Why can there be diarrhea in a baby. Diarrhea in an Infant: Causes and Treatments

Diarrhea is an involuntary, bulky discharge of liquid feces, most often having a watery consistency. Diarrhea (the medical name is diarrhoea) is usually accompanied by severe abdominal pain, fecal incontinence, intestinal cramps, and nausea. The main danger of prolonged diarrhea is severe dehydration, since feces during diarrhea are almost 90% water absorbed in the large intestine. Together with the liquid, the body loses mineral salts, vitamins and other substances necessary for the normal functioning of all organs, therefore, against the background of diarrhea, a violation of the water and electrolyte balance is rapidly developing.

Diarrhea is especially dangerous in newborns and infants in the first year of life. Abundant loss of fluid can lead to the development of acute heart failure within a few hours, therefore, with infantile diarrhea, especially if it is of an infectious nature, treatment is carried out in an infectious diseases hospital. Diarrhea is one of the three most common problems that parents of babies face, so every mother should know what diarrhea looks like in a baby, what can be its cause, and what symptoms true diarrhea manifests.

The stool in infants changes several times during the first months of life, as the formation digestive system completely ends by 4-6 months (in some children, partial fermentopathy can be observed up to 8-10 months). Newborn stool have an unformed consistency and consist of hair, amniotic fluid, mucus, epithelial cells, bile components that are digested during fetal development. Such excrement is called original feces (meconium), has a viscous and sticky structure and is completely removed from the intestines of the child within 2-3 days after birth.

Until recently, it was believed that the intestines and stomach of a child were completely sterile before he was born, but studies conducted by scientists from Spain revealed the presence of two types of bacteria in meconium masses: Escherichia coli and sour-milk bacilli, which produce lactic acid and form immune system newborn. If the amount of Escherichia coli in the gastrointestinal tract of the child exceeds the permissible norm, the appearance of diarrhea is possible in the first days of the baby's life - in this case, the use of antibiotic therapy and infusion of supporting water balance drugs (sodium chloride solution, glucose solution).

Fourth day after birth

The stool is formed in newborns on the third or fifth day after birth. Fecal masses acquire light brown color, and their consistency becomes pasty or resembles gruel. If this does not happen, it is necessary to conduct an examination and exclude intestinal pathologies, for example, meconium ileus. This is intestinal obstruction caused by obturation (blockage) of the intestinal lumen with meconium, which has an increased viscosity. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the child will be prescribed surgical treatment.

Important! Decorating a chair healthy children breastfeeding occurs within 10-20 days from birth.

Features of the chair in infants and "artificial" children

Normal in children of the first year of life is a stool that has a mushy consistency, yellow or light brown color and a slight smell of sour milk. If the baby is fed breast milk, the feces may contain undigested white particles that resemble curdled cottage cheese. In children receiving formula milk as the main food, there are no impurities in the feces, and the excrement itself is yellow-green or marsh color and a strong, unpleasant odor.

The consistency of feces in "artists" is more dense, in the form of pasty sausages, which may have a shiny surface. The smell and texture of feces may change when formula is changed or complementary foods are introduced. In breastfed babies, feces may change with climate change, certain medications, and exposure to psychological factor(fatigue, fear, increased arousal).

Is loose stools diarrhea?

The digestive tract of a child from the moment of birth continues to be populated by beneficial microorganisms, so the formation of a stool can occur up to 4-5 months. In breastfed infants, the appearance of feces largely depends on whether the nursing mother is on a diet and what foods are included in her diet. All substances that a woman receives during the day, almost completely fall into breast milk(and with it - in the body of the newborn). The lack of certain enzymes does not allow the child to completely digest everything that enters his body, so any nutritional errors can affect appearance feces.

In children up to 2-3 months, bowel movements can occur up to 6-8 times a day, provided that the baby does not receive any nutrition other than mother's milk. From 4 to 6 months, the frequency of stools decreases slightly, but can also be from 3 to 5 times a day.

Important! Loose stools in breastfed babies are normal if they do not contain mucus, blood and other pathological impurities. Severe liquefaction of feces in infants receiving adapted milk formula - danger sign, which most often indicates an infection or disease of the digestive system.

How to distinguish pathology from the norm?

Do not be afraid if a child receiving only mother's milk, defecates several times a day, and his feces have a liquid consistency, if the baby feels well, does not suffer from sleep disorders, and his appetite is not disturbed. Nevertheless, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition and well-being of the child in order not to miss the alarming symptoms and provide him with the necessary assistance in a timely manner.

Diarrhea in infants can be recognized by the following signs:

• watery stools that are yellow, brown or green, more than 8-10 times a day;

• unpleasant, fetid odor;

• the appearance of foam, bloody streaks, undigested lumps, a large amount of mucus and other impurities uncharacteristic of bowel movements healthy child;

• excretion of feces by the type of "fountain";
• vomiting and nausea (with the infectious nature of diarrhea);
• refusal to breast or bottle;
• poor general health.

