Question
A 5-month-old baby is experiencing diarrhea. How should parents handle the situation? Is immediate medical attention necessary, and when can they expect to see improvement after treatment?
Answer
Infant diarrhea, also known as dyspepsia, if it persists for a longer period, may lead to malnutrition and delayed growth and development. Parents are advised to try the following traditional Chinese acupoint massage methods: Have the baby lie flat, using ginger juice as a medium, and press on the spleen meridian point 300 times, knead the board gate point 200 times, and push the large intestine point 100 times. At the same time, use the thumb or index and middle fingers to press on the San Guan point until the skin turns red. This massage method is effective in treating infant diarrhea, but if there is an infection factor, consider using antibiotics and other medications for treatment as well. In case of dehydration or poisoning symptoms, immediate emergency treatment such as intravenous fluid administration should be carried out.