Dr. Albert Gerard Karam MD
Pediatrician
12200 Park Central Dr Suite 405 Dallas TX, 75251Rating
4/5
About
Dr. Albert Karam is a pediatrician practicing in Dallas, TX. Dr. Karam is a doctor who specializes in the health care of children. As a pedicatrician, Dr. Karam 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. Karam can oversee and manage the physical, mental and emotional health of their patients.
Education and Training
La State Univ Sch of Med In Shreveport, Shreveport La 1981
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport 1981
Board Certification
PediatricsAmerican Board of PediatricsABP
Provider Details
Dr. Albert Gerard Karam MD's Expert Contributions
What are the treatment options for eye infections in toddlers?
Options for treatment of eye infections are rather small and simple. First of all, in most cases the infections are due to a virus, therefore no treatment is needed. Over-the-counter eye drops for dry eyes may relieve the irritation, but the infection will go away in a few days. The other type of eye infection is caused by a bacteria, and will go away with antibiotic eye drops. There are several brands on the market. You will need to contact your physician to see which type of infection is affecting your child. It is unusual to have to consult with an eye doctor about this. Dr. K READ MORE
When should I be concerned about my child's heart rhythm patterns?
First of all, you would want to know if indeed the heart rhythm is actually normal or abnormal. So, a physical exam, auscultation of the heart would be the first thing to do. Next would be to get an ECG of the heart indicating the electrical conduction of the heart, its rhythm, etc. If normal, stop there. If abnormal, then consider a consultation with a Pediatric Cardiologist. Dr. AL READ MORE
What age should a child have an eye test?
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends eye screening (other than routine physical exam) for children as young as 1 year of age. This is commonly known as “photoscreening” and is done with a particular device that your physician may or may not have. Dr. K READ MORE
How do you bring a child's fever down?
To lower a fever, we have to define a fever. Current science tells use that a human has a fever when the temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (38 degrees Celsius). If your child has a temperature of 99.8 degrees, then this is not a fever; medication will not lower it. For lowering fever, use Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others). The dose should be based on body weight, and you should get the exact dose from your doctor so as to not over dose. Giving your child a bath in lukewarm or tepid water will temporarily lower the fever; it will come back up within minutes of getting out of the tub. Other than the above, keep your kid lightly clothed, have him/her drink plenty of fluids, and try not to worry. Now, the big question; do you really have to lower the fever? The answer is NO. Fever is a normal physiologic mechanism for fighting infection. Lowering the fever will not shorten the illness or make the child’s illness resolve. Lowering the temperature in a sick kid is for the child’s comfort only!!! So don’t fret if your kid has a fever. The most important question to ask is why does my child have fever? Then treat the cause. Hope this is helpful. Dr. K READ MORE
What can I give my 2 year old for a cold?
There is no effective medication to treat or cure a cold, in spite of the barrage of advertisements, anecdotes and medications pushed on parents to treat their kids. So any management is purely "supportive" in nature. In other words, do things to help the child feel better. This includes plenty of fluids (probably the best, but least utilized way to feel better), rest if the child will rest (most 2 year old kids won't), sleeping with the head of the pillow elevated, trying to get the child to blow the nose, salt water nose drops aka saline drops (not a 2 year old favorite thing to do). Allow the child to seek their own level of activity. If they want to play, let them play! Medication is useless, don't waste your time or money. The symptoms will last from a few days to up to 2-3 weeks. Seek care for sudden change in symptoms, ie fever that persists for 2-3 days, change in behavior, difficulty breathing, etc.Good luck! Dr K READ MORE
When should I take my child to the doctor for a sore throat?
If your child has a sore throat with fever and no cough, then he needs to be seen to make sure he does not have strep throat, which requires antibiotics. Sore throat with cough congestion runny nose and/or watery eyes is likely to be a viral infection. Sore throat without the cough runny nose congestion is more likely to be strep. Call your doctor's office for advice if you are uncertain. Dr. K READ MORE
Why does my 3 month old chew on his hands?
A 3-month-old infant who is developing normally will chew on his hands because it is a normal developmental process. It is not because of teething, tooth pain, mouth pain, or any other medical condition. It is normal. He enjoys exploring the new world around him using two of his 5 senses, taste and touch. Enjoy the moments. Dr. K READ MORE
Can a viral infection cause wheezing?