Important! If a mother suspects that her child has diarrhea, it is necessary to stop using diapers for several hours, as they contain an absorbent layer, and the liquid is absorbed within 1-2 minutes.

Why a symptom occurs: causes and factors

True diarrhea in infants always has a specific cause, so it is important to know what exactly can provoke diarrhea in children in order to properly provide first aid.

Features of complementary foods

The child's body may react with diarrhea to the introduction of new complementary foods if it digestive tract does not produce enough enzymes needed to break down or digest specific substances. Watery vegetables (such as squash, which is recommended as first complementary foods and can be introduced from 4 months of age) increase the amount of fluid absorbed in the colon, which in itself contributes to severe stool thinning.

Any treatment in this case is not required. Mom needs to temporarily exclude the product that provoked diarrhea from the child's diet and observe it for 1-2 days: non-infectious diarrhea completely disappears during this period.

Advice! Children over 5 months old can be given as a remedy for diarrhea a large number of rice water (about 30 ml).

Intestinal infections

It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children of any age. The following factors can lead to the development of infection in infants:

• insufficient sanitization bottles, nipples and utensils for feeding the baby;
• the use of diapers of insufficient sterility (lack of boiling, ironing);
• poor processing of toys;
• irregular wet cleaning indoors;
• the presence of sick animals in the apartment.

Infectious diarrhea is always accompanied by fever, vomiting, lack of appetite. If the cause was rotavirus or entero viral infection, a pink dotted rash may appear on the child's body.

Treatment of infectious diarrhea in infants

Drug group	What drugs to give the child?	Image
Enterosorbents for blood purification from bacteria and toxins	"Smekta" "Neosmectin"
Suspensions based on nifuroxazide with antidiarrheal and antibacterial action	"Enterofuril"
Preparations with probiotics	"Enterol" (open the capsule and mix with the liquid) "Enterol" (open the capsule and mix with the liquid)
Antipyretic drugs (at a temperature above 38 °)	"Paracetamol" "Cefekon"
Solutions for rehydration (by prescription only)

Important! Self-medication for infectious diarrhea is unacceptable. If the baby has signs of an intestinal infection, it is necessary to call the local pediatrician (with a strong deterioration in well-being - an ambulance).

Video - Intestinal infections

Teething

The first teeth in a child usually erupt at the age of 5 to 9 months. The child becomes irritable, moody, may refuse to feed or show anxiety while sucking on the breast and bottle. In many children, the eruption of the first teeth is accompanied by diarrhea, but in some cases this symptom may be a variant of the norm. During the appearance of teeth, the activity of the salivary glands, which contributes to hypersalivation ( increased salivation). Part of the saliva flows out of the child's mouth, the remaining volume flows down the back of the pharynx and enters the stomach, and from it into the intestines.

If the amount of secretion produced is very large, feces may naturally liquefy and mix with processed saliva in the small intestine. Any treatment in this case is not required, but it is important to observe the baby so as not to miss the alarming symptoms of true pathology.

Advice! To relieve pain during teething, you can use cooling and anesthetic gels, for example, " Dentinox" or " Kamistad».

Treatment with antibacterial drugs

If the child was prescribed antibiotics, stool thinning is the result of a violation of the intestinal microflora (intestinal dysbacteriosis). Dysbacteriosis is dangerous not only by local manifestations, but also by systemic weakening of the immune system, so antibiotics for children early age are always prescribed simultaneously with bifid drugs. Infants from the first days of life can be given the following drugs:

• "Lineks";
• "Bifidumbacterin" (powder);
• "Bifiform Baby";
• "Acipol" (the capsule is opened and its contents are diluted in water).

The course of treatment with these drugs can be from 5 to 10 days. Longer use is allowed only on prescription.

Note! Despite the absence of age restrictions on use, you should carefully study the instructions before use. For example, Bifidumbacterin contains milk sugar, so it should not be given to children with signs of lactase deficiency.

A little about hygiene

If the baby has diarrhea, in addition to the main treatment great importance has a hygienic regime. Liquid stools, if passed more than 3-4 times a day, irritate the baby's skin and can lead to severe irritation Therefore, after each bowel movement, it is necessary to wash the baby with warm running water. Should not be used detergents more than once a day, since even soft gels and mousses can break acid-base balance genital organs and lead to increased dryness of the skin.

After washing it is useful to arrange air baths duration 20-30 minutes. If possible, the use of diapers should be avoided until the diarrhea stops, as prolonged contact with feces can provoke prickly heat, skin irritation and secondary infection. If irritation and redness appear, the skin should be lubricated 3-4 times a day with a baby cream or ointment containing dexpanthenol (" Panthenol», « Bepanthen»).

