best child specialist hospital in Uttarakhand Archives

Hydrocele in Children – Complete Guide for Parents

Posted on September 9, 2025September 11, 2025 by Healthcare

Understanding Hydrocele – Expert Pediatric Care in Dehradun

Parents often worry when they notice swelling in their baby boy’s scrotum. As a pediatric surgeon at Altrus Healthcare, the best hospital in Dehradun, I want to help you understand hydrocele – a common but treatable condition.

What is Hydrocele?

Hydrocele is fluid collection around the testicle inside the scrotum. It causes painless swelling on one or both sides. The condition is quite common in newborn boys and usually harmless.

Types of Hydrocele

There are two main types:

Communicating Hydrocele: Here, fluid can move between the abdomen and scrotum. The swelling may change size throughout the day – smaller in morning, larger in evening.

Non-communicating Hydrocele: The fluid is trapped around the testicle. The swelling remains the same size and often resolves by itself within the first year.

Causes of Hydrocele

During fetal development, testicles move from abdomen to scrotum through a passage. If this passage doesn’t close properly, fluid can collect, causing hydrocele. Most cases are present at birth.

Symptoms to Watch

Painless swelling in scrotum
Size may vary during the day
No fever or other symptoms
Baby remains comfortable and feeds normally

When to Consult a Doctor

See a pediatric surgeon if:

Swelling doesn’t improve after 12 months
Size keeps increasing rapidly
Child complains of pain or discomfort
Swelling becomes hard or red

Diagnosis Methods

Doctors diagnose hydrocele through physical examination. Sometimes, we use a small light to shine through the swelling (transillumination test). The light passes through fluid-filled hydrocele but not through solid masses.

Ultrasound may be needed in some cases to confirm diagnosis and check testicle health.

Treatment Approaches

Many hydroceles resolve naturally within the first year of life. We recommend watchful waiting for non-communicating hydroceles in babies under 12 months.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery becomes necessary when:

Hydrocele persists after 12months
It’s communicating type (connected to abdomen)
Size causes significant discomfort

The surgical procedure, called hydrocelectomy, is simple and safe. At Altrus Healthcare Dehradun, we use advanced techniques ensuring minimal discomfort and quick recovery.

Post-Surgery Care

Recovery is usually smooth. Most children return home the same day. Parents should keep the area clean and dry, follow medication schedule, and avoid strenuous activities for few weeks.

Outlook and Prevention

Hydrocele surgery has excellent success rates. The condition rarely returns after proper surgical treatment. Since most cases are developmental, prevention is not possible.

Early consultation with experienced pediatric surgeons ensures proper diagnosis and treatment. At Altrus Healthcare, we provide comprehensive care with child-friendly environment and latest medical facilities.

Address Allergies in Children Effectively with the Best Child Specialist Doctor in Dehradun

Posted on September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 by Healthcare

Is your child sneezing a lot or having stomach-aches too frequently? If yes, it isn’t normal. These symptoms demand immediate attention and appropriate treatment to avoid the condition from worsening. Still, wondering why it matters so much? Well, these symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction. So, visiting the best child specialist doctor in Dehradun, like Altrus HealthCare, can help address the actual cause and provide your children with relief.

As a parent or guardian, understanding common allergies among kids, their causes, symptoms, and management techniques is crucial. Read on to explore everything in detail!

Common Causes of Allergies in Children

There are several things that can trigger an allergic reaction among children. Delve into the most common causes!

Dust Mite: Globally number 1 cause of allergies.
Pollens: The tiny, hardly visible particles from weeds, trees, and grass usually keep floating in the air during summer and spring. Your children may be exposed to these particles, resulting in itchy eyes and sneezing and asthma or like symptoms.
Animal Dander: Do you have pets at home? While your little ones may enjoy spending time with their furry friends, the exposure to the saliva, skin, or urine of the pets can lead to allergies.
Moulds: Moulds are tiny fungi growing in damp places, like basements and bathrooms. Breathing in the moulds is likely to cause allergies in children.
Dust Mites: These tiny bugs are present in almost every home. They are usually present in carpets, mattresses, and pillows. When your child gets exposed to these dust mites, they may suffer from allergic reactions.
Foods: Foods like peanuts, egg etc. might be implicated allergy. But overall it is something which should be least to concern.

Key Symptoms of Allergies in Children

Are you wondering how to know that your child is suffering from an allergy? Here are the top symptoms you must be aware of!

Eye Symptoms: Allergies often lead to itchy, watery, and red eyes. As a result, your child is likely to feel discomfort and may engage in rubbing their eyes continuously.
Nasal Symptoms: The most common nasal symptoms of allergies include a runny nose, an itchy feeling, and frequent sneezing.
Breathing Issue: If your child is experiencing difficulty in breathing, this symptom must not be overlooked. Breathing issues accompanied by wheezing and excessive coughing may be a sign of a potential allergy.
Skin Symptoms: Allergies in children may result in reddening of the skin, rashes, and itchy patches.
Anaphylaxis: This is a symptom of a very serious allergic reaction, characterised by, low blood pressure, and trouble breathing, generalised swelling etc.

