expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Penelope Hsu, MD

Pediatrician

<p>Dr. Penelope Hsu is a general pediatrician with extensive pediatric emergency medicine experience, practicing in NEW YORK, NY. Dr. Hsu provides care for children of all ages, with an emphasis on immigrant health and adolescent medicine. Her experience as a life and leadership coach enable Dr Hsu to take care of her patients in a holistic manner to ensure complete wellness, both physical and emotional.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
Dr. Penelope Hsu, MD
  • NEW YORK, NY
  • Accepting new patients

Do I need to take my child to the doctor for a throat infection?

Yes. The throat infection may be strep, which is dangerous if untreated for children. YOur doctor can do a throat test to check for strep. *Penelope Hsu, MD, PCC* (e) Penelope@guidingclarity.com READ MORE
Yes. The throat infection may be strep, which is dangerous if untreated for children. YOur doctor can do a throat test to check for strep. *Penelope Hsu, MD, PCC* (e) Penelope@guidingclarity.com (w) www*.drpenelopehsu.com* <http://www.drpenelopehsu.com> (p) 202 262 7750

What age can babies sleep on their stomach?

When they can roll over both ways, they are allowed to sleep on their tummies.

How long do baby colds last?

A typical cold can last anywhere from 5-10 days. Beyond 10 days, we worry that a bacterial infection may be developing, so we'd want to check the patient out in person.

Which allergy medications are safe for a child?

Zyrtec is safe for 6 months and older Claritin is safe for 2 years and older *Penelope Hsu, MD, PCC* (e) Penelope@guidingclarity.com (w) www*.drpenelopehsu.com* (p) 202 262 7750 READ MORE
Zyrtec is safe for 6 months and older Claritin is safe for 2 years and older *Penelope Hsu, MD, PCC* (e) Penelope@guidingclarity.com (w) www*.drpenelopehsu.com* <http://www.drpenelopehsu.com> (p) 202 262 7750

What can I give my 3 month old for teething?

3 months is a bit early for teething. But Tylenol is always safe in this age group for fussiness or pain. *Penelope Hsu, MD, PCC* (e) Penelope@guidingclarity.com (w) www*.drpenelopehsu.com* READ MORE
3 months is a bit early for teething. But Tylenol is always safe in this age group for fussiness or pain. *Penelope Hsu, MD, PCC* (e) Penelope@guidingclarity.com (w) www*.drpenelopehsu.com* <http://www.drpenelopehsu.com> (p) 202 262 7750

What do pediatricians recommend for teething?

Tylenol is helpful for the pain, as are cold teething toys. You can also put a wet towel in the freezer and then let them gnaw/suck on that for relief. We no longer recommend Oral-gel READ MORE
Tylenol is helpful for the pain, as are cold teething toys. You can also put a wet towel in the freezer and then let them gnaw/suck on that for relief. We no longer recommend Oral-gel (topical analgesic) due to its side effects. Lots of hugs and kisses.

What do pediatricians recommend when a child has covid?

If it's a healthy 15 year old, there is no recommended medication for Covid such as Paxlovid, etc. We recommend lots of rest, hydration, and avoiding contact with others for at READ MORE
If it's a healthy 15 year old, there is no recommended medication for Covid such as Paxlovid, etc. We recommend lots of rest, hydration, and avoiding contact with others for at least 5 days. *Penelope Hsu, MD, PCC* (e) Penelope@guidingclarity.com (w) www*.drpenelopehsu.com* <http://www.drpenelopehsu.com> (p) 202 262 7750

Can I give OTC cough syrups to my 9 month old baby?

Absolutely not. OTC cough meds are not approved for children under age 4.

Are babies hungrier when teething?

They tend not to be hungrier, but they are in pain and chewing, gnawing and generally using their mouth more often soothes them. So it may appear that they're hungrier, but they're READ MORE
They tend not to be hungrier, but they are in pain and chewing, gnawing and generally using their mouth more often soothes them. So it may appear that they're hungrier, but they're just trying to soothe their mouth. *Penelope Hsu, MD, PCC* (e) Penelope@guidingclarity.com (w) www*.drpenelopehsu.com* <http://www.drpenelopehsu.com> (p) 202 262 7750

What doctor to see for an allergic reaction?

I always suggest starting with your pediatrician first. Seeing an allergist may be needed, but often it's not.

Can I give pain medicine to my child?

Yes, it's ok to give Tylenol or Motrin. But I'd also bring your child to see your doctor if these headaches are persistent

Can a child's bronchitis be fixed without medications?

Generally, no. Bronchitis is infection of the airways, which usually needs treatment with bronchodilators, antibiotics, or nebulizer treatments.

Can a child's pneumonia be fixed without medications?

If it is truly a bacterial pneumonia, no, antibiotics are needed. This is usually confirmed clinically or via X-ray.

Can a baby get an ear infection from bath water?

There are two types of ear infections, one of the middle ear and one of the outer ear. Middle ear infections are the product of prolonged colds, wherein bacteria gets trapped and READ MORE
There are two types of ear infections, one of the middle ear and one of the outer ear. Middle ear infections are the product of prolonged colds, wherein bacteria gets trapped and builds up in all the mucus. Those are not affected by taking baths. Outer ear infections are usually caused by excessive water exposure in less than-clean settings, as in prolonged swimming. Simple baths should not cause outer ear infections.

vaccines

We don't generally vaccinate against TB, or tuberculosis, in this country. I would clarify with the school which vaccine they are actually referring to. There is a TDap vaccine, READ MORE
We don't generally vaccinate against TB, or tuberculosis, in this country. I would clarify with the school which vaccine they are actually referring to. There is a TDap vaccine, which is tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. There is also testing to check for exposure to TB that is routinely done in the US.

4 year old girl, throwing up with a poop smell

Yes. 3 weeks of no pooping and vomiting suggests she's quite backed up and needs intervention. Definitely take her in to be seen emergently.

Are antibiotics safe for a child's pneumonia?

If warranted, absolutely. Pneumonia, an infection of the lung tissue, can cause difficulty breathing and lower oxygen levels. There are viral and bacterial causes of pneumonia. READ MORE
If warranted, absolutely. Pneumonia, an infection of the lung tissue, can cause difficulty breathing and lower oxygen levels. There are viral and bacterial causes of pneumonia. Having your pediatrician examine your child and possibly do X-rays will help them determine if antibiotics are warranted.

Newborn belly button

You don't have to cover it. You can apply a little alcohol to help desiccate it. If it's oozing a lot or the skin around the area is getting red or warm, he should be seen.