Video - Diarrhea, diarrhea in a child

Diarrhea in infants, especially in a newborn, is always a concern for mothers. And it is right. Dehydration in babies develops very quickly and can be life threatening. In addition, it is quite difficult to treat a baby. But every mother should know what exactly is considered diarrhea and be able to help the child before the doctor arrives. After all, almost no one succeeds in raising a child and never encountering diarrhea.

The intestines of the child before the onset of childbirth are sterile. It contains neither beneficial nor harmful bacteria. The initial colonization of the intestine by microorganisms occurs during childbirth. It is advisable to immediately attach a newborn baby to the breast. At this point, along with the mother's bacteria, antibodies are also transmitted to the child. Breastfed babies are less prone to intestinal infections.

It is desirable that in the first weeks of life a minimum number of people come into contact with the newborn, so that only microorganisms from the skin of the closest people, especially the mother, are transmitted to him.

What should be the chair of a child up to a year

Before talking about diarrhea, you need to understand how normal the feces of a small child should be.

liquid and frequent stool in a newborn or baby up to a year old, it may not be a sign of any disease. In breastfed babies, the stool looks like liquid porridge, it usually has yellow, often with a brownish or greenish tint. There may be small white patches. This is what it looks like in the photo normal feces baby.

In a child who receives exclusively breast milk, feces have a slightly sour smell. For artificial people, it is unpleasant, changing when switching to another mixture. Formula-fed babies often have green stools. This color is caused by iron, which is part of the mixtures, and is considered normal.

After the introduction of complementary foods, the feces become thicker. Its color also changes. It can turn yellowish brown and even green.

Newborn on breastfeeding, can stain diapers up to 10 times a day. At month old baby stool frequency usually decreases. But the normal range is quite wide. Some babies get their diapers dirty every 2-3 days, while others have 5 stools a day. And all this is normal if the baby is healthy, cheerful and gaining weight well.

But if the baby does not gain or even lose weight, and the child’s stool with foam, mucus and sharp bad smell then you need to see a doctor. Most often, the cause of such symptoms is poisoning, infection, and artificial babies are also allergic to milk protein contained in the mixture.

Cases when it is necessary to urgently show the child to the doctor

Since diseases in infants often develop rapidly, with certain symptoms, it is urgent to call a doctor or an ambulance.

The main causes of diarrhea

Depending on the cause of diarrhea, the actions of the mother should be different, therefore, in order to properly help the child, it is necessary to recognize why the diarrhea occurred. And of course, a doctor should help to do this.

Infection

Diarrhea is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In this case, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting are added to the sudden diarrhea. The severity of the problem is indicated by diarrhea with blood in the baby, as well as the appearance of mucus and foam in the feces. Infections are especially difficult in the smallest, newborns, and children. If you do not immediately help the baby, then you can end up in intensive care.

But treatment is symptomatic. Before the time to stop diarrhea means to increase the time the child's body interacts with the poison. Whereas diarrhea is a powerful reaction of the body, aimed at removing poisons from the body. But it is necessary to replenish the supply of fluid and salts in the body. You also need to reduce the temperature with Paracetamol if it is too high.

Errors in nutrition

Intolerance various products nutrition can lead to bowel problems and diarrhea. In infants, the cause of problems may be errors in the diet of the mother. Intolerances are often caused by cow's milk proteins and gluten, which is found in many grains such as wheat, rye and barley. If these products are consumed repeatedly, then diarrhea can be permanent. Added to this are bloating, poor weight gain, and sometimes skin rashes.

This should be treated by simply eliminating the product from the diet. In general, a small child needs to be fed as simply as possible, it is not necessary to introduce “adult foods” into the menu ahead of time, to which the baby’s body is completely unsuitable. This can be done even after a year.

But sometimes intestinal upset is not even caused by some product that appeared in the diet of a child or mother, but by improper organization of breastfeeding. If a woman constantly shifts a newborn from one breast to another, and he does not receive fat milk, then his digestive organs cannot properly digest such food. The liver can't handle it. Lactose does not have time to be digested, due to the rapid passage of too liquid food through the intestines. All of these can lead to green stools and diarrhea.

Taking antibiotics

Antibiotics kill not only harmful microbes, but also beneficial ones. And if the baby has an intestinal disorder after a course of antibiotic treatment, then taking probiotics and prebiotics can help him, the names of which and the dosage should be determined by the doctor. Self-selection of the drug is dangerous for the health of the child.

Children under one year of age may be prescribed the following drugs:

• Linex;
• Acipol;
• Lactobacterin;
• Bifidumbacterin forte;
• Probifor.

Teething

This process can be accompanied by various reactions of the body, in particular diarrhea. If the child has clear signs teething, and at the same time loose stools appear, then nothing needs to be done.

Surgical pathologies

Diarrhea can also accompany acute surgical diseases, such as appendicitis. It is suspected by severe, most often paroxysmal pain in the abdomen, as well as fever. In such a situation, it is necessary to immediately show the child to the doctor.