The short and correct answer is yes. Most respiratory viruses can cause wheezing. Regardless of the cause, the wheezing is treated the same, either by observing or with inhaled or oral medications. Discuss this with your doctor. READ MORE
Does my child need two doses of the flu vaccine?
Does your 4-year-old child need 2 doses of the influenza vaccines this year? Well, it depends. If he has received a 2-dose series in previous years, then only one dose is needed this year. If he has received only a single dose previously, then a 2-dose schedule is recommended, given about 30 days apart. If he has received only one dose per year for the last 4 years, then my recommendation would be to receive 2 doses this year; in subsequent years, only one dose would be needed. Dr. K READ MORE
Why does my 6 year old have wrist pain?
Wrist pain in a 6 year old can be due to many reasons, but by far the most common is a fracture of any of the bones in the wrist or the end of the forearm. You must see a physician first for an history and exam, followed most likely by an X-ray. Other causes are quite rare, and should only be thought of after exam and X-ray. As strange as it may seem, sprains of the wrist are uncommon at this age, so I would question this diagnosis. Dr. K READ MORE
Is 99.9 a dangerous fever for a 6 year old?
First a few facts. A human temperature of 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit is a normal body temperature and is not considered a true fever. A true fever in medicine, for both children and adults, is considered to be 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees Celsius) or higher. So, a 6-year-old with a temperature of 99.9 is considered normalAlmost all fever, defined as a temperature of 100.4 F or higher, is not harmful to your child. High fevers in children, such as 104 and higher, are very concerning to parents and some medical personnel, but these fevers rarely if ever cause medical harm. They are uncomfortable, decrease ability to sleep, eat or drink, and make the patient feel awful. The real question in all fever is, why? What is causing the fever? This should be the goal of any health professional seeing a patient with fever. Determining the cause of the fever is the most important thing. I hope this is helpful. Albert G. Karam, MD READ MORE
What pain medicine can I give a child with a headache?
Medication for headaches are often given to children. The two most used medications are acetaminophen (Tylenol, and others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). The dosages of the two are different, the strength of the liquid is different and the interval to give them is different. Please consult your physician to get the correct dose based the weight (in kilograms) so that the proper dose is used. Under dosing does not help the pain, and over dosing can be dangerous. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be given every 4 hours. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) is every 6 hours.It is imperative that you get the right medication, strength, and dosing interval. Dr. K READ MORE
How often should I take my children to the pediatrician?
Children age 2 and above should be seen yearly. This is done for many reasons, the most prominent is assessment of growth, both in length and weight. Additionally, review of development, behavior problems, routine blood pressure monitoring, tests for vision and hearing, and many more things happen at these visits. It also gives the physician a chance to assess how the child is doing in school, how the home life is, and review any concerns the parent(s) may have. And certainly not least is to make sure the child has had all of the immunizations they need to keep them safe and healthy. Our Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines for each year’s visit. Ask your doctor about these, and please see your pediatrician yearly. AK READ MORE
What happens if young child swallowed a coin?
If a child, or for that matter, an adult swallows a coin, an X-ray can be obtained to see where it is. If it has passed the mouth and the esophagus and is in the stomach or intestines, then nothing needs to be done. The biggest problem is if they get stuck in the back of the throat or esophagus. If that is the case, the child will have difficulty swallowing (usually solids, and sometimes liquids) and this is the purpose of the X-ray, to ensure passage into the stomach or intestine. If it is stuck, then removal by a surgeon or GI specialist is indicated. AK READ MORE
What is balanitis?
Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans, or head of the penis. It can be from direct irritation, allergic contact dermatitis (contact with something the patient is allergic to), sexually transmitted diseases, or irritation from poor hygiene, as occurs in uncircumcised boys/men. The treatment is usually topical medications, depending on the etiology, and in recurrent cases in an uncircumcised male, consideration for circumcision. Thanks, Dr. K. READ MORE
Is it okay to give antibiotics to 1 year old child?
