Dr Charlize Smit

30/07/2026

Thumb sucking is a normal developmental reflex. 👶🏽🍼

Most children outgrow it naturally.

If the habit continues beyond preschool age or begins affecting the teeth, jaw, speech, or breathing, early assessment by your GP, paediatric dentist, and allied health professionals can help prevent long-term complications. 🦷🩺

Early detection and intervention can assist with aesthetic balance of the face later in life and functional of the temperal mandibular joint, swollowing and numerous dental, sinus and facial problem.

Important to ask you family doctor about it.

Disclaimer: this post os for educational and awareness and not for individual diagnosis.

08/05/2026

Exclusion periods according to Australian study… we recommend longer times depending on individual cases.
(Please use this as a guide but ultimately its the doctors decision based on the individual patient how long the child should be home)

Extras to know - 👶🏽🍼🐣
What to know and what to ask your family doctor about.

Any fever that persists longer than 5 days needs medical assessment.

A child with fever should not stay at school.

Any child that does not eat or drink and is sleepy should see a doctor urgently.

Sucken fontanelle, dry eyes and lips needs medical attention urgently.

A child that is always sick and has poor growth should be seen by a doctor.

When to also consult:
• child with abnormal ticks, spasms or posturing.
• profusely sweating and abnormal fatigue
• a child with back pain
• pale and poor eating

Even healthy children should be screened at least once a year for nutritional deficiency, behavioural, psychological and motor development.

20/04/2026

⚪️Chickenpox is usually a self-limiting disease in immunocompetent children, requiring only symptomatic treatment
🔵Treatment with aciclovir is reserved for premature neonates or those

17/04/2026

open saterday.

walk in welcome 🐾

02/04/2026

🙏🏽

14/03/2026

25/02/2026

Frequently asked questions 👩🏻‍⚕️

What is the difference between bronchiolitis and bronchitis?
Bronchi and bronchioles are tubes in the lungs.
The bronchi are larger tubes, where the bronchioles are smaller tubes. Bronchiolitis affects the bronchioles & it is more common in children under 12 months of age. The most common symptom is wheezing. Bronchitis affects the bronchi and is more common in older children and adults. It causes mucus and a cough, but no wheeze

Can I give my baby paracetamol medicine if they have bronchiolitis?
Yes, many babies get a fever with bronchiolitis and may feel miserable. You may give your baby paracetamol, or ibuprofen if they are older than three months old and not dehydrated. Never give your baby aspirin or if there was a medical reason identified by your doctor for not giving it.

How long does bronchiolitis usually last?
On average, babies with bronchiolitis improve after seven days, but the cough can last up to a month. 😞🗣️

Can bronchiolitis lead to pneumonia?
It is rare for bronchiolitis to turn into pneumonia. But in medicine we like to say never say never. If this happens, your baby’s breathing, feeding and fever are likely to get much worse. Speak with a doctor if you are worried about changes in your baby’s condition.

24/02/2026

Investigation for Asthma
1. spirometry value of FEV/VC ratio indicates obstruction (relative accurate test for those who can perform it usually from age 6 up.
2. Measure of peak expiratory flow before and after SABA has a characteristic improvement of 15% in FEV and PEFR
3. Bronchial provocation test: airway reactivity is tested in respiratory laboratory to inhale histamine, methacholine or hypertonic saline
4. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide test
5. An exercise challenge can also be helpful
6. Allergy testing may be appropriate
7. Chest Xray not routinely but can be done if complications are suspected

Lets talk about Large volume spacers: 🗣️

Metered dose inhalers are easy to use and convenient (MDI). But deliver less dose of the drug than when a spacer is used. The patient breaths in from the mouth piece taking at least 1 to 2 breaths over a 2-6second length.

Reasons for suboptimal asthma control.
A. Poor adherence
B. Ineffective use of inhaler device. Poor technique
C. Procrastination to introduce optimal therapy
D. Failure to prescribe preventative medication such as inhaled corticosteroids
E. Relying on inappropriate alternative techniques
F: Patient fears (corticosteroids, overdosing, developing tolerance, embarrassment and peer group condemnations)
G. Doctor reluctance to use corticosteroids, recommend obtaining a minimum peak flow, and obtaining a spacer.
H. Medical factors: obesity, rhinosinisitis, GORD, sleep apnea, vocal cord dysfunction, smoking and COPD

Disclaimer: the following information is not for self diagnosis but for education and individual cases should be discussed with your family doctor. 👩🏻‍⚕️