Other diseases

In young children, the intestines are very unstable and sensitive. And diarrhea can accompany any disease, such as otitis media or bronchitis. Loose stools can cause overheating and even fright. Therefore, with diarrhea, you need to look at other changes in the child's condition in order to make a correct diagnosis. And only a doctor can do this.

How to treat diarrhea in infants

Diarrhea itself is a protective reaction of the body, aimed at cleansing the intestines. It cannot be stopped abruptly, especially in the case of an infection. Slow down bowel cleansing pathogenic microbes and their toxins can worsen the condition of the child and lead to serious complications.

For babies, dehydration that develops rapidly with diarrhea is most dangerous. If vomiting joins diarrhea, then the body loses fluid and salts associated with it even faster. Therefore, the main activities should be aimed at replenishing the fluid and salts in the body, and not at stopping diarrhea.

The causative agents of diarrhea injure the delicate mucous membrane of the small intestine, and it cannot fully absorb the liquid. In a pharmacy, as prescribed by a doctor, you need to buy a special drug (electrolyte solution) that restores the mucous membrane. Non-infectious diarrhea usually does not require any other medication besides rehydration agents. If the diarrhea is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe appropriate antibiotics.

Rehydrators: how to stop dehydration

For children under one year old, the following rehydration preparations are used:

A child needs at least 100 ml of solution per 1 kg of weight per day. The solution is best given after each episode of loose stools or vomiting.

When treating young children, Regidron should not be used. This medicine contains too high a concentration of sodium salts, which is dangerous for babies. It is used only for children over 14 years of age and adults. In the very last resort, in the absence of other drugs, you can use Regidron by diluting it with twice as much water.

But it is better in this case to prepare a rehydration solution yourself. In 1 liter, add 3 teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt. It is best to use salt with the addition of potassium.

Solutions must be prepared strictly according to the instructions, since insufficiently concentrated solutions have no effect, and too concentrated solutions increase vomiting and diarrhea, which further worsens the baby's condition.

If a child older than 6 months refuses to drink the solution, then he can be offered dried fruit compote. In this case, a very small one must constantly offer breasts.

Yes, the baby is very sorry, but sometimes you have to force water, for example, from a syringe without a needle. The liquid is poured in small portions over the cheek. This is better than making systems in a hospital later.

Sorbents

With some types of diarrhea, the use of absorbents, for example, Smecta, gives a good effect. This natural preparation allowed to use from birth. But a doctor must prescribe it. The fact is that with some diseases, Smecta can not be taken categorically. This applies in particular to rotavirus infections, which just very often cause diarrhea. Also, newborns may be prescribed the drug "Polysorb".

How to feed babies with diarrhea?

Adults with diarrhea are usually prescribed abstinence from food during the first day of the disease. But hunger is contraindicated for small children. Therefore, infants need to restore normal nutrition as soon as possible.

Breastfed babies continue to be breastfed on demand. But at the same time, the lost fluid is replenished with the help of rehydration solutions. They are given between feedings every 5-10 minutes for 1-2 teaspoons. If you give a large amount of liquid at once, you can provoke vomiting.

Artificial feeders begin to feed the usual mixture approximately 6 hours after the first portion of the rehydration solution is given. But for very young children, up to 6 months, the diluted mixture is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 2. After some time, go to a 1:1 dilution. TO normal diet the child is returned within 2-3 days.

If the diarrhea is mild and the baby is older than 6 months, then he can be fed as usual. But be sure to give rehydrators. Severe diarrhea accompanied by severe dehydration requires hospitalization and intravenous fluids.

Diarrhea in young children alarm symptom requiring adequate assistance. But it is necessary to distinguish diarrhea from the normal loose stools common to many babies and be sure to contact the doctors in time, who should prescribe treatment.

A young mother has many questions about the health of a newborn baby, and she often faces such a problem as diarrhea during breastfeeding.

Newborn baby consultation with pediatrician
Diarrhea to the intestines Great happiness
during childbirth

Young women are interested in how to distinguish diarrhea from normal stools, why it can be dangerous, how to treat such a condition.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Sometimes the cause of diarrhea is intolerance to certain components of the food.

Consider why diarrhea occurs in a small child:

• malnutrition of the mother;
• intolerance to some components of breast milk;
• feeding the baby with an inappropriate mixture;
• improper introduction of complementary foods;
• pathology gastrointestinal tract;
• various infections.

Another cause of diarrhea in month old baby breastfeeding can be improper feeding when the baby sucks out only the “front” milk, and does not receive the “back”, more fatty, nutritious.

The pediatrician will be able to identify the cause of diarrhea and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate treatment.

First of all, a newly-made mother needs to learn to recognize diarrhea in a baby and know its signs.

1. The stool in a healthy child is yellow, mushy or even liquid.
2. Your baby may have a bowel movement after each feed, which is completely normal.

All this makes it difficult to identify a problem for an inexperienced woman, often she tries to understand if a newborn has diarrhea from a photo or advice from other mothers.

To determine that the crumbs have problems, you need to carefully monitor his behavior. Usually diarrhea is accompanied by:

• bloating;
• change in stool color;
• a significant increase in bowel movements;
• restless behavior;
• cry;
• The undoubted cause for concern is the rise in temperature.

For proper treatment it is necessary to find out the cause of intolerance

Reasons for a breastfeeding mother

Such delicate issue, as diarrhea and indigestion during breastfeeding can also occur in a young mother. This condition may be caused.

1. Food poisoning. Usually it is accompanied by vomiting, weakness, fever.
2. Irritable bowel syndrome occurs in breastfeeding women. This disease occurs against the background of frequent stress, experiences. Treated with sedatives. In this case, diarrhea is not accompanied by vomiting and pain in the stomach, and also does not appear during a night's sleep.
3. If pathogenic bacteria enter the mother's body, for example, with unwashed fruits, vegetables or poor-quality water, she can become infected with an intestinal infection. In this case, you will need drugs that restore the intestinal microflora. The infection is not transmitted through milk, so there is no need to stop feeding. The main thing is to follow the rules of hygiene, do not forget to wash your hands before contact with the child.
4. Diarrhea can be caused by food allergies - in such cases, it is enough to exclude the allergenic product from the diet.
   It is important to know that diarrhea that occurs in a nursing mother rarely harms the baby, but is dangerous for the woman herself. It can lead to dehydration, exhaustion of the body and other, more serious problems requiring hospitalization and advanced treatment.

A remedy for diarrhea during lactation should be prescribed by a doctor. He will select drugs that will help the woman and will not harm the baby.

Treatment methods for the disease

For proper treatment of diarrhea, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician. It is especially important to immediately consult a doctor if we are talking about a child of the first month of life, because in this case the disease develops rapidly and can very quickly lead to critical condition newborn.

1. Only a doctor can determine the cause of diarrhea with complete certainty and prescribe the appropriate medicine for diarrhea for a baby.
2. You should not give any medicines before the arrival of a specialist, you just need to supplement the child with water.
3. After examining the baby, the doctor may prescribe urine, blood, fecal analysis and bacteriological examination.
4. Based on the results of the tests, the pediatrician will select the optimal treatment method and tell you what can be given for diarrhea during breastfeeding.
5. He may recommend preparations to restore the intestinal microflora, antiviral, antibacterial agents or sorbents, for example, Activated carbon or smect.

Consultation with a pediatrician is necessary for the appointment of treatment

Application folk recipes

In some cases, parents prefer to treat diarrhea in a newborn baby while breastfeeding in folk ways. To avoid serious consequences, any folk recipes should be used only in consultation with the doctor.

The following are the most common ways to deal with diarrhea.

1. Linden tea: 1 teaspoon several times/day.
2. Rice water: give every two hours instead of drinking.
3. Give the baby a compote of dried fruits to drink.
4. Give in the morning and at bedtime a light pink solution of potassium permanganate (1-2 crystals per liter of water).

Decoctions of some herbs are also good for strengthening the stool. With prolonged diarrhea, you can give the child a decoction of aspen:

• take 1 tablespoon of aspen, 300 ml of water;
• to boil water;
• pour grass boiled water;
• cook the composition over low heat for about 3 minutes;
• strain;
• cool down.

Application.

1. The duration of the course is 3 days.

Another quick remedy for diarrhea in infants during breastfeeding is a decoction of oak bark:

• take 1 tablespoon of oak bark, 200 ml of water;
• to boil water;
• pour boiling water over the bark;
• cook for half an hour in a water bath;
• let it brew under the lid for about an hour;
• strain;
• bring to original volume.

Application.

1. Give the baby 1 teaspoon 3 times / day.
2. The duration of the course is 3 days.

The phenomenon is frequent, there are many reasons for it, and not always they are health problems.

The danger of this disease during lactation.

1. Diarrhea in a breastfed infant leads to loss of moisture very quickly. In dehydration and consists main danger such a state. Its signs are dry skin, crying without tears, weakening of the cry, sinking of the eye and fontanel.
2. In case of diarrhea, you should immediately call a doctor, and before his arrival, often put the baby to the chest or drink some water.
3. IN severe cases dehydration can be fatal.
4. Water loss from diarrhea can also lead to kidney failure- an extremely dangerous condition.
5. Be sure to consult a pediatrician if there is blood in the baby's stool. This symptom may indicate serious illnesses such as volvulus, polyps, or ulceration of the stomach or intestines. If there is blood, call a doctor immediately!
6. Diarrhea can be a symptom of a disease such as staphylococcal lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, it is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, colic, frequent vomiting. The feces are watery, with an admixture of mucus. Staphylococcal diarrhea in infants can be recognized by the photo below.
7. Diarrhea in a newborn, according to O.E. Komarovsky, may indicate congenital pathology digestive system, which requires surgical intervention. Such pathologies are unacceptable to be treated with folk methods and medicines, and only a doctor can identify them.

