Blog Archive

About 5.6 million people under the age of 18 have a food allergy. Many of these children – 40% in fact – are allergic to more than one food. Some of the most common food allergies are to common items including milk, peanuts, wheat, shellfish, tree nuts, fin fish, soy,...

It’s estimated that about 58% of male newborns in the United States undergo circumcision. If you’ve decided to have your baby circumcised for cultural, religious, or health reasons, you want to know how to take care of him after the procedure.  Dr. Margaret Lubega here at First Pediatric Care Center...

About 15-20% of people will get hives at some point in their lives. Hives come in various forms, ranging from small, round, red bumps to larger swellings with different shapes.  Hives are uncomfortable for anyone, especially children. Typically, hives are quite itchy, and the swelling and inflammation can be unbearable,...

More than 1 in 10 children struggle with eczema. If your child is one of them, avoiding triggers can help spare them the itchy, inflamed, red skin.  The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis. The red, dry patches usually show up on the face and hands...

There’s a lot to keep track of when it comes to your child’s health. Routine check-ups are an important part of managing their overall well-being, and if they play a sport, a sports physical helps make sure they’re healthy and prepared for the rigors of play. While an annual checkup...

To a kid, bees can be scary. But, as a parent, you should know that only 3% of bee stings result in allergic reactions. If your child is stung by a bee, it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary measures to guarantee their well-being and comfort.  Here are...

Asthma and allergies rank among the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting children. Asthma affects approximately 6.5% of children under age 18 and nearly 19% of children have a seasonal allergy.  Given that both these conditions impact a child's airways, it's not uncommon for some symptoms to overlap. This overlap can...

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition that can cause discomfort and worry. Up to 20% of people experience hives at some point in their lifetime, and the condition may occur during childhood. While hives can be quite distressing, the good news is that there are steps you can...

As summer draws to a close and the back-to-school season approaches, you and your child are getting ready for new studies and activities. If your child is one of the 60 million children or teens rejoining a sport or starting one anew, it’s important to ensure they’re physically prepared for the challenges...

Approximately 5.6 million children have food allergies, equalling (roughly) two in every classroom. Some of the most common allergens include milk, soy, wheat, peanuts, eggs, and shellfish. And 40% of children with food allergies have sensitivities to more than one food.  If your child shows symptoms of a food allergy, including rashes,...

About 64% of boys in the United States undergo circumcision, which is the removal of the male foreskin. In some cultures, the procedure is a tradition, but in the United States it’s up to the parents whether or not to circumcise their baby.  As a parent, you make your decision...

Eczema affects more than 31 million Americans. In children, that means 1 in every 10 have this skin condition. Eczema also affects 10-20% of infants. Infants and children often outgrow the condition as they get older, but in the meantime, they need help managing it. Eczema most likely occurs due to a combination of...

You want your child to enjoy the great outdoors, but the tradeoff for time outside is exposure to bees and other biting or stinging insects. A bee sting can be scary and slightly painful – but most parents can soothe their child and the site of the injury at home...

About 25 million people in the United States have an asthma diagnosis, and 5.1 million of them are children younger than 18. Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be managed successfully here at First Pediatric Care Center in Gastonia, North Carolina. If your child has an asthma diagnosis, our...

Circumcision is the procedure that removes a boy’s foreskin from the end of the penis, exposing the tip. Many parents choose to have circumcision done in the first few days of life before their baby leaves the hospital.  Circumcision is not a medical necessity, however. Families may circumcise for religious...

If your child regularly wheezes, coughs, or struggles when they’re exercising, it’s probably not because they’re out of shape. In many cases, it’s a sign of exercise-induced asthma, even if your child has no prior history of asthma or allergies.  Symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and breathlessness occur in...

Hives, also known as urticaria, are common, affecting about 20% of people at some point in their lives. If your child develops these raised itchy bumps, it’s normal to be concerned.  Hives are uncomfortable, itchy, and confounding, but they often disappear on their own. If your child has chronic hives that happen...

Your immune system protects you from harmful pathogens, like viruses or bacteria. But, sometimes, your immune system goes haywire and identifies a food as a potential danger. This results in a food allergy where your immune system reacts in a way to protect you from the perceived danger. Food allergies affect about 8%...

In North Carolina, ticks are found year-round, but are most active from early spring to late fall. If your child is out playing and then you find a tick on their scalp, don’t panic. Follow these steps from Dr. Margaret Lubega of First Pediatric Care Center in Gastonia, North Carolina....

More than 31 million people in the United States have eczema. The condition usually peaks in childhood, which is why Dr. Margaret Lubega of First Pediatric Care Center in Gastonia, North Carolina, specializes in helping families manage this itchy skin condition.  Dr. Lubega helps you identify eczema triggers and offers medical treatments like topical steroids...

Prepare your child now for a successful and safe football season. Football offers lots of benefits like teamwork and physical fitness, but it’s a sport with a high chance of injury.  If your child needs a sports physical prior to joining their football team, visit Margaret Lubega, MD, of First Pediatric...

Whether or not to circumcise your baby boy is a decision that every parent needs to make.  Some parents choose circumcision for religious or cultural reasons. You may also be concerned about health issues associated with your child not cleaning well around the foreskin and believe that circumcision is the...

As many as 5.6 million children in the United States have food allergies. If your child is among this population, build a partnership with the school to keep your child safe. With cooperation, you, your child’s teachers, the school nurse, and administrators can help your child manage any food allergies.  Dr. Margaret Lubega, our...

You know people can be allergic to foods, chemicals, and pollen, but did you know people can also be allergic to sunlight? If your child breaks out in hives following sun exposure, their immune system is overreacting to the UV rays.  You might notice hives, a rash, or small blisters....

North Carolina is home to several types of ticks. They’re found year-round, but you or your child are most likely to encounter one in the late spring to early fall.  Don’t let the fear of tick-borne illnesses keep you from enjoying outdoor fun. At First Pediatric Care Center, Dr. Margaret Lubega...

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the penile foreskin. The procedure is not required by hospitals before your baby is discharged, so you have time to decide if the procedure is right for your son.  If you’re of the Jewish or Muslim faith, circumcision is part of your culture and...

Of course vaccines protect your child from devastating illness, disability, and death, but they have benefits that extend into the community. Margaret Lubega, MD, and our team at First Pediatric Care Center in Gastonia, North Carolina, are ready to help get your child up to date with all of their...

Hives can be scary. Your child’s skin develops pink or red bumps, looks slightly swollen, and feels itchy or like it’s burning. The hives may develop in patches that are as large as a dinner plate.  Hives may travel from location to location, as well. Your child may start having...

Almost 10 million children under the age of 18 have atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema.  Eczema can make your child’s skin feel irritated, itchy, dry, and inflamed. Eczema flare-ups cause unbearable rashes that bleed and ooze, usually due to your child’s attempt to ease their discomfort with...

Spiders can be scary, especially if they bite your child! While most spider bites are minor, a few species can cause dangerous symptoms.  If your child has been bitten by a spider, home treatments are usually sufficient to help the bite heal. But, if you’re concerned about your child’s symptoms...

Your child seems healthy and energetic, so sports is a natural fit. Plus, playing sports builds stamina, keeps your child strong, and develops social skills. But, before you enroll your child in a school or club sport, it’s a smart idea to get them a pediatric sports physical. Margaret Lubega,...

Insects make up half of all the living organisms on earth, so it makes sense your child might come into contact with them once in a while. The occasional mosquito bite is to be expected here in North Carolina.  But, some bug bites can spread dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease...

As many as 6.1 million children suffer from asthma, making it the most common chronic condition among kids. You may know severe wheezing, coughing, and struggling to breathe are signs of asthma, but your child’s symptoms may not always be so obvious. In many cases, it’s challenging to determine if...

Peanuts, eggs, wheat, shellfish, and milk -- these are among the most common food allergens that exist. An allergy occurs when your immune system has an abnormal response to these normally healthy foods. Determining whether your child has an allergy to one of these food ingredients, or different one altogether,...

A baby boy is born with skin covering the tip of the penis. This foreskin is what’s removed during circumcision. Certain faiths celebrate circumcision as a religious ritual. But many parents not of those faiths struggle with whether or not to circumcise their child.  Marget Lubega, MD, of First Pediatric...

