DR. PETER VACCARO WAS BORN IN NEW YORK CITY. HE ATTENDED MEDICAL SCHOOL AT THE ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE. HE DID HIS POST GRADUATE TRAINING AT THE BRONX MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL CENTER IN NEW YORK.read more

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Sign In to Ask a Question Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12   pediatrician   Thread Posted by Replies Views Date   Itchy ear with blister Question My son has had a very itchy outer ear (on the top of ear) and keeps slapping it to itch it   It now has a large blister on the top   There seems to be some kind of rash on behind is ear as well   Any ideas on how to relieve the itching and help the blister   thanks joanna Answer 3littleboys 1 468 4/19/09 12:37 am   Decrease in eating Question I currently have a 5 and half month old that is showing no interest in eating very much for almost two weeks now   He was currently eating 5 bottles 5 6 oz  and two feeding of cereal and fruits/veg   He cut back on the bottles to 4 which was understandable since he really started eating the solids   Now though he is refusing to take only about 3 oz of formula at a feeding and not eating much of his solids either   THe only time he will eat a good bottle is before bedtime he will eat 6 oz   We talked with our doctor and she switched us to 3 solids meals a day with the bottle immediately following the breakfast and lunch but he really wont take any formula right after eating solids   We have even waited 30 minutes or so   He will sleep about 11 hours at night and when he wakes up in the morning never wants to eat right away so I wait til he seems hungry and then feed him   He still won't eat much   He is maybe getting 18 oz of formula a day   I am just at my end trying to figure out what he likes and how and when to get him to eat I want to make sure he is getting enough daily nutrients   He wakes up between 7 730 for the day and takes first nap between 9 930   His last bottle for the day is between 8 830 pm   I thought he might be teething because he is gnawing on things a lot  and drooling but I have tried giving him relief before eating such as teething tablets oragel sucking on something cold and even tylenol   Nothing seems to work I just didnt know if it could decrease his appetite that much   Could there be an underlying problem or is it just a phase   ANy advice or suggestions on the schedule would be great   I am getting desperate:( Answer caser 1 452 4/20/09 1:59 pm   Recurring throat infections / tonsillitis Question I'm posting again not due to a question but just as a follow up for parents who may read this We visited the Ped again today and my son's tonsils were not infected but even though they're healthy they are huge After talking to my Ped we deduced two problems with his care which I just wanted to share with others: 1) we had often seen other Doctors in her practice or in Urgent Care so she did not have a real feel for how bad his situation had become; and 2) at his past two Wellness Checks he had actually been sick so she had not seen his healthy tonsils since he was 12 months old I think we both felt a little guilty that we had such a lack of communication Anyway we've been referred to an ENT and will have to decide whether to undergo surgery Thanks Recurring throat infections / tonsillitis My son has had recurring throat infections / tonsillitis for the past year Both we (the parents) and the Ped are on the fence about whether we should consult with an ENT The Ped seems to think an ENT would not give any insight because the ENT would likely just suggest tonsillectomy which our son is too young for anyway Below are the facts: 1) Son is 26 months old; 2) In the past 15 months he has had 9 throat infections 3) 4 positive strep rapid tests and 5 negative rapid tests; 4) All 9 infections presented exactly the same: no cold symptoms; fever in 103 105 range; vomiting; pus on tonsils and tonsils swollen; horrible breath (breath bad anyway but very bad during the infection) 5) When the strep rapid tests are negative & no antibiotics given the fever lasts for about 7 days and it is another 7 days before my son resumes eating regular food The doctors always think it's strep upon exam but when the rapid test comes back negative they think it's mono Epstein Barr or some Adeno virus ( wrong name I know) So he has apparently had mono EBV or adveno virus 5 times in the past year No tests are ever performed for confirmation of these since they say there's no treatment; 6) Son has steadily dropped in growth curve for weight He has hovered around 10 for the last 9 months or so He eats absolutely nothing when he has a throat infection (lives on grape juice) and when he is well he does not have a hearty appetite either 7) In Jan 2009 he had strep which did not respond to amoxicillin Last week he was given amoxicillin for another bout of strep but that did not work either He is now on Augmentin 8) My son is not in daycare His brother 5 is in pre school While