Question
The baby has been suffering from dry vomiting and spitting up milk since 3 months old, with recurrent episodes. There is often a sticky residue in the mouth, and the stool is sticky. This has been going on for six months now. During this period, the baby only eats a little milk when drowsy, and doesn’t eat anything at all when awake and hungry. The child doesn’t like to drink water, but is in good spirits. Is this caused by a fire excess?
Answer
Fire excess and deficient stomach yin may have some similar symptoms, but they are fundamentally different. Fire excess is a real fire, while deficient stomach yin is a weak. According to the information you provided, the child may have a case of deficient stomach yin. Soup made with Codonopsis pilosula, Polygonatum odoratum, Lily bulb, and Astragalus can be used to nourish yin and promote bowel movement. However, for a more accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to consult a local Chinese medicine doctor for differentiation and treatment. Additionally, the condition of “sticky stool” suggests possible insufficient intestinal motility, which can be improved with Mebeverine. For a child of seven months and half, one-fifth of a tablet can be used. Moreover, the fact that the child has not gained any weight from three months to seven months and half indicates poor digestion and absorption; the amount of nutrients entering the body for utilization may be less.