Effective Ways to Manage Allergies in Children

Wondering how to identify different allergies in your child? Book a consultation with our best child specialist doctor in Dehradun. They’ll diagnose the issue and guide you with the right treatment plan.

Identify and Avoid Allergens

The healthcare professionals at Altrus HealthCare suggest that parents identify the substances/elements their child may be allergic to. An allergy test is a simple and effective way to pinpoint these triggers and help manage your child’s health with confidence!

Create an Allergy-Free Home

Regular cleaning and occasional deep cleaning of your home can provide your children with a safe space to play and have fun while removing allergens like dust mites.

Stay Educated

As a responsible parent, you must maintain a detailed record of your child’s allergic reactions. This approach proves to be helpful when engaging in health-related discussions or availing of medical services from the experts at Altrus HealthCare. Moreover, it can also help create emergency action plans for your child.

Drugs

Allergic reactions are quite common among children. However, with the right strategies, managing them effectively becomes easier. Are you in search of the best child specialist doctor in Dehradun? Altrus HealthCare is the one-stop hospital for all child care needs. We have a team of experienced and dedicated professionals who are committed to identifying the exact cause of your child’s illness and recommending treatment pathways accordingly. Because your child’s health and well-being are our top priority!

Medications

The doctors of Altrus HealthCare, who are undoubtedly the best child specialist doctors in Dehradun, can provide your child with effective medications for quick relief. Our experts provide the right solutions to relieve symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itching, helping your child feel better, faster.

Why are Vaccinations Important for Newborns?

Posted on July 30, 2025July 30, 2025 by Healthcare

Have you recently welcomed a little member home? If so, you would want to give your child the best of everything, be it baby skin care products or toys. Besides that, the safety and protection of your newborn are undoubtedly your top priority. For that, you may install baby gates at your home and sanitise your home. No doubt, all these are excellent for promoting the well-being of your child. However, apart from that, the best child specialist will highly recommend that you give all the required vaccines to your little one on time. The core aim is to safeguard your baby against infectious and life-threatening diseases.

Ready to take your newborn to a reputed hospital in Dehradun for vaccinations, but still wondering about its significance? Read on to explore everything in detail!

Understanding the Role of Vaccinations

In the early years, children are vulnerable to a number of diseases and infections. That’s because their immune system is still in the developing phase. As a result, the natural defence mechanism of the body isn’t completely active. That is where the vaccinations prove to be beneficial. They help your little ones defend against diseases, enhancing their overall health and well-being.

Significance of Vaccinations

Are you still wondering whether your newborn baby requires the vaccinations? Here are the most convincing reasons to vaccinate them!

#1 Strengthens Immune System

The immune system of babies isn’t fully developed during the initial few years of birth. Therefore, they may easily be attacked by disease causing bacteria or viruses. However, taking your baby to a child specialist in Dehradun and giving them the necessary vaccines can help bolster the immune system, ensuring stronger immunity. Altrus HealthCare, a reputed hospital in Dehradun, has dedicated vaccination program to protect the little ones against life-threatening diseases.

#2 Reduces Infection Risk

Vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting babies against the risk of infection that might be caused by various viruses and bacteria. It enables their body to defend against potential diseases.

#3 Safety and Effectiveness

When it comes to vaccinations, many parents have concerns related to safety and discomfort. A point to note here is that all vaccinations undergo careful review by scientists and healthcare professionals. Only when they are found safe for use, the vaccines are recommended for the little ones. So, you need not worry about the safety. Vaccines provide your child with long-term benefits and optimum protection with very little discomfort.

#4 Prevents Disease Spread

Vaccinations play a vital role in safeguarding the little ones and the wider community at large. Wondering how? Well, the vaccines will not only protect the baby but also limit the chances of spreading the disease through herd immunity. Ultimately, it helps in the creation of a safer environment where disease transmission is reduced to a great extent, enhancing the health and well-being of the entire community.

#5 Offers Complete Peace of Mind

Imagine your baby being affected by a serious disease. Wouldn’t it be disheartening and painful to see your little bundle of joy in pain? Indeed! That is why the best child specialists at Altrus HealthCare will always recommend to give all the vaccinations to your baby without missing out on any. With proper immunisation, you can enjoy complete peace of mind and be rest assured about the safety of your child.

Preparing Your Baby for the Vaccination Day

Are you planning to visit a hospital in Dehradun to vaccinate your baby? Before that, preparing them well is essential. Here are a few tips that will make your task easier!

Make sure that your baby gets sufficient rest before the vaccination, this makes the vaccination process smoother.
Injecting Vaccine is an easy affair, so do not panic and have faith.
Make eye contact with the baby and keep smiling to send the message ‘That everything is fine.’
Currently available vaccines are with very little or virtually no discomfort so stay calm and stay assured.

Things Parents Should Keep in Mind About Vaccination

Convinced about vaccination for your Baby? Take a look at the few important things that you must always keep in mind!

Be sure to strictly adhere to the vaccination schedule of your child and do not miss any shots.
In case your baby is going through a major medical condition, you should inform the child specialist and discuss about the further course of vaccination in such circumstances.
Rest assured it is a very normal and highly safe process.

