Medical Advice from Dr Lei Cao, General Practitioner
At Willoughby Medical Practice, Dr Lei Cao provides comprehensive child health care, supporting families with evidence-based guidance on common childhood conditions. Below is a helpful overview of three frequent concerns in children: cough, peanut allergy prevention, and functional abdominal pain disorders.
Cough in Children
Coughing is a normal reflex that helps clear mucus and irritants from the lungs and airways. It is one of the most common symptoms seen by Dr Lei Cao at Willoughby Medical Practice, particularly during cold and flu season.
Common Causes
Most coughs in children are caused by:
- Viral infections (e.g., common cold)
- Post-viral airway irritation
- Occasionally bacterial infections
A post-viral cough may last for several weeks. Antibiotics usually do not help in these cases.
Types of Cough
Dry (non-productive) cough
- No mucus or phlegm
- Feels tickly or irritating
Wet (productive) cough
- Sounds “chesty”
- Suggests mucus or phlegm in the airways
- If a daily wet cough lasts more than 4 weeks, see a GP such as Dr Lei Cao for review
Short-Term vs Long-Term Cough
- Short-term cough (< 4 weeks): usually viral
- Long-term cough (> 4 weeks): may be due to post-viral cough, asthma, allergic rhinitis, protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) or sinusitis
When to See a Doctor
Book an appointment at Willoughby Medical Practice if:
- Your child looks unwell or has low energy
- The cough lasts longer than four weeks
- It is worsening or interfering with sleep or daily activities
Treatment
Cough medicines are not recommended for children.
Honey may help reduce coughing in children over 12 months.
Peanut Allergy Prevention
Peanut allergy affects nearly 3 in 100 Australian children, and early prevention is now recommended by experts. Dr Lei Cao offers guidance for parents at Willoughby Medical Practice based on the latest ASCIA recommendations.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Infants with:
- Severe eczema, and/or
- Egg allergy
are considered at higher risk of developing peanut allergy.
Early Introduction
Research shows that introducing peanut-containing foods between 4–11 months can significantly reduce the risk of peanut allergy.
Whole peanuts should be avoided due to choking risk.
ASCIA recommends introducing solids, including peanut-containing foods, for all infants between 4–6 months, introducing one new food every few days.
Precautions
High-risk infants may benefit from GP or allergist evaluation.
Dr Lei Cao can arrange:
- Skin prick testing
- Supervised peanut introduction
- In-office peanut challenges where appropriate
This ensures safe early introduction based on each infant’s individual risk.
Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders (FAPDs) in Children
Functional abdominal pain disorders affect 13.5% of children worldwide and are a common issue seen at Willoughby Medical Practice.
What Causes FAPDs?
The exact cause is unknown, but recent research highlights the role of the microbiota–gut–brain axis and factors involving the gut, immune system, central nervous system and behaviour.
Common Symptoms
Children may present with:
- Post-meal fullness, early satiation, upper abdominal pain
- Pain related to bowel movements or changes in stool frequency/appearance
- Episodes of abdominal pain lasting more than an hour and affecting daily life
- Associated symptoms such as nausea, reduced appetite, or migraine-like sensations
Assessment by Dr Lei Cao
A thorough medical, social and psychological history helps rule out concerning causes.
Blood tests or referral to a paediatric gastroenterologist may be recommended when necessary.
Often, a careful clinical assessment is sufficient for diagnosis.
Management & Treatment
Treatment focuses on:
- Education about the body–mind connection
- Understanding how gut “false alarms” trigger pain
- Reducing attention on the pain
- Monitoring dietary triggers with support from a dietitian
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) when psychological symptoms co-exist
Regular follow-up with your GP ensures symptoms are monitored and treatment adjusted as needed.