How to Determine Whether a Child’s Fever Is Caused by Food Stagnation

Food retention (accumulation) refers to a gastrointestinal disorder in children caused by excessive intake of milk or food, which impairs the spleen and stomach functions and leads to stagnation of undigested food in the middle jiao (the epigastric region). This condition commonly occurs in infants and young children. Specific symptoms include:

① Sudden-onset fever

In most cases, fever associated with food retention in children is accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—but without nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, or other common cold symptoms. Additional features include constipation, anorexia, and a thick, greasy tongue coating. A characteristic feature of food-retention-related fever is its nocturnal predominance—fever tends to occur at night, with milder or absent symptoms during the day—and typically presents as persistent low-grade fever or sudden-onset fever.

② Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is a hallmark symptom in children with food retention and associated fever. Other signs include a resonant “thumping” sound upon gentle percussion of the abdomen, elevated temperature over the abdomen and lower back, a white, greasy tongue coating, oral malodor, a notably thick tongue coating, hot breath, and erythema of the tonsils.

Management: The primary therapeutic goal for food-retention-induced fever is resolving food accumulation. Over-the-counter traditional Chinese patent medicines may be administered to promote bowel movement; once constipation resolves, the fever typically subsides. While resolving food accumulation, closely monitor the child’s symptoms and body temperature. For fevers below 38.5°C without significant abnormalities, antipyretics are generally unnecessary; increased fluid intake and physical cooling measures suffice. For temperatures ≥38.5°C, use age-appropriate pediatric antipyretics. If the temperature exceeds 39°C, stronger antipyretics may be considered—but dosage must strictly follow medical advice to avoid overdose. All medications should be used only under physician guidance.