15a. PAEDIATRICS Flashcards
What is Fred’s Rule for calculating supplement dosing for infants under 2?
Age in months / 150 x adult dose
What is Young’s Rule for calculating supplement dosing for children over 2 years?
Age / (Age + 12) x adult dose
What consideration should be taken into account when calculating child dosing based on Fred or Young’s rule?
If significantly larger/smaller for age, adjust dose according to size
What should be prioritized in the diet for children with sensitive digestion?
Organic food, vegetable juices, smoothies, herbal teas
What is a good alternative for children to this adult treatment?
- Psyllium Husk
Slippery elm powder or marshmallow root, soaked flaxseed
What is a good alternative for children to this adult treatment?
- ACV before meals?
Lemon juice in water
What is a good alternative for children to this adult treatment?
- Bitter foods in salads
Make green smoothies, add to sauces or stews
What is a good alternative for children to this adult treatment?
- Essential oils
Use fresh garlic, thyme, oregano as antimicrobials
What is a good alternative for children to this adult treatment?
- Turmeric shots/capsules
Add turmeric to non-spicy curries
What is a good alternative for children to this adult treatment?
- Spirulina powder
Chlorella liquid with peppermint
What is a good alternative for children to this adult treatment?
- Anti-candida diet
Remove sugar, dose with S. boullardii probiotics
What are the risks later in life from low microbial diversity as an infant? (5)
Obesity, T2D, inflammatory illnesses (IBD, asthma), negative reactions to vaccinations & pathogens, HPA Axis hypersensitivity
What are the benefits of good microbial diversity on development and digestion?
Healthy nervous system (CNS & ENS development), immune system and brain development. Lactose digestion, intestinal wall integrity (SCFA’s)
What is the critical window for optimizing microbiome diversity for the gut-brain axis?
Birth - 3 years
What bacterial strains are commonly found in vaginally born infants?
Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium
What bacterial strains can be elevated in C-Section infants?
Clostridium, Staphylococcus
What bacterial strains are found in breast milk?
Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium
What does Lactobacillus produce and what does this prevent?
Produces lactic acid and bactericidins that prevent inflammatory bacteria from colonizing
What is elevated Staphylococcus Aureus linked with?
Elevated inflammatory cytokines
What are Th2 cells and what is their purpose?
What is Th2 Dominance associated with?
Th2 cells are a type of T helper cell that plays a key role in the body’s defense against pathogens like bacteria, parasites, and allergens.
Increased IgE production and allergen sensitivity
Infants are born Th2 dominant. What helps to normalise immune function?
Environmental bacteria & microbiome
What are good prebiotic sources for infants? (3)
Colostrum, breastmilk, legumes
What is colic?
Regular prolonged crying of an otherwise healthy baby, usually from birth - 4 months
What are some causes of colic? (3)
Trapped gas, food intolerance, low microbial diversity
What treatments can help relieve colic symptoms? (8)
- Burping,
- probiotics (Lactobacillus Reuteri),
- bicycling legs,
- clockwise abdominal massage,
- fennel/chamomile tea.
- Remove possible food intolerances from mother’s diet (dairy, chocolate, eggs, soy, caffeine, gluten, lentils, spices).
- Remove gas forming foods (crucifers, legumes).
- Reduce excessive stimulation and feed in a quiet environment
What are common symptoms of teething and what age does this occur at?
Irritability, mild temperature, flushed cheek, dribbling, gnawing. From 4 - 7 months.
What are the treatments for teething discomfort? (3)
- Homeopathic chamomilla,
- chewing items (cold muslin cloth, cold vegetable sticks, frozen banana),
- nervine tea for mum or drops for baby ( chamomile, lemon balm, lavender)
What are common symptoms of colds, coughs, and fevers in children? (8)
- Blocked/runny nose,
- sneezing,
- sore throat,
- cough,
- fever,
- aching muscles,
- headache,
- fatigue
What can you add to food and drinks, which nutrients, vitamins and minerals are important for immune support during infections? What can be used in a vaporiser? (8 categories. Vit/min category has 5 supplements)
- Garlic,
- ginger/lemon/honey tea -
- Vits A, C, D, Zinc, Selenium,
- Probiotics
- Antioxidants
- Echinacea
- Thymus vulgaris
- Tea tree/chamomile essential oils in vaporiser
What is the function of this nutrient in childhood infections?
- Vitamin A
For epithelial cells & mucous membranes. Regulates immune response, enhances T-helper cell proliferation.
What is the function of this nutrient in childhood infections?
- Vitamin C
Prevents/Relieves viral respiratory infections. Upregulates interferons, NK cells, T-cells
What is the function of this nutrient in childhood infections?
- Vitamin D
Modulates immune system
What is the function of this nutrient in childhood infections?
- Zinc
Inhibits viral replication, decreases inflammatory cytokines, increases NK cells & T-cells
What is the function of this nutrient in childhood infections?
- Iron
Immune cell maturation & proliferation
What is the definition of a fever in children?
Core body temperature over 38 degrees
What is the benefit of running a mild fever?
Develop T-cell differentiation, increase Heat Shock Proteins (HSP)
How do Heat shock proteins support immunity?
Heat shock proteins regulate viral infections by influencing host cell entry, viral replication, gene expression, folding of viral proteins, apoptosis
What treatments can help manage a fever?
Hydrate, sleep, tepid baths, ACV soaked socks, Homeopathy (Aconite, Belladonna)
What is Otitis Media?
Infection of the middle ear, possibly with effusion (glue ear)
What are symptoms of Otitis Media?
Cold/flu symptoms, rubbing at ear
What are possible causes of Otitis Media?
Horizontal Eustachian tube, under functioning immune system, food allergies, environmental irritants, GORD, dental issues, TMJ dysfunction
What are possible treatments for Otitis Media?
Remove dairy (mucus producing), possible allergens (gluten, dairy), hot/cold compresses on ear, check for dental/TMJ issues
What are potential causes of childhood anxiety?
Food intake, poor sleep, chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies
What are some key causes of childhood anxiety? (list relevant nutrients and explain the mechanism)
- Poor food intake (blood sugar dysregulation)
- Poor sleep
- Chronic stress: esp: bullying, social media, school pressure
- Nutritional deficiencies: EFA’s (neuroinflammation, lower dopamine), Magnesium (HPA dysregulation), Zinc (increased cortisol, reduced neuroplasticity), Selenium (thyroid dysregulation, increased oxidative stress), Vitamin D (altered neurotrophic factors and monoamine levels).
What are some symptoms of childhood anxiety?
Irritability, fatigue, headaches, digestive issues
Name some possible treatments for childhood anxiety
CNM naturopathic diet (stabilise blood glucose, remove stimulants & allergens), probiotics, address nutritional deficiencies, herbal nervine teas, Bach flower remedies, exercise, journaling, time outside, breathing
If there is a homeopathy question on paediatrics, which key remedies could you name?
Aconite, Belladonna, Chamomilla
