Patient's question:
What are the symptoms of spleen deficiency in a seven-month-old baby?Doctor's answer:
For children prone to recurrent respiratory infections due to spleen deficiency, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) generally advocates active treatment of the root cause, which involves strengthening the spleen, replenishing qi, and consolidating the foundation to reduce or prevent further respiratory infections. Common methods include strengthening the spleen and boosting qi, supporting the body's (zhengqi) and consolidating the surface, and replenishing qi while nourishing yin. Symptoms of spleen deficiency in children may include: eczema, impetigo, thrush, jaundice, and damp hands and feet—these are external manifestations. It can also lead to constipation, diarrhea, excessive phlegm, and coughing—these are internal symptoms.