Sidra’s Journey to Health

Introduction:
Sidra, a resilient 1.5-year-old, faced distressing health challenges with persistent diarrhea from seven months old. Despite useless visits to numerous healthcare providers, hope emerged through Dr. Asaad’s comprehensive care, leading to a transformative recovery. Sidra now thrives, attending follow-up appointments, a testament to the pediatrician’s diligent support.
Through the Father’s Perspective:
Sidra’s father said, ‘When Sidra was about 7 months old, she experienced recurring diarrhea, showed slight improvement, and then relapsed into discomfort. This situation persisted for almost a year. Despite visiting numerous pharmacies and doctors, no progress was observed. Recently, at one pharmacy, we were advised to consult Dr. Asaad at Al-Salam Health Center. They highly recommended him. Upon visiting Dr. Asaad, he conducted an examination, ask for her medical history, requested tests, prescribed medication, altered her diet, and, fortunately, her condition has significantly improved. May God grant Dr. Asaad continued success and goodness. The diarrhea has ceased, and she has resumed drinking, eating, and playing. Even her appearance has remarkably changed, for which we are grateful. Thank you all, and may God bless you.’
Diagnosis and Medical Intervention:
Dr. Asaad, a pediatrician, stated, ‘Sidra approached us with a history of chronic and recurring diarrhea from the age of six months, along with frequent vomiting, poor appetite, and failure to thrive. She was breastfed until the age of one, following which she was given various types of milk, including specialized formulas, yet the diarrhea persisted. Upon examination, we observed signs of failure to thrive, pallor, general weakness, and mild dehydration. A detailed medical history guided us to request several tests, revealing lactose intolerance. As a result, the child was placed on a lactose-free diet, and all dairy products such as yogurt and cheese were discontinued for five days. Remarkable improvements in diarrhea, appetite, and weight gain were noted, and she now visits us weekly for further assessment.’
Path to Recovery:
Sidra, accompanied by her father, regularly attends appointments with the pediatrician at Al-Salam Center to monitor her condition and ensure her ongoing well-being.