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Lamia Katbi

Pediatrician

Dr. Lamia Katbi is a pediatrician practicing in Munster, Indiana. Dr. Katbi is a doctor who specializes in the health care of children. As a pedicatrician, Dr. Katbi diagnoses and treats infections, injuries, diseases and other disorders in children. Pediatricians typically work with infants, children, teenagers and young adults up to age 21. They practice medical care as well as preventative health care. Dr. Katbi can oversee and manage the physical, mental and emotional health of their patients.
Lamia Katbi
  • Munster, Indiana
  • Tishreen University
  • Accepting new patients

What is the main cause of a nosebleed?

The most common cause for nosebleed in children is nose picking. Other things include; change in weather such as dry weather and change in humidity. Some nasal sprays even those READ MORE
The most common cause for nosebleed in children is nose picking. Other things include; change in weather such as dry weather and change in humidity. Some nasal sprays even those used to treat nasal congestion and allergies such as steroids sprays. Less commonly family history of nose bleeds and thin lining of the mucosa and much much less likely bleeds related to hematologic diseases.
Treatment consist of of course avoiding picking the nose and use Vaseline or saline gel to both nostrils especially before bed. If nose bleeds continue pls see ENT!

Do children need to take vitamin C

Unfortunately, studies do not support the use of vitamin C supplement to prevent cold and flu symptoms. However, there are some studies that indicate that supplement with vitamin READ MORE
Unfortunately, studies do not support the use of vitamin C supplement to prevent cold and flu symptoms. However, there are some studies that indicate that supplement with vitamin C can shorten the duration of the cold.
Vitamin C is essential to our immune function and it is abundant in citric fruits, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.

How should I increase my child's immunity after jaundice?

I don’t believe his jaundice after he was born has anything to do with current health status especially if the jaundice resolved without any issues. Having said that, if your child READ MORE
I don’t believe his jaundice after he was born has anything to do with current health status especially if the jaundice resolved without any issues.
Having said that, if your child has recurrent infections it will be worthwhile addressing your concerns with his physician to run the appropriate tests.
I am a believer in healthy well balanced diet, healthy sleep habits and staying active to lead healthy life style and hopefully avoid illnesses!

How is impetigo treated?

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is typically treated with keeping the area clean with washing with mild soap and water, topical antibiotics (over-the-counter or, preferably, READ MORE
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is typically treated with keeping the area clean with washing with mild soap and water, topical antibiotics (over-the-counter or, preferably, prescription), and at times we need to add an oral antibiotic directed towards the most common bacteria that causes impetigo. I tend to treat with all three if the skin infection is on the face or if it is widespread. Also, consider another diagnosis if no response to the topical treatment!

Is a WBC count of 4,500 in a 3 year old concerning?

This is very normal WBC. Sometimes the white blood cell count goes down significantly with viral infections, but it goes back up again when the illness is gone!

Can an ear infection be the cause of fever for my daughter?

Fever is a very common symptom of ear infections. It can take a couple of days for the fever to go away after starting antibiotics. If the fever lasts more than 48 hours and the READ MORE
Fever is a very common symptom of ear infections. It can take a couple of days for the fever to go away after starting antibiotics. If the fever lasts more than 48 hours and the earache is still present, I typically recommend a follow-up to make sure that we do not need to use different medications!

My son is complaining of frequent headaches. Can I give him medicines?

Make an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss his headaches and to take more history about his headaches!

At what age can I introduce multivitamins for my child?

I typically introduce MVI around 18 months of age, for more than one reason. Kids get more picky at that age as they try to test their boundaries and try to eat more snacks than READ MORE
I typically introduce MVI around 18 months of age, for more than one reason. Kids get more picky at that age as they try to test their boundaries and try to eat more snacks than meals. Also, dairy intake is not as optimal and vitamin D intake starts to go down. Many kiddos are now deficient in vitamin D and iron. Especially if you live in an area with long winters. I typically recommend MVI with iron (chewable not gummy). I do emphasize a well-balanced diet and to continue to limit juice/no pop.

I hope that is helpful!

How long should my son be at home with pink eye?

When a pediatric patient gets diagnosed and treated for pink eye with eye drops, there is usually no need to miss school. I usually ask my patients to practice good hygiene with READ MORE
When a pediatric patient gets diagnosed and treated for pink eye with eye drops, there is usually no need to miss school. I usually ask my patients to practice good hygiene with good hand washing and avoiding rubbing the eyes. Parents can take a note to school stating that it is okay for the child to go back since the child is being treated!

Is stretching before working out important for children as well

First off, very impressive that your son is training for his first marathon as such young age. Stretching is important at any age group. However, stretching after working out including READ MORE
First off, very impressive that your son is training for his first marathon as such young age. Stretching is important at any age group. However, stretching after working out including running is more important than before the workout. That applies to all age groups as well. I would also recommend yoga practice at least once a week.

Newborn constipation, what can I do?

Your baby's constipation can be totally normal. Very frequently and around two weeks of age predominantly breast fed babies can have fewer bowel movements per day. In fact, breast READ MORE
Your baby's constipation can be totally normal. Very frequently and around two weeks of age predominantly breast fed babies can have fewer bowel movements per day. In fact, breast fed babies can have a bowel movement after each feeding or once a week and that can be totally normal and no need for intervention. However, if the baby is gassy, bloated or acting fussy you can do a few things about it. In my opinion the most important intervention would be watching your diet. What you are eating your baby is eating as well, so avoiding gas-forming food is a good idea such as beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and so forth. Another big one is dairy products especially milk and ice cream. We frequently encounter milk protein allergies in newborns and eliminating dairy completely can be helpful.

To answer your question about gas drops. They are safe and effective, but they can increase constipation. Gripe water is also good for gas. Tummy massage and warm bath is another way to relief gas and fussiness.

I would not use any medication for constipation for a two-week newborn.

If the issue continues I would consider rectal stimulation for quick relief using a Q-tip with QY or Vaseline (you can also use rectal thermometer with lubricant). We do not recommend the regular use of rectal stimulation!

We do not give water as it can overload the kidney.
If all of the above don't please contact your pediatrician to rule out other organic issues.