A change in the stool of an infant is always alarming for his parents. One of the most common violations of this kind is

Diarrhea in a child: norm and pathology

Child's diarrhea or diarrhea(from the Greek diarrheo - “expiring”), is a rapid and profuse bowel movement with liquid fecal masses.

To understand if there really is diarrhea in a child, you need to know some physiological features characteristic of infants.

First of all, we emphasize that the frequency of stool and its nature in children under 1 year old differ from those in older children. age group and, on top of that, change during the first year of life.

Newborn chair a child in the first 1-2 days after birth has a special name - meconium. This term refers to the entire contents of the baby's intestines, accumulated before childbirth, before the first application of the baby to the breast. Meconium is a thick, viscous mass of dark olive color, odorless. Normally, it departs within 12-48 hours after the birth of the child. Then there is a transitional stool of a slightly more liquid greenish-yellow consistency, and from the 5th day of life - ordinary stools.

Type and quantity bowel movements in children the first year of life significantly depend on the nature of nutrition. When breastfeeding, the stool looks like liquid sour cream, golden yellow in color with a sour smell. With artificial feeding, feces are usually thicker, putty-like, light yellow in color, often with an unpleasant odor. The number of bowel movements during the first six months of life in children who are breastfed reaches 7 times a day, while in "artists" - 3-4 times a day. In the second half of life, the number of bowel movements gradually decreases to 3-4 with natural feeding and to 1-2 with formula feeding. At the same time, the consistency of feces becomes more and more thick, and the color and smell largely depend on the nature of the complementary foods received.

It should be noted that during the first year of life, especially in the first few months after birth, a child's stool can occur reflexively during suckling, which is an absolute norm.

Pathological loose stools in an infant can be suspected with an increase in the frequency of bowel movements above the physiological norm, a change in the normal consistency and color of feces, the appearance of pathological impurities in the stool, such as mucus, pus, blood.

Diarrhea in a child is considered acute if it occurs suddenly and stops within 1–2 weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than 2 weeks.

Development mechanisms diarrhea in children some. In some cases, food passes through the intestines too quickly due to an increase in its peristalsis - a wave-like contraction of the walls. In others, there is an increase in the volume of feces due to malabsorption in the large intestine of water and electrolytes - substances that in solution partially or completely consist of charged particles - ions. Diarrhea in a child can also begin due to pathologically increased secretion of fluid into the intestinal lumen.

Frequent occurrence of digestive disorders, including diarrhea in a child infancy due to:

• immaturity of the digestive system, which is manifested by insufficient production and low activity of digestive enzymes;
• low compensatory capabilities of the electrolyte transport system through the intestinal wall;
• immaturity of mucosal immunity;
• weak barrier function intestine, which is to prevent penetration through the intestinal wall into the internal environment of the body harmful substances, allergens, pathogens, etc.

Diarrhea in a child: causes

Peculiarities baby food. The alimentary or nutritional factor is common cause d diarrhea in children infancy. Diarrhea occurs when the child's immature digestive system is overloaded with an increased amount of food, an excess amount of incoming nutrients, or their disproportionate ratio in the crumbs' diet.

In breastfed babies, bowel problems, including diarrhea, are often caused by following products used by a nursing mother:

• smoked meats, sausages, sausages;
• ketchup, mayonnaise;
• carbonated sweet drinks;
• products containing preservatives;
• rich meat or fish broths;
• refined carbohydrates - cakes, chocolate, semolina;
• whole cow's milk, especially when used in amounts over 500 ml per day;
• some vegetables (cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, legumes) and fruits, such as grapes;
• highly allergenic foods: strawberries, raspberries, citrus fruits, chocolate, caviar, red fish, seafood.

Another reason is that the child receives too large, age-inappropriate amounts of food. A gross violation is the feeding of an infant with milk of domestic animals, which differs greatly in its composition from mother's milk and is the cause of a disproportionate intake of many nutritional components into the child's body. Disproportion also occurs when the rules for diluting the milk formula are violated, when the baby is fed with a mixture that does not correspond to him in age and health.

Cause diarrhea in a child even minimal changes in nutrition can become: switching to a new milk formula, drinking a different composition of water - for example, when changing the region of residence. Another common reason is complementary foods that are not appropriate for the age of the child and a violation of the basic rules for their introduction - gradualness, sequence, etc. It should be remembered that diarrhea in a child could be the equivalent allergic reaction food, such as fish, chicken eggs etc., and testify to food intolerance.

Usually diarrhea in a child with a short-term violation of feeding the baby does not lead to grave consequences and when the causes are eliminated, it is quickly cured.

lactase deficiency. This condition develops as a result of a decrease or complete absence of the lactase enzyme in small intestine. There are primary lactase deficiency associated with congenital enzymatic deficiency, and secondary, which develops as a result of damage to the cells of the intestinal mucosa against the background of infectious and allergic inflammation, atrophy, or thinning, of the mucous membrane.

Clinical symptoms of primary lactase deficiency - flatulence, colic, diarrhea, anxiety of the baby during feeding and immediately after it. They usually appear in a child at the 3-6th week of life, which, apparently, is associated with an increase in the amount of milk or milk formula consumed. Stool with lactase deficiency is watery, frothy, may have a greenish tint, with sour smell. An important symptom is low weight gain or even weight loss.

In secondary lactase deficiency, the stool is often colored in green color, contains mucus and undigested food.

You can confirm lactase deficiency by passing tests. In any case, having discovered the above symptoms, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician who, after examination, will prescribe adequate therapy. It is important to understand that lactase deficiency is not a reason to refuse breastfeeding or switch to mixed feeding. Moreover, with age, as the digestive system matures, the manifestations of lactase deficiency often disappear. For children who are bottle-fed, there are special therapeutic milk mixtures.

Infections. Acute intestinal infection is provoked by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, protozoa. Food poisoning differs from acute intestinal infection in that the disease is caused not by the bacteria themselves, but by their toxins. The entry of pathogens and their metabolic products into the body of a child occurs when the rules of hygiene and care for the baby are not observed, in violation of elementary rules hygiene of the mother and other persons in contact with the child, when eating poor-quality products, such as baby food that has expired or has been stored for a long time after opening the package. Also a common cause diarrhea in children Infancy and early childhood becomes a viral infection - rotavirus, adenovirus, etc., which is transmitted by airborne droplets when visiting crowded places, as well as when someone from the household falls ill.

The main manifestations of intestinal infections are vomiting, Rebecca has diarrhea, fever (this does not always happen), abdominal pain. Weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite may be noted, in some cases a rash appears on the body. by the most serious complication intestinal infections is dehydration due to loss of fluid and electrolytes.

Character diarrhea in children at intestinal infections may be different. Watery diarrhea, which is also called secretory, is caused by pathogens such as rotavirus, salmonella, enteropathogenic E. coli, vibrio cholerae, etc. It is characterized by damage to the water and electrolyte transport system in the intestinal wall, as a result of which the liquid is not only not absorbed into the blood, but, on the contrary, it is released, or secreted, into the intestinal lumen. Watery diarrhea is characterized by frequent, copious, watery stools, often with greenery.

In invasive, “bloody” diarrhea, pathogens invade the intestinal mucosa and destroy the cells lining it. At the same time, there are frequent and painful urges to defecate, the stool often leaves in a small volume and contains mucus, blood. causative agents with such diarrhea in children there may be shigella, causing dysentery, salmonella, enteroinvasive E. coli, etc.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis. In its extreme manifestations given state also accompanied by diarrhea. Of particular note here is diarrhea that occurs while taking broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs, when not only pathogens are destroyed, but also a significant part of the normal intestinal microflora and its replacement with anaerobic bacteria. Wherein diarrhea in a child manifested by frequent and copious watery stools with the development of dehydration and intoxication of the body - a painful condition caused by exposure to the body of microbial poisons - toxins. In this case, immediate withdrawal of the causative drug and the appointment of appropriate treatment are required. To prevent intestinal dysbacteriosis while taking antibiotics, drugs are used to normalize the intestinal microflora (pre- and probiotics) in parallel with and after antibiotic therapy.

Diarrhea in a child May be a side effect of certain medications. Here is a far from complete list of drugs, the appointment of which can cause liquefaction of the stool: antibiotics, choleretic, antacid drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. The occurrence of loose stools while taking medications should be a reason to consult a doctor with possible cancellation the causative drug.

Diarrhea in a child. How to treat

Emergence diarrhea in children infancy requires immediate medical advice.

In cases where, in addition to diarrhea in a child there is an increase in body temperature over 38 ° C, severe weakness, drowsiness; if the phenomena of dehydration of the body are observed - dryness of the lips and tongue, pointed facial features, "tumbled" eyeballs, sagging skin; if the child has stopped urinating, the immediate hospitalization of the baby to the hospital is indicated, where an ambulance will take you.

If it is impossible to quickly obtain a qualified medical care- in the country, on the road, etc. - first of all, it is necessary to take measures to prevent dehydration of the body, which in infancy with diarrhea, it can develop very quickly and cause shock and death of the child. Rehydration, or fluid replacement, is best done with standard saline solutions GASTROLIT, ORALIT, REGIDRON, which it is desirable to always have in your home first aid kit. In the absence of ready-made preparations, the rehydration solution can be prepared independently. For this, in 1 l drinking water dissolve 1-2 tbsp. spoons of sugar, 1?/?2 teaspoons of salt and 1?/?2 teaspoons of baking soda.

