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

Food retention (Ji Shi) 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 (epigastric region). This condition commonly occurs in infants and young children. Specific symptoms include:

① Sudden-onset fever

In cases of food retention–induced fever in children, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea typically accompany the fever, while common cold symptoms—such as nasal congestion and rhinorrhea—are absent. Additional features include constipation, anorexia, and thick, greasy tongue coating. Notably, fever associated with food retention often manifests predominantly at night, with milder or negligible symptoms during the day; it is usually persistent low-grade fever and may present as sudden-onset fever.

② Loss of appetite

A hallmark symptom of food retention–induced fever is loss of appetite. Other signs include a resonant “thumping” sound upon gentle percussion of the abdomen, elevated temperature over the abdomen and lower back, white and greasy tongue coating, oral malodor, thickened tongue coating, hot breath, and erythema of the tonsils.

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