It’s almost like biting insects are drawn to your child. And, when your little one has an insect bite, it’s just about impossible to keep them from scratching away at the irritated site. The best way to keep your child from scratching a bug bite is to prevent one in...

Not every child with eczema suffers during the summer. Some find the warm weather and humidity brings relief. But, if your child finds that heat, sweat, and sun are a trigger for itching, scratching, inflammation, and irritation, then our experienced pediatrician Margaret Lubega, MD, of First Pediatric Care Center has...

Vaccines are an essential part of your child’s preventive care. They protect kids from contracting diseases, like polio and whooping cough, that once caused devastating long-term illness, serious complications, and even death. Plus, vaccinating your child helps protect the community from these diseases, too.  At First Pediatric Care Center in...

Research shows that circumcision is associated with a significant reduction in risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Recurrent UTIs experienced early in life can lead to renal and hypertensive disease in addition to making your little one feel miserable and suffer the pain of infection. At First Pediatric Care...

Almost 5% of children younger than 5 years old have food allergies. Most of these kids outgrow the allergies as they get older. But for right now, you need a trusted provider to help you identify food allergies and offer treatment if a reaction should happen. At First Pediatric Care...

Circumcision is a minor surgical procedure done to remove the foreskin from the hood of the penis. The procedure is commonly performed on infants, usually before your baby leaves the hospital. You, as a parent, are given a choice as to whether or not to circumcise your child. The decision...

More than 31 million people in the United States suffer from eczema, many of them children. If your child has the itchy, inflamed skin associated with eczema, winter can be a tough time.  Cold, dry air and indoor heating aggravate eczema, so your child may need a little extra skin...

Asthma is a chronic condition that interferes with your child’s ability to breathe. You may notice your child regularly gets short of breath and coughs uncontrollably at times. These symptoms interfere with play, school, and even sleep. As their caregiver, you play a huge role in helping your child understand...

Up to 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed in the United States each year. Lyme disease can be resolved quickly when prompt treatment is administered, but if it’s not detected or allowed to linger, it can spread to your joints, heart, and nervous system. Lyme disease begins when...

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks, but doesn’t medically recommend or advise against the procedure. Circumcision isn’t routine for all male newborns because health professionals and the AAP recognize the parents’ right to make a decision for their own infant. About two-thirds...

As many as 7 million children in the United States suffer from asthma. Asthma affects your child’s availability to attend school and interferes with their ability to play sports or have fun with their friends. Severe attacks can land a child in the hospital, too. Proper asthma management, however, can...

COVID-19 is an infection that’s highly contagious and has potentially dire effects on your health. You’re doing your best to keep your family at home during the pandemic – but don’t do so at the expense of your child’s health. Pediatrician Margaret Lubega, MD, stresses the importance of keeping up...

Getting your child immunized is one of the best ways you can protect their health. Immunizations, or vaccines, contain small amounts of a killed or weakened version of the germ that causes specific diseases. The vaccinations build up your child’s defensive immune system so they can fight off infections they...

In some children, exposure to specific allergens can cause the life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Allergens that cause this reaction can be found in certain medications, insect stings, or foods. If you’ve been told your child is at risk of anaphylaxis or you’ve seen them experience it first-hand, you must...

Sports physicals should not be considered optional. Any child who starts a season of play benefits from this essential checkup, as it helps ensure their health and well-being both on and off the field, court, or track.Margaret Lubega, MD is a pediatric specialist who happily provides sports physicals to children...

It’s not so easy to pick up food on the run or throw together a quick meal when you have a child with a food allergy. Having a plan in place when it comes to meals helps you avoid unnecessary stress and hunger as well as a potentially dangerous allergic...

Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and constriction of the bronchial tubes. Asthma usually doesn’t cause constant distress, but has flare-ups that are triggered by stress, pollutants, exercise, or allergens. An asthma attack can last from just a few minutes to several days, depending on the nature of...

For many children, sports are a big part of childhood. Sports can help kids exercise, learn team-building skills, and have fun. Unfortunately, along with all the fun can come a lot of injuries. In fact, Stanford Children’s Health reports that more than 3.5 million injuries occur annually among the more...