his brother has had strep twice a few years ago he has never been sick (and neither have we parents) when these throat infections have occurred When he catches a regular cold then the brother (and usually us too) catches it but never the throat infections Does this sound normal I just keep being told that little kids get sick a lot and their bodies overreact & that's why he gets such high fevers that last so long I think this last time we have caught our Ped's attention but no real course of action was laid out Any thoughts Also when the strep rapid tests come out negative I have inquired about a culture and have been told that it would not tell them anything and that the rapid test is actually more accurate Is this true Thanks so much Angela Dr Peter Vaccaro 4/16/2009 8:06 pm Re: Recurring throat infections / tonsillitis I think that all that you describe is excessive I would consider working up the child for a possible immune system issue I would definately consult with an ent He is not necessarily going to recommend tonsillectomy Sometimes removing tonsils is necessary Answer Angela 1 462 4/23/09 7:23 pm   My 6 month old and her sleeping habits Question My daughter just turned 6 months old and ever since she was born she has never slept through the night she started to get better around 4 months when she would only get up once for a feeding Lately she has been getting up every two hours at night I know that I feed her plenty during the day I lay her down at 7:30/8:00pm every night She always wakes up at about 12am to eat Am I putting her to bed to early She is tired and i've always layed her down at that time I guess I'm just wondering why all of a sudden she is taking steps back instead of forward Could there be something wrong with her or am I doing something wrong Please help Thank you Answer cjm 1 345 3/31/09 2:45 pm   Egg Allergy Question Hi Dr Vaccaro My son is 16 months old and I discovered that he is allergy to egg Even very little amount of egg white or egg yolk  he would vomit for hours For this can he have the MMR and influenza shots What would you advise us to do   Thanks     Answer FirstTimeMom 1 320 4/4/09 1:02 am   Recurring throat infections / tonsillitis Question My son has had recurring throat infections / tonsillitis for the past year Both we (the parents) and the Ped are on the fence about whether we should consult with an ENT The Ped seems to think an ENT would not give any insight because the ENT would likely just suggest tonsillectomy which our son is too young for anyway Below are the facts: 1) Son is 26 months old; 2) In the past 15 months he has had 9 throat infections 3) 4 positive strep rapid tests and 5 negative rapid tests; 4) All 9 infections presented exactly the same: no cold symptoms; fever in 103 105 range; vomiting; pus on tonsils and tonsils swollen; horrible breath (breath bad anyway but very bad during the infection) 5) When the strep rapid tests are negative & no antibiotics given the fever lasts for about 7 days and it is another 7 days before my son resumes eating regular food The doctors always think it's strep upon exam but when the rapid test comes back negative they think it's mono Epstein Barr or some Adeno virus ( wrong name I know) So he has apparently had mono EBV or adveno virus 5 times in the past year No tests are ever performed for confirmation of these since they say there's no treatment; 6) Son has steadily dropped in growth curve for weight He has hovered around 10 for the last 9 months or so He eats absolutely nothing when he has a throat infection (lives on grape juice) and when he is well he does not have a hearty appetite either 7) In Jan 2009 he had strep which did not respond to amoxicillin Last week he was given amoxicillin for another bout of strep but that did not work either He is now on Augmentin 8) My son is not in daycare His brother 5 is in pre school While his brother has had strep twice a few years ago he has never been sick (and neither have we parents) when these throat infections have occurred When he catches a regular cold then the brother (and usually us too) catches it but never the throat infections Does this sound normal I just keep being told that little kids get sick a lot and their bodies overreact & that's why he gets such high fevers that last so long I think this last time we have caught our Ped's attention but no real course of action was laid out Any thoughts Also when the strep rapid tests come out negative I have inquired about a culture and have been told that it would not tell them anything and that the rapid test is actually more accurate Is this true Thanks so much Angela Answer Angela 1 327 4/14/09 12:52 am   2year old gets a really swollen belly Question how do I know if my 2 year olds swollen stomach is due to gas or something else Answer concernedmommy 1 305 4/14/09 8:31 am   Neutropenia Question My 10 month old daughter had some bloodwork done recently and her ANC was 840   I have read that neutropenia in infants is usually caused by infection but my daughter is never sick   