Question
Several children in the kindergarten have been eating very little lately, and we don’t know what’s going on. Could they have pediatric anorexia? What are the symptoms of anorexia?
Answer
Anorexia refers to a common condition where children show a long-term lack of appetite, disinterest in food, and even refusal to eat. According to the clinical manifestations, it can be divided into two types: insufficient stomach Yin and poor spleen function. Insufficient stomach Yin is characterized by dry mouth with excessive thirst, dry and hard stools, and a red tongue with little saliva; while poor spleen function is indicated by pale complexion, abdominal distension, loose stools, and a pale tongue with white fur. The principle of treatment is to nourish the spleen and stomach function and replenish Yin fluid.