Patient's question:
Daughter is 4 years old. She has never been a great eater. Sometimes she can manage half a bowl, but basically only a small half-bowl each day, and sometimes even less. The worst habit she has is that she likes to hold food in her mouth. She can keep a mouthful of food there for a long time without swallowing it.Doctor's answer:
Child anorexia refers to a symptom of poor appetite or prolonged loss of appetite in children (mainly aged 3-6). It is a symptom rather than an independent disease. Certain chronic diseases, such as peptic ulcers, chronic hepatitis, tuberculosis, dyspepsia, and long-term constipation, may be causes of anorexia (only 9%). However, most cases of child anorexia are not caused by diseases (86%) but rather by poor dietary habits, unreasonable eating patterns, unhealthy eating environments, and psychological factors between parents and children.For children (without illness) – the reasons for dietary anorexia are irregular, with no fixed meal times, extended or shortened eating periods, and disruption of normal gastrointestinal digestion. Continuous snacking, constant talking, and an idle stomach lead to impaired gastrointestinal motility and secretion.