If diarrhea in a child began recently and signs of dehydration did not have time to develop, saline solutions are given to the child at the rate of 10 ml? /? kg of body weight after each episode of loose stools or vomiting. If symptoms of dehydration are already present, the amount of fluid administered is increased to 50-100 ml? /? kg for 6 hours, followed by fluid replacement at the rate of 10 ml? /? kg of body weight after each episode of loose stools or vomiting. It should be remembered that the feeding of crumbs should be carried out with minimal portions of solutions (1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon every 10-15 minutes), since a larger volume of fluid injected at once can provoke vomiting.

When the body temperature rises above 38.5 ° C, the child must be given an antipyretic agent based on PARACETAMOL - PANADOL, KALPOL, EFFERALGAN - by mouth. The use of suppositories is not advisable, given the frequent loose stools. If the child has had seizures in the past, if he suffers from chronic or congenital diseases cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, or if the baby is under 3 months old, an antipyretic should be given already at a temperature of 38 ° C.

To remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and fix the stool, the baby is given sorbents - SMECTU, NEOSMEKTIN, DIOSMEKTID. One sachet of the drug (3 g) is dissolved in 50 ml of drinking water and the crumbs are drunk in small portions throughout the day.

It should also be noted that child with diarrhea must be washed after each stool to avoid skin irritation.

Diarrhea that occurs during breastfeeding in infants is an alarming symptom that signals disorders in the body. Before giving to a child medicines, you need to make sure you have pathological process, because the signs of diarrhea in children are similar to the usual liquefied stools. Today we will talk about the signs and causes of diarrhea in infants, it will be told how to identify the disease, and what to do to help baby.

Features of the chair in infants

Folk remedies

If a breastfed baby has diarrhea, you can try folk remedies treatment, but after consulting a doctor. Cowberry berries and leaves occupy a special place in the piggy bank of folk recipes. A handful of leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water, after which the composition must be insisted and, after cooling, give the baby a teaspoon every 60 minutes.

If cowberry berries are used, then they are kneaded to extract juice, then the resulting amount is diluted with water and the baby is also given 5 ml once an hour. A good effect is given by the pomegranate peel from diarrhea - it is dried, crushed in a mortar and poured with 250 ml of boiling water. Then they boil for a quarter of an hour and filter, before each feeding, the crumbs are given a teaspoon of the product to drink.

Mom's diet for diarrhea in a baby

During the treatment of diarrhea in a child, the mother should follow the principles of hypoallergenic nutrition - give up citrus fruits, cow and chicken protein, cereals with a lot of gluten, sweets and soda. You should not refuse breastfeeding, even if the doctor suggests that the baby's diarrhea is provoked by pathogenic flora in breast milk. This problem is easily eliminated by the introduction of bacteriophage preparations and probiotics.

Features of complementary foods for diarrhea

Babies shouldn't fast when they're sick, unlike adults who are advised by doctors not to eat during the first 24 hours of diarrhea onset. It is imperative to restore feeding - breastfeeding should be offered at every opportunity, even if the interval between applications is 20-30 minutes. In the intervals between breastfeeding, the baby is given a rehydration solution.

Artificers need complementary foods already 6 hours after the first dose of rehydrant, during the first day the mixture is diluted with boiled water 1:3 or 1:2, the usual diet is restored only after 48-72 hours. At mild form diarrhea in infants older than 6 months, the feeding regimen is not changed, rehydrators are not used - you can solder the baby with water and dried fruit compote.

Signs and treatment of dehydration in an infant during diarrhea

Dehydration with diarrhea in a child is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention, it occurs when the fluid is washed out and its reserves in the body are not replenished enough. Dehydration can be recognized by the following symptoms:

• darkening of urine and its excretion less than once every 6-8 hours;
• signs of weight loss;
• cyanosis of the skin, peeling, appearance dark circles around eyes;
• drowsiness, lethargy;
• sinking fontanel.

When the water-salt metabolism is sharply disturbed in the child's body, there is a decrease in protective forces, in the hematopoietic and nervous systems there are irreversible changes. It is necessary to independently solder the baby with a liquid to replenish water supplies and restore vitality. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• breastfeeding on first demand, if diarrhea is not caused by a food allergy to mother's milk and not by overfeeding;
• soldering the child with saline solutions (listed above) and boiled water;
• use granulated baby teas, rice water and clean water after each act of defecation - this will replenish the volume of liquid.

Remember! Signs of dehydration require immediate attention curative measures, since the condition of infants with diarrhea is rapidly becoming severe. Sometimes the account goes not for hours, but for minutes.

Diarrhea in a child is not a joke problem that requires timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Parents who know the difference between liquefied and pathological stool, will be able to seek help from a doctor in time and independently provide first aid to the baby. The development of diarrhea in newborns is dangerous - the disease causes dehydration and intoxication of the body, therefore, with symptoms of a violation of the water-electrolyte balance and an infectious intestinal process, hospitalization should not be delayed.