or severe illnesses. If your child’s illness is beyond what your doctor can manage, they will refer you to other health professionals who specialize in certain fields.

When should you take your baby to the doctor?

A baby’s first pediatrician appointment is typically scheduled within their first week home from the hospital. At this appointment, the doctor will weigh your child and measure their head circumference and length. They will also look for any signs of jaundice, a condition where the skin turns yellow due to a high amount of bilirubin in the liver.

The doctor will also want to know how your feedings are going. Having a record of how much formula your baby is consuming is useful to bring along. If you are breastfeeding, you will want to provide a report on how those feedings are going.

The doctor will perform a general physical exam to ensure your baby is healthy and ask you how the family unit is adjusting to the arrival of the new child. They will also complete any screening tests that were not performed at the hospital. This checkup does not have to be with your family doctor or your child’s pediatrician. It can be performed by the doctor at the hospital where your child was born.

What you can expect from your child’s first doctor visits

A baby should have regular pediatrician visits during their first 2 years. These visits typically happen at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months, and then at two years. After they reach two years old, you should continue checkups once a year until they are five years old. From five years old and up, checkups can be done every one to two years until the age of 18.

During your child’s first two years of well-baby checkups, you can expect the visits to last between ten to twenty minutes. The pediatrician will check your child’s weight, height, and head circumference. They will discuss your child’s eating habits and provide you with information about safety and other issues specific to your child’s age.

Each visit is an excellent time to address issues such as your child’s recommended vaccines and when you should schedule them. You might want to discuss which development skills you should watch for and what age you should start seeing them as well.

Need more information about seeing a pediatrician?

If you have any questions concerning your child’s health or want to discuss scheduling a well-baby appointment, call the offices of John M. Young today. We work hard to give you and your child the best clinical experience possible. Stop by our offices at 1500 S. Coulter Street, Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to find out how we can help keep your child healthy. You can call us at (806) 354-0404 or Send Us an Email to learn more about our Services.

What Parents Should Know About The Different Types Of Flu Virus

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Flu season isn’t over yet! The period of high-infection risk usually starts in October and can last until May. There are many different kinds of flu, and just because your child has caught one doesn’t mean they won’t catch another. Read this helpful guide to learn more about the flu virus and how you can keep your child healthy this season.

What is the Flu and how does it spread?

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious virus that affects the air passages and lungs. It can spread quickly through contact with infected people, the air via coughs and sneezes, and just by touching a contaminated surface.

What are the types of flu?

The types of flu can be broken down into three different categories. They are similar but have small differences that set them apart. The three types are:

Type A

This type of flu is the most commonly contracted virus among humans. It is usually responsible for the outbreaks and epidemics you see during the flu season. Although Type A and Type B share identical symptoms and are thought to be the same, there are a few key differences. The reason behind Type A’s high infection rate is the fact that this virus constantly mutates. It has hundreds of different strains. It has also been known to infect both humans and animals, such as birds and pigs.

Type A strains are broken down into H and N subtypes. Currently, there are 16 H and 9 N known subtypes. The combinations behind most (if not all) of the human infections are H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2. The rest have mostly only been found in animals.

Type B

This type of flu is almost identical to Type A. Although Type B is less common, they share the same symptoms and neither type is worse than the other. The only major differences are that Type B is only found in humans and that, while it has many strains, it is not broken down into subtypes. A majority of flu vaccines contain at least 1 or 2 strains of Type B, depending on which strains experts think might be a problem.

Type C

The last type of flu is Type C. You can think of this type as a very watered-down version of Type A and B. All this virus does is cause mild respiratory sickness that may seem more like a cold than the flu. It may not even cause any symptoms at all. This type does not cause any kind of epidemic and shouldn’t cause any severe health problems.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

When your child contracts Type A or Type B flu, the symptoms are more or less the same. Infected children will feel the symptoms very suddenly, which can include:

  • Aching muscles
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Runny nose
  • High Fever
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

It usually only takes about a week for a child to recover from influenza. However, fatigue and other symptoms may linger for a few more weeks. Be sure to know the difference between a cold and the flu, as it is easy to confuse these two illnesses. The flu can lead to more severe medical problems down the road, like pneumonia or even death. This is especially true for children who already have health issues like asthma or heart conditions. If you think your child has contracted the flu, take them to their doctor as soon as possible.

How can I protect my child?

There are a number of easy steps you can take to help prevent your child from catching the flu virus. The best method by far is to have them vaccinated annually. It is highly recommended that children over the age of 6 months get their vaccination before the start of the flu season. A common misconception is that the vaccine can give your child the flu. While the vaccine can give your child very mild versions of some symptoms, such as a dull headache, it will not cause an actual infection.