One in 13 kids has a food allergy, and 40% of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one of the greater than 170 foods known to cause allergic reactions. Two in five children with food allergies have suffered a severe reaction. How can you tell if your...

Vaccinations are an important part of protecting your child’s health. Vaccines are effective in preventing serious illness, and Dr. Margaret Lubega strongly recommends that you follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) schedule for childhood immunizations. Some misconceptions about vaccination have taken hold, however, even prompting some people...

Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions kids can get, affecting more than 9 million in the United States alone. The incessant dry, red, itchy skin shows up on various body parts from the scalp to the feet. It’s not contagious, but it’s not curable either. It is,...

If you’re having a male child, one of the first questions you will likely be asked is if you want to circumcise him. Although especially popular in the United States, circumcision rates have fallen since the post-war years, from 83% in the 1960s to 77 percent in 2010. While some of...

As an adult, you know all about stress. It can make your heart race, your blood pressure skyrocket, and your headache. But did you know it can also cause hives? And did you know it’s not just an adult problem? If your child is complaining of an itchy, red rash,...

If your child is one of the more than six million in the United States who has asthma, there are two things you want for them: to be healthy and to have a normal childhood. For many kids, sports are a huge part of their life, so the question is...

Summer is just around the corner, and so is the potential for a greater exposure to tick bites. Tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, can threaten your children, your pets, and even you. Don't let these little carriers ruin your family’s good time. To help protect your children from ticks...

Vaccinating your child is one way you protect little ones from a host of potentially harmful, even deadly, diseases. And when you travel during summer, it’s doubly important to make sure your child is up to date on standard immunizations and recommended vaccines specific to your destination. At First Pediatric...

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects children and adults. Red, dry, itchy patches of skin are frustrating and can be painful at any age. From environmental irritants to genetic predisposition, eczema can develop in infants as young as 2 months old. If you notice that your child is...

Participation in organized sports has a wide range of physical, emotional, and social benefits. It helps to promote physical fitness, improve self-esteem, and helps kids learn teamwork. As a parent, you need to make sure your child is healthy enough to play sports safely, so a sports physical is required...

About 6 million children under the age of 18 suffer from asthma in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While asthma is a condition that you can keep under control, it can also be deadly. Asthma is responsible for nine deaths each day,...

Nearly 6 million children worldwide have some form of food allergy. Seeing your child become sick but not understanding why can be scary. If your child has been sick and it doesn’t seem to be passing, food allergies could be to blame. Allergic reactions to foods have been on the...

There’s much debate about circumcision these days. While some some people opt out of having their infant son circumcised, others keep up the tradition, citing the need for their sons to “fit in” with his peers. The majority of boys in the United States are circumcised, usually within days of...

Whether your child breaks out in hives once or once a month, seeing the swelling and irritation spread over your child’s skin can be frightening for a parent. But Dr. Lubega with the First Pediatric Care Center wants you to know there are several treatment options available for your child....

As the temperature drops and you’re dodging every stranger on the sidewalk who’s sneezing, coughing or clutching a tissue, you know that flu season has arrived. It isn’t an enjoyable time of the year since you worry that your child returning home from school with a runny nose has succumbed...

For many people, a handful of peanuts makes for a delicious snack. For someone who is allergic to peanuts or other foods, it can be deadly.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that between 4-6% of children have a food allergy. It’s an irregular response to food that’s activated...

The Importance of Childhood VaccinesOver the last five decades, vaccines have nearly wiped out major viral diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Today, once deadly diseases like polio, diphtheria, and smallpox are virtually unheard of, and cases of MMR are extremely rare. Though  good sanitation and clean drinking water...

Asthma is a common childhood condition, affecting about 9 million U.S. kids under 18. While there is no cure for asthma, you can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and manage symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath with an effective asthma care management plan.This means family vacations...

Taking part in recreational athletics or organized team sports can benefit young children, adolescents, and older teens in a variety of ways. Besides giving them an opportunity to hone their physical skills, become more disciplined, and stretch their limits, playing sports can also help young people stay fit and learn...