Question
A child frequently experiences intermittent abdominal pain, the location of which is difficult to pinpoint, and this symptom has persisted for over a year without a definitive diagnosis. A senior TCM practitioner suspects it to be gastric spasm, and the parents are seeking treatment methods, wondering which is more suitable between traditional Chinese medicine treatment and Western medicine treatment?
Answer
Pediatric gastric spasm refers to the spasms of the stomach muscles, causing sharp stomach pain, which in severe cases may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This condition is usually related to stomach coldness or improper diet. It is recommended that the child should rest adequately and use a warm towel to apply heat to the stomach to alleviate discomfort. In terms of diet, it is advisable to avoid cold and raw foods, spicy and irritating foods, as well as hard-to-digest foods. Additionally, it is suggested to reduce the consumption of snacks, beverages, and ice cream.