I also read it can be related to the autoimmune system and I am wondering if my Sjogren's could have anything to do with her neutropenia Answer luvmykids 1 251 4/14/09 10:20 pm   feedings Question my baby boy is 2 months old and he doesnt seem to be getting filled up on just his formula   i have had people tell me to start him on some rice cereal to replace one of his formula feedings   is that safe for my baby Answer wendy 1 323 3/1/09 5:05 pm   Keloids/Early Teeth Growth Question My Husband Has Had Since He Was About 12 Or 13 And I Wanted To Know If My Daughter Could Get Them When I Go Get Her Ears Pierced And Also My Daughter Is Only A Month And 2 Weeks Now And Her Gums Look White As If Some Teeth  Were Trying To Push Through I That Even Possible Or Is It Something Else Answer Proud Mommy #1 2 371 2/28/09 9:05 pm   Ear Infections Question How do you know when your baby has an ear infection What are the early warningd of an ear infection Answer dannieb84 1 338 3/2/09 8:05 pm   7 month old not sleeping Question My son is 7 months old and he doesn't sleep much My husband and I are losing more sleep now than when our son was first born He also will not take a nap during the day unless I am driving around What should we do Answer Jennifer 1 296 3/3/09 4:23 pm   skin problems Question Doctor           My baby is 1 now and for the past few months he has developed some kind of skin rash or dryness on his feet and legs   He doesn't scratch or anything it seems like its more dry skin   But I put lotion on him every night and I have taken him to his family doctor and he said it looked kinda like a heat rash   What do you suggest this is and what can I do to get rid of  it   It looks like little bumps in little patches   Answer jamielynnw4 1 283 3/3/09 9:10 pm   sniffles and cough Question My 6 week old has a dry cough and sniffles what can I give him Answer diegonpaula@yahoo.com 1 278 3/4/09 1:05 am   Sleep disorder Question I was wondering if it is possible for a baby to have a sleep disorder   My 9 month old son was sleeping through the night from 8 weeks until 6 months old and then started waking up several times at night   Some nights he is up 4 times during the night and it could be as little as 45 minutes from the last time I got him back to sleep   We have tried the cry it out method and he doesn't seem to respond to it   And the no cry method   Any suggestions what to do   Answer lholdy 1 287 3/5/09 1:23 am   diapers Question Hi Dr Vaccaro I have read many articles in the internet that giving male baby diapers will cause infertility as the temperature around the testicles rises they suggested use cloth diapers They claimed that they had done many experiment to prove it These articles were written back to year 2000 I am not sure the diapers nowadat have been improved or not what is your opinion as a doctor should we use cloth diapers instead thanks   Answer Jennifer 1 249 3/10/09 4:49 pm   behind Question I have a son he just turned one year old this week He seems to be physically behind Now I understand that all children develop differently But there are a lot of things that are behind with him He first of all seems to have little to no balance   He sits and is very wobbly even to the point that when he turns his head or bends to the side to pick things up he topples over He does not stand except when held  upand will only do this for a few seconds he does not crawl on hands and knees only as a low crawl technique he just started holding his bottle and clapping his hands 2 weeks ago and seems to have his left hand clenched often he has just started to feed himself cereal but only chex size or larger   He is a very sociable and happy little boy though babbles a lot loves books toys can roll and low crawl anywhere he wants to   I am just wondering is there some sort of therapy that I can do to help strengthen him so that his balance is better and possibly get him to catch up thank you Answer xmasmom 1 282 3/16/09 6:22 pm   Learning to Walk Question Hello   I have a 10 1/2 month old daughter who is learning to walk   She can walk by holding onto something like a coffee table and she can walk by pushing a toy stroller she has   She can't stand on her own yet   It looks to me like she is walking funny   Her legs are pretty wide apart when she is walking and her feet turn out   Her legs also look like they remain pretty stiff   Is this normal at this age or should I take her in to be seen   Any advice or info will be appreciated   Thanks Answer WaitingVB 1 298 3/19/09 11:58 pm   baby's checkup Question  Hi I was wondering I know that the baby's first checkup is due when they are two weeks old but would there be a problem if the baby was to get a checkup the week after Answer Rosegraham21 1 291 3/20/09 3:30 pm   etopic dermititis Question hi doctor my baby is 6 months and 2 weeks now and for the last 2 months has severe etopic dermititis i showed him to lot many skin specialist doctors but his allergy is still there now since he is 6 months i started giving him rice cereal which he