What to do if a 5-year-old child refuses to eat for days?

Dear Priyanka ji,

It is understandable to be worried when a 5-year-old child has not been eating properly for 6–7 days. Please do not force the child to eat or start medicines on your own. At this point, a pediatrician should examine the child to find out why the appetite has reduced.

What can be done at home?

• The most important thing is to keep the child well hydrated.

• Offer small amounts of water, milk, soup, ORS or other suitable fluids frequently rather than giving a large amount at once.

• Offer small, easy-to-eat meals such as khichdi, dal-rice, curd, banana, soft fruits, porridge or soup, depending on what the child normally tolerates.

• Give small portions several times a day instead of forcing a full meal.

• Keep mealtimes calm and avoid scolding or forcing the child to eat.

• Check whether the child has fever, cough, sore throat, mouth ulcers, vomiting, loose motions, constipation, stomach pain or pain while swallowing.

• Monitor urine. Passing urine regularly is an important sign that the child is getting enough fluids.

Treatment

There is no single medicine or appetite stimulant that should be given without knowing the cause. The pediatrician may examine the throat, mouth, abdomen and overall hydration and may recommend tests or treatment depending on the findings.

If the child has vomiting or diarrhoea, ORS can help replace lost fluids and salts. Antibiotics should not be started without a doctor's advice.

When to seek urgent medical care

Please take the child to an emergency department promptly if the child :

• Is very sleepy, weak, confused or difficult to wake

• Is unable to drink or cannot keep fluids down

• Has very little or no urine

• Has a very dry mouth, no tears while crying or sunken eyes

• Has difficulty breathing

• Has severe or persistent stomach pain

• Has blood in vomit or stool

• Has a seizure

• Looks very pale, blue or unusually cold

• Is becoming progressively worse

These can indicate dehydration or another condition requiring urgent treatment.

Please arrange a pediatric consultation today, particularly because the poor eating has continued for almost a week. A child may temporarily eat less during an illness, but the underlying reason should be checked when it persists this long.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth