Question
The infant experiences intervertebral gas pain, and after receiving digestive and Qi-relieving herbal treatment, the symptoms have somewhat alleviated. However, every three to five days, the crying and fussiness recurs. The baby has bowel movements about four to five times a day, fed on breast milk and formula. The infant is otherwise in good condition, with good appetite and mental state. They have taken 21 doses of traditional Chinese medicine. Are there more effective treatment methods available from experts?
Answer
The symptoms of infant intervertebral gas pain include lower back pain, sweating on the forehead, cold hands and feet, and pale complexion, which may be accompanied by abdominal distension. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, these symptoms may be caused by cold congealing in the gastrointestinal tract or milk and food retention. Cold congealing in the gastrointestinal tract is characterized by abdominal pain, soft abdomen, preference for warmth and darkness, with pain relief after warm compresses. Milk and food retention is manifested as cramping abdominal pain, aversion to darkness, decreased appetite, vomiting sour milk, and foul-smelling stools. Treatment should be based on the infant’s specific symptoms for accurate diagnosis of the cause. Pay attention to keeping warm in daily life and use warm medicine to relieve pain.