Children who catch the flu usually get it by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their eyes or mouth. To protect your child, keep them out of large crowds, and make sure they wash their hands often. Disinfect any surface they may come into contact with as well.

What can I do to help my child if they get the flu?

So what do you do if your child has contracted the flu? While there is no direct cure, there are a few things you can do to help ease their symptoms. Along with what your doctor suggests, you can take the following steps.

  1. Keep them home: This is pretty much a given, but keep your child home until they are recovered and no longer contagious. Make sure they’re comfortable and that they get lots of rest.
  2. Have them drink a lot of water: It’s easy to get dehydrated when you’re sick and this is especially true for children. Make sure your child drinks lots of water, fruit juice, or broth-based soups. Avoid carbonated drinks, as these can irritate sore throats.
  3. Use a humidifier: Having a humidifier will help open your child’s airways. Steam can help soothe irritated nasal passages too and get rid of the mucus that makes it hard to breathe.
  4. Help get rid of the pain: The flu is hard on the human body. Ask your child’s doctor if they can have acetaminophen or other pain medications to soothe achy muscles.

Does your child need a flu vaccination?

Do you still have questions about the flu virus and how it may affect your child? Dr. Young and his friendly staff will do everything they can to keep your child happy and healthy. Call us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Send Us an Email to learn more about what we can do for you. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas.

Signs Of The Flu Vs. The Cold In Children

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It’s cold and flu season once again! We’re stuck between the two overlapping seasons, and both viruses are running rampant. School attendance rates are plummeting due to the spread of illness, and some have even closed their campuses to help prevent it from spreading. Even so, both viruses are highly contagious. It is likely your child will catch at least one of them sometime in the year. So, how do you know whether your child has the flu or a cold? Here’s a quick guide to help you identify symptoms and find the best course of action.

Know the difference between the flu and cold

The flu and the cold share similar symptoms, so it can be difficult to determine which one your child may have. Both are viral infections that affect the upper respiratory system, but their effects differ slightly. Keep a close eye on your children and track their symptoms.

Flu symptoms

The flu tends to hit quickly and strongly. The symptoms pile on all at once and generally feel like an amplified version of a cold. People with the flu experience fevers of 101° or higher, have chills, and will often have sore, aching muscles. If your child has a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, dry coughs, nausea, vomiting, and seems lethargic or tired, chances are it’s the flu. This viral infection usually lasts anywhere between 7 to 14 days, and symptoms can linger for much longer. It’s highly contagious and there isn’t anything gradual about it.

Cold symptoms

Colds like to take their time with their symptoms. Your child may complain about a sore throat one day, then two days later they have a runny nose and a cough. These viral infections cause mild fevers, coughing, sneezing, sore throats, and runny noses. If all these symptoms are present, but your child still has the energy to run and play, it’s most likely just a cold. Colds usually only last for 3 to 10 days.

Treatments for the cold and flu

There is no direct cure, but if your child has come down with a cold, there are a few remedies to help them feel better. First of all, keep them hydrated! Water, natural juice, and warm lemon water with honey are great to prevent dehydration. Make sure they get a lot of rest, make them warm soup, and have a humidifier nearby to help with congestion. To reduce pain, ask your doctor about the appropriate dosage of acetaminophen to give your child.

Remedies for the flu are more or less the same. Make sure your child drinks a lot of water. Avoid any kind of soda or sugary drinks, as they can make sore throats worse. Warm soup, lots of rest, and occasional pain medicine will help make the symptoms more bearable. Your doctor may even prescribe some antiviral medication that could reduce the amount of time needed for recovery.

Even if you’re fairly certain you know which virus may be making your kid sick, it’s still a good idea to contact your doctor. There are several different strains of both the flu and cold, and it can be easy to overlook certain symptoms. Other illnesses also share the same symptoms as these two, such as strep throat or pneumonia. If you have any doubts at all, call your child’s doctor to be sure. This is especially important for higher-risk children. The flu can be dangerous and even deadly to kids with asthma, heart conditions, or weak immune systems.

Stop the flu before it happens

The best way to keep your child from catching any strain of the flu is to have them vaccinated. The vaccine is available for all children over 6 months old and can save your child’s life. The flu can lead to more serious issues further down the road, like pneumonia and encephalitis. The CDC has reported 28 flu-related pediatric deaths over the 2018-19 flu season. Don’t take the risk of leaving your child or yourself unprotected.

Looking for a pediatrician in Amarillo, Tx?

Do you need more information about the flu or vaccination to protect your child? Dr. John Young is an experienced pediatrician that is more than willing to answer any questions you may have. Dr. Young and his friendly staff will do everything they can to keep your child happy and healthy. Call us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or send us an email to learn more about what we can do for you. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas.