Question
A 4-year-old child sometimes experiences partial shedding of the tongue coating, forming patterns similar to a map. Could this be a symptom of parasitic infection or Spleen and stomach issues? The child received stomach and spleen treatment at the age of 3, and after the treatment, their appetite increased, but they are currently underweight. What dietary precautions should be taken, and how should adjustments be made?
Answer
Firstly, ensure the child gets adequate rest and avoids overexertion. The diet should be balanced and timely in providing complementary foods to prevent picky eating, ensuring sufficient intake of meats to avoid gastrointestinal dysfunction and malnutrition. Secondly, carefully inspect the child’s teeth, tonsils, and facial mucosa to eliminate potential sources of infection. Lastly, for children with a longer duration of illness, it’s important to understand their medical history in detail and observe the condition of their oral mucosa to consider providing nutritional supplements such as vitamin B or zinc sulfate.