Infant Born Premature With Low Weight. Now All Milestones Normal Except Low Weight And Gets Asthma Frequently
My son is 2.9 years wherein he was born in 30 weeks with a weight of 1.4 kgs. All his milestones are perfect but he is only 12.5 kgs now and falls ill (bronchial asthma) quite frequently. Can you please suggest what can be done to increase immunity and weight
Follow the suggested general principles.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.
At present his weight of 12.5Kg is in normal range as per CDC growth charts (in between 10th and 25th percentile).
But track his weight on growth charts over some years to look for any decreasing weight.
Give him a balanced nutritious diet consisting of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vegetables, leafy vegetables, and seasonal fruits.
You can add ghee or edible oil to make his feeds more calorie dense so that weight gain can be expected.
You can prepare food items in the suitable form for the child, made of groundnuts with jaggery which commonly known as 'chikkies' which provide high amounts of calories, protein, and iron.
Give him milk, one or two boiled eggs daily in addition to his regular diet.
Avoid exposing the child to cold air, smoke, pollution, dust, plants, pollen, sprays and perfumes, crowds, and to people with cold and cough to decrease the frequency of asthmatic attacks.
If he is using any long term medication for asthma such as inhalers, continue them as per the doctor prescription.
To build up his immunity:
1.Give him a well balanced, nutritious diet.
2.His diet should contain fresh fruits, vegetables, leafy vegetables which will
improve nutrition and immunity.
3.Immunize him with all recommended vaccinations as per his pediatrician advise.
4.Consult the pediatrician for the advise on flu vaccination every year in the
season as children with asthma require vaccination against influenza.
5.Maintaining a regular hand wash to prevent the contact of common infections
from others.
Hope I have answered your query, if you have any clarification please let me know.
Regards.