Dr. Joel Myron Snyder, M.D.

Your question is not unreasonable. What you've asked Is really two different questions. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They do nothing to viral infections. Rules for when you use antibiotics and which antibiotic Is used can be dependent on child's age, symptomatology, evidence of infection, etc. That's what your pediatrician was trained to do. If prescribing antibiotics don't hesitate to ask why.

Fevers are a nice healthy body responding to infection whether viral or bacterial or other inflammatory process. If his temperature is greater than 102 I suspect he's uncomfortable and also losing lots of fluids from perspiration so the administration of acetaminophen or ibuprofen would be appropriate. With a fever of 104° children tend to be miserable which is a normal response. The temperature of 98° and they're still miserable those are the children. I worry about the need to be evaluated. Also, a fever of more than 5 days needs to be evaluated.

Your pediatrician is absolutely correct. Type I diabetes can be a complicated disease you and your family need to become the most knowledgeable about the disease it's management and complications. Eventually depending on his age, your son needs to be an expert. The way this works is to seek out a Pediatric endocrinologist and if your local hospital has a diabetes team,to work with them teaching you about type I diabetes mellitus. Initially, it can be a little scary but the more knowledgeable, you become the easier it gets. Sounds like you have a good pediatrician let him help you with the referral.

Diagnosis will depend on the site of the infection. Reoccurring pustules can be opened and the material inside cultured. Obtaining a culture and sensitivities to the antibiotic will be a tremendous guide for your pediatrician. Reoccurring sinus infections nasal cultures are generally not helpful. Treatment empirically with irrigation and antibiotics.

Teen smoking: How to help your teen quit

Want to stop teen smoking? Follow this no-nonsense approach, from setting a good example to making a plan and celebrating success. By Mayo Clinic Staff <https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site/welcome>

If you find your teen smoking, take it seriously. Stopping teen smoking in its tracks is the best way to promote a lifetime of good health. Set a good example.

As a parent, you're a powerful influence in your teen's life. However, if you smoke, your teen might interpret your actions as an endorsement for the behavior. Ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and resources to help you stop smoking.

In the meantime, don't smoke in the house, in the car or in front of your teen, and don't leave cigarettes where your teen might find them. Explain how unhappy you are with your smoking, and why it's important to you to quit. Start talking

Tell your teen how much you want him or her to stop smoking. It's an important message. But keep in mind that commands, threats and ultimatums aren't likely to work. Instead of getting angry, ask your teen what made him or her start smoking. Perhaps your teen is trying to fit in at school, or get your attention. Sometimes teen smoking is an attempt to feel
grown-up.