Pediatric Anorexia (Poor Appetite)
Overview
Pediatric anorexia refers to a common spleen-stomach disorder in children characterized by prolonged poor appetite, disinterest in food, or even food refusal. It mostly affects children aged 1–6 years, with a higher incidence in urban areas. The disease is often caused by improper feeding, dietary irregularities, congenital insufficiency, or chronic illness. The disease location is the spleen and stomach, and the basic pathogenesis is disharmony of the spleen and stomach with impaired reception and transformation. Clinically, it is marked by long-standing loss of appetite and reduced food intake. The prognosis is generally good, but if it persists, it may lead to insufficient production of qi and blood, affecting growth and development, and may transform into gan syndrome (malnutrition).
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Spleen Failing in Transportation and Transformation
Poor appetite, reduced food intake, aversion to eating, dull complexion, fair spirit, slightly thin body, irregular stools or containing undigested food residues, pale red tongue with thin white or thin greasy coating, and a relatively forceful pulse.
Harmonize the spleen and stomach; activate the spleen and open the appetite.
Qi Deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach
Poor appetite, eating little and being lazy to speak, sallow complexion, mental fatigue, emaciation, loose stools containing undigested food, pale tongue with thin white coating, and a slow weak pulse.
Strengthen the spleen and boost qi, with assistance to promote transportation.
Yin Deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach
Poor appetite, eating little but drinking much, dry skin, dry stools, short yellow urine, and even restlessness with poor sleep, heat in the palms and soles, red tongue with little fluid, scanty or peeling coating, and a fine rapid pulse.
Nourish the spleen and stomach yin, with assistance to promote transportation.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Regulate the diet, correct picky eating habits, eat at regular times and in proper amounts, and avoid snacks and raw, cold, greasy foods before meals. Create a relaxed and pleasant eating environment and do not force feeding. Increase outdoor activities appropriately and ensure adequate sleep. Pediatric tuina can be combined, such as abdominal massage, spinal pinching, and pressing Zusanli (ST36), to strengthen the spleen and promote transportation. Monitor weight and growth.
When to seek medical care
If there is marked emaciation, failure to gain or loss of weight, listlessness, pale complexion, recurrent infections, or accompanying fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain, be alert to gan syndrome or organic disease and seek medical attention promptly for further examination.