Question
My 8-month-old son has been particularly fussy at night for the past month, often waking up and crying suddenly. Despite multiple intravenous injections of calcium and vitamin D, the results have still not been satisfactory. Could a zinc deficiency also be causing this symptom? What should I do?
Answer
There can be various reasons for a child’s nighttime crying, common non-pathological causes include hunger, thirst, a wet diaper, being too cold or too hot, tight or uncomfortable clothing, being bitten by mosquitoes or insects, or skin touching sharp objects. If these reasons are ruled out and the child still cries, it may be related to illness, such as rickets or intestinal colic. For rickets, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D, increasing outdoor activities, and consuming foods rich in vitamin D can improve the condition. If suspected to be intestinal colic, gentle abdominal massage or medication to relieve spasm can be used, and attention should be paid to keeping the abdomen warm and adjusting the diet. If the crying is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or diarrhea, medical attention should be sought immediately.