AboutDr Graham Smith Expertise I am accredited in general paediatrics and paediatric nephrology and and am happy to answer questions on both topics.
It is not possible or safe to assess acutely sick children through this medium. Such children should be taken to their own doctor, where a full history can be taken and an examination carried out.
Experience I have been a consultant paediatrician and paediatric nephrologist for 13 years. I have been involved in paediatrics for 22 years.
Organizations Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
British Association for Paediatric Nephrology
European Society for Paediatric Nephrology
International Pediatric Nephrology Association
Publications Archives of Disease in Childhood
British Medical Journal
Pediatric Nephrology
Current Paediatrics
Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation
Nephrology and Urology
Education/Credentials MA (Cantab)
MB BS (London)
MRCP
FRCPCH
Question In May, my youngest daughter (6 yrs old) was diagnosed with chicken pox. The rash was not severe and she had no major complications from it.
A few days after she developed the rash, my oldest daughter (10 yrs old) was diagnosed with pneumonia that the doctor said was probably due to the chicken pox virus even though she had no pox like rash. Both my daughter had the chicken pox vaccination when they were 3 yrs old.
As of last night she has what appears to be chicken pox. Its my understanding that once a child has the chicken pox it is highly unlikely to get them again. Would it of been possible for her to of had pneumonia that was not related to chicken pox since she never developed a rash?
I have an appointment with her peds doctor set for tomorrow afternoon, but needless to say I question the doctors knowledge at this moment.
Answer If she was in close contact with her sister when she had chicken pox it would be unlucky if she had not contracted the disease. My understanding is that the vaccine is pretty effective, although not 100%. You should not get chicken pox again, although can get shingles.
It is possible that the pneumonia was not chicken pox, especially if there was no rash.
