Well-being Q&A: Child's weight gain

For the past 18 months my five-year-old son has not put on much weight and has an immunity problem. He weighs 16kg and his height is 105cm. He passes stool immediately after his meals and vomits almost every night. We have given him all kinds of vitamin supplements and haemoglobin syrups but nothing seems to work. Please advise.

S.K. Dubai

Weight gain is not the only way to assess a child's growth because children are meant to get bigger overall, but not fatter. Getting taller is also part of a child's growth pattern. The overall growth pattern depends on proper food and adequate care. However illness, serious neglect or emotional disturbances can cause unsatisfactory weight gain.

Although it's not optimum, 105cm and 16kg is normal for an Indian child aged five. However, concerns of bowel irregularity and vomiting need to be carefully addressed. Two relatively harmless, but troublesome, conditions - irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and coeliac disease (a digestive condition triggered by consumption of gluten, which is found in wheat, barley or rye) - have to be ruled out. These may cause an urge to have a bowel movement after a meal.

Night-time vomiting is typically seen in people with certain conditions including acid reflux, gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infections, sinus problems or post-nasal drip.

Many people with acid reflex or IBS/coeliac disease have at least some symptoms of the other condition.

Here are some things you can try:

*Available at shops selling herbal products