Question
A two-year-old experienced diarrhea after consuming cold food. The parents were concerned about whether this situation was normal and whether they should avoid letting their child eat cold foods. Is the child’s lack of appetite related to a weak spleen and stomach?
Answer
The diarrhea in the child may be due to improper dietary adjustment in the past, leading to a weak spleen and stomach and insufficient spleen Yang, making them susceptible to discomfort from cold stimulation or the consumption of cold foods. Currently, it cannot be confirmed that there is blood in the stool, which is usually caused by inflammation or infection and can lead to mucosal damage. The current main treatment is to stop diarrhea, which can be done by taking Simethicone or other Chinese herbal medicines that regulate the spleen and stomach, such as Shenling Baizhu Powder. In terms of diet, it should be mainly based on rice soup and avoid foods that may cause discomfort, such as milk and eggs. To achieve a fundamental recovery, it may be necessary to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor for a diagnosis and treatment based on symptoms. The child should avoid eating any cold foods.