Ask the doctor

Dear doctor
What is the cause of pinkeye?

Pink eye or conjuctivitis is an eye inflammation that can be caused by infections (commonly bacterial or viral), allergic reactions or even some type of trauma to the eyes. Some people with sinusitis or even influenza can have this causing their conjuctivae turn red. If you have any change in your eyes, please see your doctor for an investigation and treatment.

Dear doctor
My new born has jaundice – is this highly dangerous?

Most of the time it is not dangerous. Please discuss with the doctor to see what has caused jaundice in your new baby. It happens when babies have high bilirubin caused by the breakdown of red blood cells. Usually it goes away on its own as the baby’s liver develops when they start feeding. Only if it persists for more than 3 weeks you should worry. Please discuss with the doctor seeing your baby.

Dear doctor
Can cerebral palsy be caused by dropping a newborn baby?

Cerebral palsy is caused by brain injury or malformation that happens while the brain is developing. It can happen before birth commonly, but can also happen during or after birth (usually within the first year of the child’s life). If the baby is dropped and sustains a head injury within that first year, yes, they are at risk of developing cerebral palsy