About Dr. Taher Kagalwala Expertise I come from India, practising since 23 years.
Specially interested in infections, asthma, neonatology and parenting. I have authored a book on Parenting.It is called "Child Care: From Birth to Eighteen". It is available all over India. Feel free to contact me on drtaher@gmail.com. I have my professional site at Blogspot. Here, you can read good advice and also seek a professional online consultation for a small fee. Do check out http://drtaherforkids.blogspot.com.
Experience Qualified Pediatrician practising since 23 years.
Visiting major hospitals such as Saifee Hospital and Masina Hospital in Mumbai, India.
Organizations Indian Academy of Pediatrics, life member.
Mumbai Branch of the I.A.P., life member.
Genetics Chapter of the I.A.P.
Publications Indian Pediatrics, Indian Journal of Pediatrics, Toxicology Abstracts.
Education/Credentials M.D., D.C.H.
Awards and Honors Gold Medallist in D.C.H., April, 1985
Highest aggregate marks in University of Mumbai, for M.D. ( Pediatrics ), October 1986.
Question Hi my question is about my 6 year old daughter. She has a history of childhood illnesses such as scarlet fever, glandular fever, chronic ear infections, chronic tonsillitis, pneumonia. She always seems to catch whatever is going around - but suffers ten times worse than other children.
About 18 months ago, she had an adenotonsillectomy and also had gromits inserted. Following this surgery, her health improved dramatically.
Just recently, she has suffered some bleeding from the ear - probably due to her grommits falling out. She was prescribed antibiotics as a precaution even though there was no pain/fever. The bleeding now seems to have stopped.
I don't know if this is in any way linked to any of the above but today I have noticed she is covered in bruises - ligth green in colour mainly and unpainful but with a few darker and slightly tender. These are mainly on her arms, hands, legs, bottom and lower back.
Although she is a normal 6 year old and regularly falls off her bike etc, I cannot think of how she could have hurt herself in so many places to cause so many bruises.
I am going to see how she is on Tuseday and if they have not gone I will take her to see the GP. However, the reason I am asking a question is that alarm bells are ringing in my head and for some reason I keep thinking of leukemia. I am sure I have heard of leukemia patients having spontaneous bruising and all her past health problems have always suggested to me that her immune system is not as it should be.
My question to you is, am I being completely stupid to be thinking this? Is there any other reason for spontaneous bruising?
Many thanks for any help you can offer.
Michelle
Answer Dear Michelle,
Thanks for asking the question so lucidly! I think that you should take your child to the GP right away. I fully agree with you that appearance of so many spontaneous bruises (if they are that, and I believe you) at the same time is definitely something to be worried about.
Looking at the entire history, I have concluded that leukemia or any malignancy cannot linger on for so many years without causing diverse other symptoms. Hence, put that fear out of your mind.
On the other hand, purpura (the scientific label for the bruises) can also occur due to certain viral and bacterial fevers. Hence, it will be prudent for you to see her doctor right away.
