Patient's question:
The baby started experiencing dry retching, vomiting milk, and recurrent episodes from the age of 3 months. There are often sticky strands in the mouth, and the stool is thick. This has persisted for six months so far. During this time, the baby only manages to eat a little milk when drowsy, and does not eat anything even when awake and hungry. They dislike drinking water, but their spirits are still good. Is this caused by internal heat?Doctor's answer:
Hyperactivity and insufficient stomach yin, though they may show some similar symptoms, have fundamental differences. Hyperactivity is due to excess heat (), whereas insufficient stomach yin is due to deficiency heat (). The former requires clearing heat with cooling herbs, while the latter needs nourishing yin to reduce the deficiency heat. Based on the information you provided, the child may have stomach yin deficiency. A decoction made with herbs such as sandalwood root (), Solomon's seal (), lily bulb (), and Chinese peony root () can help nourish yin and promote bowel movement. However, for more accurate diagnosis and treatment, it is recommended to consult a local TCM practitioner.The symptom of "thick and sticky stools" suggests possible insufficient intestinal motility. Domperidone () can be used to help with this; for a child at seven and a half months old, one-fifth of a tablet is appropriate. The child's lack of weight gain from three to seven and a half months indicates poor digestion and absorption, meaning fewer nutrients are entering the body for utilization.