Can allergies develop later in life?

Yes, it's possible to develop allergies at any age, even if you didn't have them as a child. Regular evaluation is important for proper diagnosis and management.

What should I do if I suspect my child has a food allergy?

Avoid the suspected food and consult with an allergist for testing and a management plan.

How do I know if my child has asthma?

Symptoms include frequent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. A proper diagnosis involves lung function tests like spirometry or Forced Oscillometry Test and medical evaluation.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis and what should I do?

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and a rapid heartbeat. Immediate administration of epinephrine and emergency medical care is crucial.

Can children outgrow their allergies?

Some children may outgrow certain allergies, such as milk or egg allergies, but others, like peanut allergies, can persist. Some children with wheezing may have lesser wheezing episodes or coughing episodes as and when they grow older, however few children may continue to have wheezing for long time. Its very important to do Lung function test like spirometry or Forced Oscillometry test to identify the nature of the disease and give more detailed information.

What is the difference between a reliever and a controller inhaler?

Reliever inhalers provide quick relief from asthma symptoms, while controller inhalers are used daily to prevent symptoms.

How can I manage my asthma symptoms?

Management includes using prescribed inhalers, avoiding triggers, and following an asthma action plan.We can discuss in detail after consulting and understanding the patient

What should I expect during an allergy test?

Allergy testing may involve skin prick tests or blood tests to identify specific allergens. The tests are relatively quick and results are usually available within a short period.For Skin Prick test – you should be avoiding Anti Histamines, Anti Psychotics for at least 1wk before you can get the Skin prick testFor Blood test you don’t have to avoid any medications before the test.

What is allergen immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy, or Allergy shots, involves administering gradually increasing doses of allergens to build tolerance and reduce symptoms.

What types of allergies do you treat?

We treat a wide range of allergies including Allergic Rhinitis (hay Fever), Asthma, food allergies, seasonal allergies, pet allergies, Insect allergies and drug allergies.

Where to go in case of emergency if clinic is closed or pediatrician is not available?

Please visit Manipal Hospital = Old Airport road or Ovum hospital – Kalyan Nagar, or you can also visit your nearest hospital

What is the consultation fee of the Pediatrician?

Consultation fee will be 500rs for visiting pediatrician and if you need to follow up within 1 week the it will be charged 250rs within 1 week of first consultation

Do you offer telemedicine appointments?

Yes, we provide telemedicine consultations for certain conditions and follow-up visits. Please inform the appointment number 9663358193 about online consultation

What are common childhood illnesses and their symptoms?

Common illnesses include colds, ear infections, strep throat, and stomach flu. Symptoms vary but can include fever, cough, sore throat, and stomach pain.

How can I manage my child's nutrition and dietary needs?

We offer guidance on balanced diets, managing picky eating, and addressing any specific dietary concerns.

What should I do if my child has a fever?

For mild fevers, ensure your child stays hydrated and rests. Please use the fever medicine prescribed by your doctor in the past with the advised dose and schedule also please book appointment and visit us.

What vaccinations does my child need?

Vaccinations are recommended based on the IAP Vaccine Schedule, Please look at the blog for more details about immunization schedule.

Do you offer same-day sick appointments?

Yes, we strive to accommodate same-day appointments for sick children.

What should I bring to my child’s appointment?

Bring any relevant medical records, a list of medications your child is taking, and any questions you have.

How often should my child see a pediatrician?

Regular check-ups are recommended: newborn visits, followed by Vaccination visits in the first year, biannual visits in the second year, and annual visits thereafter.

What age groups do you treat?

We treat children from birth through adolescence. ) to 18 years of age for General Illness for Allergy and Asthma we manage for all age groups pediatric as well as adult age groups

What services do you offer for children?

We provide comprehensive pediatric care including routine check-ups, vaccinations, treatment for common illnesses, growth monitoring, Nutrition and management of chronic conditions.

Dr Balachandra BV

Minimal Antibiotic Approach in Pediatric Care Why Less Is More

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Dr Balachandra BV 30 June 2024

As a practicing pediatrician for over 17 years, one of the most frequent questions I get from parents is, “Shouldn’t my child be on an antibiotic for this fever or cough?” It's a valid concern after all, every parent wants to ensure their child recovers quickly. But what many don’t realize is that antibiotics, while life-saving in some cases, are not always necessary—and when overused, they can do more harm than good.

In this blog, I want to help parents understand the importance of a minimal antibiotic approach in pediatric care, and why using antibiotics responsibly is one of the best things we can do for our children’s long-term health.

Understanding When Antibiotics Are Needed

Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, not viral ones. Most common illnesses in children—such as colds, flu, sore throats (except strep), coughs, and fevers—are caused by viruses. In these cases, antibiotics will not help and can actually lead to side effects like diarrhea, rashes, or allergic reactions.

More importantly, frequent and unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria no longer respond to treatment. This can make future infections harder to treat—not just for your child, but for the community as a whole.

Why I Follow a Minimal Antibiotic Policy

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how children’s immune systems can recover well with supportive care—hydration, rest, nutrition, and symptom management—without rushing to start antibiotics. I prefer to observe, reassess, and make decisions based on the child’s symptoms, duration of illness, and clinical signs.

Here’s what my approach typically includes:

Thorough assessment to rule out red flags.
Educating parents on the nature of viral illnesses and expected recovery timelines.
Monitoring and follow-up instead of prescribing antibiotics on day one.
Targeted antibiotic use only when there’s a clear indication of bacterial infection (e.g., confirmed bacterial tonsillitis, ear infection, urinary tract infection).

How Parents Can Support Antibiotic Stewardship

As a parent, your role is vital. Here are a few things you can do:

Trust the process. It’s okay to wait and watch in many cases, with regular follow-up.
Avoid self-medicating with leftover antibiotics or over-the-counter drugs.
Complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed—don’t stop midway.
Ask questions. Understand why an antibiotic is or isn’t being recommended.

Benefits of a Minimal Antibiotic Approach

Stronger natural immunity: Children build resilience by fighting off minor infections.
Fewer side effects: Avoids unnecessary complications from overuse.
Reduced risk of resistance: Helps preserve antibiotic effectiveness for serious illnesses.

Final Thoughts

As a pediatrician, my goal is always to treat your child with the safest, most effective care, avoiding unnecessary interventions whenever possible. Antibiotics are powerful tools, but they should be used with precision and care. By adopting a minimal antibiotic approach, we’re not doing less—we’re doing what’s best. If your child has frequent infections or prolonged illness, it’s important to have them evaluated to rule out underlying issues.