Yes, it is okay to give a 1-year-old an antibiotic, as long as it is for a bacterial infection. If it is a viral infection, then an antibiotic is unnecessary and will not work. The question you ask has many other answers, depending on what the infection is, where is it located, the symptoms your child has, and whether or not a culture of the infected site was done (this is not always done). Albert G. Karam, MD READ MORE
When is the right time to switch from a pediatrician to a regular doctor?
I’m sure many pediatricians will have different answers, but here is mineI think the ideal age is between 18 and 21. First of all, the pediatrician has (hopefully) known your son all of his life, knows your family, and all of his past history. Next, many kids at 15 just can’t be considered “young adults” yet from either a medical, social, developmental or maturation standpoint, and the pediatrician is best equipped to deal with these issues. As an example, diseases that occurs in a 15 year old are much, much more likely to be “pediatric” in nature, and not “adult” in nature. Another example is this; who would best handle mental health issues in a teenager, a pediatrician, or an adult physician who handles these issues in 30, 40, 50 year olds and up. I think pediatricians are a bit more empathetic in this regardConsider this next reason. Your kid goes to college, and needs some medical help. Most pediatricians are happy to help with college problems, and getting an internet’s or GP on board in a hurry for an urgent problem in college is hard. Hope this helps, Albert G. Karam, MD Sent from AOL Mobile Mail Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com On Thursday, December 27, 2018, FATD Patient Questions
When should a test for mono be done?
Mononucleosis is a set of symptoms consisting of fever, sore throat often with pus on the tonsils, large glands in the neck, fever, and enlarge spleen. In addition, fatigue, stuffy nose, poor appetite and general malaise are common. It is caused by a virus called “EBV” and can be tested for by two distinct tests. One is the “monospot,” which in some cases is doing in physician’s offices. It has its limitations, as it is often negative early in the disease, and does not reflect a new, or recent infection, from an old infectionThe second test is a direct test of the antibodies, and this test can distinguish early from old infection and is much more reliable. Having said that, fever and runny nose can be due to almost any respiratory virus, so testing may be negative. Realize also that even with a positive test for EBV, there is no direct treatment. We simply treat the symptoms, keep the patient well hydrated and comfortable, and wait. It can be a miserable illness. Dr. Karam READ MORE
Can milk cause loose stool in kids?
The answer is yes. This happens by two main mechanisms. The first is lactose intolerance, or the inability to properly break down the sugar in milk called lactose. This can be diagnosed by testing, however, the easiest way is to allow your kid to have no diary for a few days, then give several ounces of a brand of milk called “Lactaid” (or similar). This milk has no lactose. If your kid tolerates this with no symptoms, then you have made the diagnosis. And if that is the case, avoiding dairy that has lactose is an appropriate way to proceed, or you may have your child take a tablet called “Lactaid,” which is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. I personally take this when I am eating ice cream or other dairy. The other way milk can cause diarrhea is by an intolerance (some would even say an “allergy”) to the protein in milk. This can be diagnosed the same as above with lactose intolerance, but the patient will get diarrhea with the Lactaid milk. The treatment is avoidance. Hope this helps, Albert G. Karam, MD READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAwards
- 2004-2011 Texas Super Doctors
Treatments
- Ear Infection
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Fever
- Flu
- Pain
- Tonsillitis
- Croup
- Jaundice
- Strep Throat
Dr. Albert Gerard Karam MD's Practice location
Practice At 12200 Park Central Dr Suite 405
12200 Park Central Dr Suite 405 -Dallas, TX 75251Get Direction
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Get to know Pediatrician Dr. Albert G. Karam, who serves the population of Texas. Dr. Albert G. Karam is a highly respected and experienced physician, having been in practice for over three decades. His career in medicine began in 1981 when he graduated with his Medical Degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine. After medical school, Dr. Karam completed his residency and fellowship with Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Karam is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and has dedicated his life to delivering compassionate care. He is determined to enhance his patients’ quality of life, providing high quality, individualized care in order to ensure the most optimal results. With a passion for his work, Dr. Karam is noted for his expertise in pediatrics. He currently practices with his private practice and is affiliated with Medical City Dallas and Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Pediatrics is the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 18. A paediatrician is a child’s physician who provides not only medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill but also preventive health services for healthy children. A paediatrician manages physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the children under their care at every stage of development, in both sickness and health.
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