7 pediatric medicine myths, busted

Those who are unfamiliar with medicine and healthcare often believe common myths. Some such myths haunt the pediatrics department. The following are some of the common myths you may come across in pediatric medicine that turn out to be untrue.

• Sterilizing of child formula - Up to the 1960s, some pediatricians recommended sterilization of all child formula. This was to do away with disease-causing pathogens. However, this was debunked in the 1970s after pediatrics recommended the use of soapy water to clean the bottles.
• Teething causes fever - It was believed that during teething, your child would develop fever, diarrhea, fussiness or otitis media. Parents used to associate these symptoms with teething. Such symptoms may indicate other serious conditions.
• Sugar consumption causes hyperactivity - Parents have been known to say that they discover "sugar rush" when their children feed on sugary foods. However, nobody has been able to prove that there exists a "sugar rush."
• Eye patching treats corneal abrasions - Eye patching is a common treatment for corneal abrasions. The movement of your child's eye is reduced by patching, hence improving healing. It has however been discovered that eye patching does none of these.
• Cereals help the infants sleep longer - Parents have the notion that if they add cereals to the child’s formula, it will increase the time they sleep. It has, however, been proved by one study that addition of cereals to the formula does not have any effect to the infants’ sleep.
• Use of a mobile walker - Parents have the notion that a mobile walker will make your child learn walking. Generally, these types of baby walkers are not necessary. Instead, it is safe to use stationary walkers.
• Venipuncture is an unfortunate necessity - Blood collection through venipuncture for a child is not always the best option. You need to know the precise amount of blood to extract, and the experience is generally unpleasant for all involved. Microsampling, on the other hand, results in an improved pediatric patient experience and provides the most convenient and comfortable alternative to venipuncture in pediatric settings.

Pediatric myths are many. Many have been in effect for some time. When it comes to children's health, doctors and parents much question the myths, listen to the experts, and arm themselves with the facts.