Final Thoughts

The significance of vaccines for the little ones cannot be undermined. Besides protecting them from deadly infections and diseases, it also offers them numerous long-term benefits.

Are you in search of a child specialist in Dehradun? Altrus HealthCare can be the perfect destination.

As one of the top-rated hospitals, Altrus HealthCare has the best immunisation program. We are committed to providing the best quality care, strengthening the immune systems of babies, and ensuring optimal well-being.

If you want to immunise your child against infections and diseases, reach out to our expert professionals and provide your baby with the required vaccinations for assured protection.

Expert Newborn Care Tips from Altrus HealthCare, Dehradun

Posted on July 3, 2025July 7, 2025 by Healthcare

Congratulations on your bundle of joy! Bringing a newborn into the world is both magical and transformative. At Altrus HealthCare: Dehradun’s premier child specialist hospital, we understand the joys and anxieties that do accompany this new chapter. The first 28 days of life, known as the neonatal period, are vital for ensuring your baby’s healthy development. Our team of leading paediatricians and neonatologists shares this evidence based guide to help you care for your newborn with confidence:-

Why the Neonatal Period Matters:

According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the neonatal phase is foundational for long-term health. It’s a time of rapid physical adaptation where support, cleanliness, and nutrition play life-shaping roles.

Common Newborn Concerns to Watch For:

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. It is indeed not the overwhelming and anxiety it is the endearing affection and love. It is worth to understand that Newborns may experience:

Some decrease in the weight in first week of life
Mild jaundice
Feeding difficulties
Dehydration or infections if hygiene is compromised

Important things to remember:

While Mild weight loss (up to 10% in full term newborn and 15% in preterm newborn) is considered normal , the baby must regain it by 10 days in case of full-term baby and 15-21 days in preterm baby with a maximum daily weight loss of not more than 3%, any aberration to this rule will warrant immediate medical attention.

Similarly, Mild Jaundice is considered normal if it is within the prescribed limits for age, weight and gestation. It should start by day three of life and subside gradually. Any jaundice which appears before 3^rd day, if there is some mismatch in blood groups of mother and baby, very high colour, feeding difficulties, unusual cry or lethargy, pale or white stools, etc. (any one of these) is noted it must be brought into notice of a neonatologist.

Any degree of fever, refusal to feed, rashes, watery diarrhoea or bleeding must attract immediate medical attention.

The paediatric team at Altrus HealthCare provides round-the-clock neonatal monitoring to promptly address any early complications.

How to take care of the Newborn:

1. Gentle Handling & Hygiene

Newborns are delicate and vulnerable. Here is what every caregiver must follow:

Ensure hand hygiene before touching the infant.
The infant should be nicely supported.
Absolute ‘NO’ to any form of shaking, not even playfully
Limit visitors and insist on hand hygiene

American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines stress meticulous hygiene in preventing sepsis (Infection) and respiratory infections in the first month.

2. Umbilical Cord Care: Keep It Clean & Dry

The umbilical stump typically detaches within 7-14 days (It must not be more than 21 days).

Until the stump falls:

Do not pull or try to forcefully detach it
Do not apply anything unless prescribed by a Pediatrician /Neonatologist
We advocate sponging rather than baths especially in cold weather
The signs like redness, swelling, discharge or odour should be carefully watched and a pediatrician or neonatologist must be contacted immediately of any one of the above is noted.

Dry cord care has been advocated as standard or care by Indian academy of Pediatrics (Provided it is not soiled)

3. Breastfeeding & Burping Basics

Breastfeeding is nature’s best gift for babies. We recommend:

Starting the breast feeding within 2 hours of birth (preferably within an hour)
Feed exclusively for 6 months
Seek lactation support if needed

After feeding:

The infant should be held baby supported by your hand and chest
Gently pat their back until they burp (It is prudent to learn the burping procedure form a Pediatrician / Neonatologist or a lactation consultant)

Reflux (regurgitation) and infantile colic are reduced by effective burping (Cloherty’s textbook of Neonatology)

4. Establishing Healthy Sleep Patterns:

The little ones sleeps in small cycles and accounts for almost sixteen to eighteen hours a day.

Infants must be placed on their back (An higher death rate has been noted in infants who are allowed to sleep on their bellies unsupervised because of SIRS)
Use a firm, clutter-free mattress
Maintain a cool, dark room environment
Stick to a consistent bedtime schedule

American Academy of Pediatrics’ Safe Sleep Guidelines reduce the risk of SIDS significantly.

5. Nappy Changing & Rash Prevention

Expect 3–4 wet nappies daily by day 4–5. Keep baby comfortable with:

Warm water and sterilized cotton clothes or unscented wipes should be used
Nappies of the infant should be changed regularly, to keep him dry
Zinc oxide-based diaper rash cream when needed (prudent to take a consultation)

Frequent urination is a one of most reliable sign of adequate hydration and adequate feeding.

Why Altrus HealthCare?

We combine world-class paediatric expertise with an ethical and human-first approach and round the clock availability of best neonatal team.