Dr. Deepika Sivathanu is a compassionate Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist at Apollo Children's Hospitals, Thousand Lights, Chennai, with over 10 years of experience in newborn, infant, child and adolescent care. She holds an MD in Paediatrics and is trained and IAP-certified in Allergy, Asthma & Immunotherapy, along with NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certifications. Dr. Deepika offers comprehensive, evidence-based and family-centred care spanning newborn and well baby care, vaccination and customized immunization schedules, child growth and development assessment, breastfeeding and lactation support, infant and child nutrition, and preventive paediatrics. She has special expertise in managing childhood allergy, asthma, food allergy, eczema, allergic rhinitis, childhood fever and infections, developmental assessment, adolescent health and parenting guidance, from routine childhood illnesses to complex paediatric conditions. A member of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), she is actively involved in postgraduate teaching and clinical research, with multiple national and international peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in paediatric neurology. Fluent in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, she creates a warm, reassuring and child-friendly environment where every family feels heard, supported and empowered.
Favourable Response to the Classic Ketogenic Diet in Anti-GAD65 Antibody-Mediated Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus – Epilepsy & Behavior (2022)
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Joubert Syndrome due to a Novel ZNF423 Mutation – Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences (2020)
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Book Chapters
Pharmacotherapy of Seizures – Scotts Specialty Series: Pediatric Neurology (with Dr. Ranjith Kumar Manokaran)
Antiepileptic Drugs – Conventional and Newer Agents – Scotts Specialty Series: Pediatric Neurology (with Dr. Ranjith Kumar Manokaran)
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Association of Urine Microalbuminuria with the Severity of Dengue Fever in Children – Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai (2018–2021)
Q: When should I take my child to a pediatrician for fever?
Most viral fevers improve with supportive care, but infants below 3 months, persistent high fever, breathing difficulty, poor feeding, lethargy, seizures, or signs of dehydration require immediate medical evaluation.
Q: How often should my child receive vaccinations?
Vaccinations should be given according to the National Immunization Schedule and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) schedule. Timely vaccination protects against serious infectious diseases.
Q: My child has recurrent cough and wheezing. Could it be asthma?
Not every episode of wheezing is asthma. A detailed evaluation helps identify asthma, allergies, infections, or other causes and allows appropriate long-term management.
Q: When should I worry if my baby is not gaining weight?
Growth should always be assessed using growth charts. Poor weight gain may be due to feeding difficulties, nutritional issues, or underlying medical conditions and should be evaluated early.
Q: My child is a picky eater. Is this normal?
Picky eating is common in toddlers. Most children grow well with appropriate feeding practices, but persistent poor growth or nutritional deficiencies need medical assessment.
Q: How can I prevent frequent infections in my child?
Good nutrition, adequate sleep, vaccination, hand hygiene, and regular physical activity reduce infections. Some children may require evaluation for allergies or other underlying conditions.
Q: Does my child need allergy testing?
Allergy testing is recommended only when clinically indicated, such as recurrent allergic rhinitis, eczema, food allergies, or persistent asthma symptoms. Testing should always be guided by clinical history.
Q: When should I bring my newborn for the first check-up?
A newborn should ideally be examined within the first week after birth to assess feeding, weight gain, jaundice, and overall health.
Q: When should I consult a doctor for delayed speech or development?
If your child is not achieving expected developmental milestones or there are concerns about speech, social interaction, or motor skills, an early developmental assessment is recommended.
Q: Can childhood asthma be controlled?
Yes. With the right diagnosis, trigger avoidance, inhaler technique, and regular follow-up, most children with asthma can lead active, healthy lives.
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