doesnt like at all and carrot but after a week suddenly he stopped eating and started vomiting so i stopped everything i giving him breastfeed but it has also too less now because of his allergy i am not starting powdered milk also please suggest as to what should i do thanks charu bhasin Answer charubhasin 1 319 2/5/09 4:56 pm   SEVERE CONGESTION Question MY 3 MONTH OLD IS VERY CONGESTED NOTHING IS WORKING I RAN HOT SHOWER AND STOOD THERE FOR 20 MINUTES SEVERAL TIMES I DID SALINE DROPS I DID SUCTION WHAT IS A SURE FIRE WAY TO HELP HER Answer SWOOD13 1 335 2/6/09 7:18 pm   fainting child Question Hi where do i begin I have a 6 year old son that I am concerned about   Every time he falls and hurts himself he faints He wakes up after a little shaking but it's scary   The reason I got so scared is the other night he was playing in his room and all of a sudden i didn't hear him anymore When i went  to go check on him he was on the floor twisted up like a pretzel colorless cold and his eyes were rolled in back of his head Come to find out he was jumping on the bed and slipped and hit the spine of his back on the corner of the bedframe After blowing in his face and shaking him a little he came to   He even urinated in his pants and he said that he didn't even feel it   My goodnesss what a horrible thing to walk into Thank goodness he didn't really hurt himself just a little bruise I guess my question is why is he experiencing this should i be concerned and most importantly can he die from this   What if I hadn't walked into his room when I did Oh please help out a freaked out mother who's desperate for answers Thanks Tabby Answer tabby 1 293 2/10/09 4:56 am   Holding head sideways Question Hello My name is Tiffanie I have a 3 month old daughter who has been holding her haed to the left alot She can hold her head straight but it seems the longer she stays upright it starts to slowly fall to the left I was just wondering why that could be Thank you so much Answer Pro80camaro 1 285 2/12/09 8:21 pm   Breast Feeding Question Can another mother breast feed your child if so then what are the side effects My wife has a cousin that she has asked to breast feed our daughter i have doubts about here feeding my daughter Question is can your babies health be affected by someone else breast milk Thanks   Answer harvey 1 294 2/18/09 4:40 am   2 year old with croop and cold, mucus coming out of his eyes Question My son has a low immune system and was seeming to be doing well for 6 months We took him out of private care and put him into a preschool last month Ever since he has been very sick He started with a really bad cold it got a little better but never fully went away It has since progressed to Croop and ear infection (which he has never had before) and sinus infections He has always been prone to bronchitis and mild colds from his immune system but this is a whole new level He was on medicine for his ear infection and seemed to get better Once off and after 1 day back in school Croop is back and he know has mucus coming out of his eyes and coughing so bad he can't eat or sleep He very fuzzy and most of the time spits out his med's but is currently on 200/5ml of azithomycin 1x daily triamenic purple PRN and albuterol by neb (AM and PM) in addition to a vapor fan and humidifier at night  nothing seems to help Is there anything else I should be doing or asking our Ped for Because of his immune system we asked if there is a shot he can receive to give his system a boost and they said they no longer do this Is there a stonger anti biotic He loves his school and my husband and I both work any suggestions thanks Answer Froggy's mom 1 310 2/18/09 12:24 pm   Vaccine's Safety Question Hi My concern is about the vaccine's safety we all know for a fact that babies need to get immunization through vaccination but how safe are the vaccine's today do they contain the thimerosal or they don't carry that compound anymore as a preservative for the vaccines Answer mav 1 321 2/22/09 2:20 am   how much/how often Question I have a  week old baby boy and I was wondering how much formula I he should be taking at one feeding and how often I should be feeding him   Is it okay to wake him up to feed Thanks Answer princessq 1 262 2/22/09 2:39 pm   sniffles and coughs Question I have a 4 month old baby girl and she keeps getting really congested and she won't sleep She is also teething really bad I am  first time mom and need some advice on how to take care of her sniffles Answer crystal bear 1 312 2/23/09 1:32 pm   baby sick Question My son is six months old i am wondering when should I take him to the doctor about his diarreah and throwing up He is in daycare and there has been aa stomach virus going around Answer kayekaye 1 284 2/23/09 2:52 pm   formula Question Hi Dr Vaccaro my son is on simalac alimentum and he is 6 months old what milk do you reccommend when he turns one Answer Mrs.Jones 1 294 2/23/09 6:43 pm Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

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