Homeopathic Management of a Child With Poor Weight Gain, Reduced Appetite and Chronic Constipation: A Case Report at Dr Batra's

Abstract

Background: Poor weight gain in children may be associated with inadequate dietary intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation and psychosocial or behavioural factors. A comprehensive assessment requires evaluation of nutritional intake, bowel habits, associated gastrointestinal symptoms and general constitutional characteristics.

Case Presentation: A child presented with inability to gain weight, reduced appetite and a tendency toward chronic constipation. Stool was passed once every 2–3 days and was hard, with the problem persisting for approximately 4–5 years. The child also complained of acidity, abdominal bloating and recurrent abdominal discomfort. Diet was reported to be inadequate, with irregular intake of fruits and vegetables. Behaviourally, the child was described as shy and introverted, with fear of darkness and insects, inability to stay alone, obstinacy and a tendency to throw tantrums. At the initial documented follow-up, body weight was 19.3 kg, with reduced appetite and stool approximately once every two days. During subsequent follow-up, constipation progressively improved, abdominal symptoms settled and appetite eventually became normal. By August 2026, the patient was documented as active, with normal appetite, improved constipation and no allopathic medication use for the preceding six months. The repertorial analysis showed Pulsatilla prominently, particularly in relation to timidity, fear of being alone and darkness, and the recorded thermal state of being hot.

Conclusion: The case demonstrates longitudinal improvement in constipation and appetite within an individualized homeopathic management framework. However, because this is an uncontrolled single case with no standardized growth assessment or comparison group, the observations cannot establish causal efficacy of the homeopathic treatment.