National Standard Code
A09.01
GB/T 15657-2021
Category
Pediatric diseases and symptoms

Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition

In traditional Chinese medicine, "Accumulation and Retention" (also known as infantile dyspepsia) falls under the category of pediatric diseases. It is described in the field of internal medicine as a condition caused by weakened spleen and stomach, irregularity in milk and food intake, leading to improper transformation of the spleen and stomach, with milk and food stagnating in the intestines and stomach, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal distension, vomiting, and diarrhea. The pathogenesis of accumulation and retention is rooted in weakened spleen and stomach, with food and milk retention as the manifestation. Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the stomach, and promoting digestion.

The clinical diagnosis of accumulation and retention primarily revolves around the core pathogenesis of weakened spleen and stomach. Common triggers include irregular diet, improper feeding, and weakened spleen and stomach. During diagnosis, it is important to differentiate between cold and heat, as well as deficiency and excess. For example, the accumulation of milk and food manifests as abdominal distension, belching, regurgitation of undigested food, and acid-smelling stools; the treatment approach is to digest milk and food, and harmonize the middle-jiao. In cases of spleen deficiency with retention, symptoms include sallow complexion, fatigue, lack of appetite, abdominal fullness, and a preference for pressing; the treatment approach is to strengthen the spleen, aid in transportation, and combine both digestion and supplementation. In clinical practice, the treatment of accumulation and retention emphasizes holistic adjustment, emphasizing the restoration of spleen and stomach function, and achieving the goal of digestion and elimination through dietary adjustments and lifestyle improvements.

Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation

Internal Accumulation of Breast Milk and Food Syndrome

Main Manifestations: Epigastric and abdominal fullness, belching with acid regurgitation, vomiting undigested food, and acid-smelling feces

Management Approach: Digestive and middle-warming, promotes digestion and relieves stagnation

Spleen Deficiency with Accumulation Syndrome

Main Manifestations: Yellowish complexion, fatigue, lack of appetite for milk and food, abdominal fullness and preference for pressing

Management Approach: Strengthen the spleen and aid in transportation, combine both elimination and supplementation

The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.

Physician's Clinical Insights

Children with accumulation and retention often suffer from weakened spleen and stomach. The fundamental treatment lies in strengthening the spleen and stomach, and promoting digestion and elimination.

— Li Mingjiu Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Reviewed by: Li Mingjiu (Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner) | 2026-07-07 | Version 2

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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.

This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.

References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)

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