My five-year-old son catches a cold infection very often. And while the cold goes away in a week, the cough lasts for four-six weeks. Should I consult a doctor?
— Jigna Kumar, Hyderabad

Your son’s frequent colds and prolonged cough needs medical attention. While colds are common in young children, a persistent cough lasting four-six weeks may indicate an underlying issue which needs medical evaluation. I recommend you consult a doctor who will assess him thoroughly. It’s always better to be cautious and rule out potential health complications.

My daughter complains of pain on the left side of her stomach. She attends sports classes everyday. I suspect the stomach pain has something to do with these sports classes. Should I worry, or will it go away on its own?
— Sneha Shirodkar, Mumbai

If your daughter is experiencing pain on the left side of her stomach, it’s important to investigate the cause. While sports and physical activities can sometimes lead to muscle soreness, persistent or worsening pain should not be ignored. I advise consulting a doctor to determine the cause and provide appropriate guidance or treatment if necessary.

My 13-year-old daughter is small-made, but very active. She has not yet started menstruating. Is this normal? Should I wait for one more year before consulting a doctor?
— Geetha Menon, Chennai

It’s normal for girls to experience menarche at different ages. So, you can expect it any time soon. However, since your daughter is 13, it might be a good idea for a gynaecologist to evaluate her. While delayed menarche can sometimes be normal, there could be underlying factors that need to be addressed.
My eight-year-old daughter loves playing in the rain. Seeing her joy, I don’t restrain her. However, her grandparents disapprove. If she gets wet in the rain, will it harm her health?
— Priya Singh, Mumbai

Playing in the rain is indeed enjoyable, and getting wet occasionally is unlikely to cause harm to an otherwise healthy eight-year-old. However, ensuring she doesn’t catch a cold or develop infections due to prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions is important. Encourage her to wear appropriate clothing, dry off, and change into warm, dry clothes after playing in the rain. Being mindful of her health will allow her to enjoy her rainy-day adventures safely.

(Dr. Suhail Ambi is consultant neonatologist and paediatrician at KLE – Suchirayu Hospital, Hubbali)