Intestinal dysbiosis in infants: signs, symptoms and treatment

Infant dysbiosis

Before being born, the baby is in a completely sterile environment and there are no microorganisms in its gastrointestinal tract. At birth, moving along the birth canal, the baby first encounters the mother’s natural microflora, which normally contains bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, as well as E. coli. In the future, he also “gets acquainted” with the bacteria located in the mother’s mouth and skin. This promotes the colonization of the child’s gastrointestinal tract with normal microflora.

Ideally, a baby who is completely breastfed has 95-99% lacto- and bifidobacteria in the intestinal microflora. And only a small part are the so-called “neutral” bacteria, which have neither positive nor negative effects. These include Escherichia coli, micrococci, enterococci, clostridia, and bacteroides.

If some unfavorable factors are present (lack of natural feeding, late breastfeeding, use of antibiotics), then the balance of microflora may be disturbed, which can lead to adverse consequences for the infant’s fragile body.

Causes of dysbiosis in an infant

In infancy, dysbiosis can appear due to the following reasons:

Many experts believe that the child’s body must cope with dysbacteriosis on its own and it is not at all necessary to treat it. maternal health problems that arise during pregnancy;
Read also: Is it possible to use breast milk for a runny nose in newborns?
pathologies during childbirth;
infections;
primary immunodeficiency;
physiological immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract;
artificial feeding, introduction of dairy products into the baby’s diet at an early age;
late attachment to the mother's breast;
antibacterial and hormonal drugs used by mother and baby;
stress and unfavorable conditions in which the baby lives.

Action of components Acipol® Baby, drops

The action of Acipol® Baby, drops is similar to similar products belonging to the group of probiotics. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria populate the gastrointestinal tract and have a beneficial effect on the body.

The resulting colonies of beneficial bacteria displace pathogenic microflora. The result of using this product is the normalization of the baby's stool, reduction of abdominal pain, and reduction of intoxication.

It is worth noting that the use of only Acipol® Malysh, drops for intestinal dysbiosis in children is inappropriate, complex therapy is required

using medications that a specialist will prescribe to you along with Acipol® Malysh, drops

If you detect the first signs of dysbiosis in a child, you should seek medical help from a specialized specialist. There are many reasons for the development of the pathological condition; only a specialist can determine the etiology of the disease and prescribe adequate treatment, taking into account the age of the child and the severity of the pathology.

Symptoms

Dysbacteriosis manifests itself in children with diarrhea, sleep disturbances and anxiety, tearfulness, a tendency to allergic dermatitis and rashes. These symptoms in themselves are not a reason to make a diagnosis, but should make parents wary.

Characteristic signs of dysbiosis in infants are as follows:

pale skin;
flatulence;
loss of appetite;
lethargy;
frequent colic;
dry skin;
stomach ache;
rash, allergy symptoms;
stomatitis and thrush in the mouth;
constipation;
irritability;
diarrhea lasting more than three days;
vomiting, nausea, profuse and frequent regurgitation;
insufficient weight gain;
presence of blood, foam, green mucus in the stool.

It should be noted that when complementary foods are introduced, there may be a temporary change in the child’s stool, green mucus, diarrhea, allergic rash, and a change in the frequency of bowel movements. Usually these symptoms do not require treatment and go away on their own. Otherwise, you need to look for their reasons. If you notice unpleasant symptoms, show your baby to a specialist.

Degrees of dysbacteriosis

Pediatricians distinguish four degrees of dysbiosis in infants:

1st degree. The baby's appetite is disturbed and he is not gaining weight well. Flatulence appears, feces become colorless. The most common cause is poor diet or food allergies. The condition is not dangerous.
2nd degree. Characterized by flatulence, abdominal cramps, lack of appetite, constipation or diarrhea. The stool is green, foul-smelling, and contains undigested food. Laboratory testing can detect fungi, Proteus, and staphylococci.
3rd degree. Pathogenic microorganisms multiply. The baby may have chronic diarrhea, feces have a rotten smell and a greenish color, and a large number of lumps of undigested food. Immunity deteriorates significantly, symptoms of rickets, rash, flatulence, nausea, and colic are possible. The baby may lose appetite and may feel generally unwell.
4th degree. The microflora contains a huge number of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause salmonellosis, dysentery and other infectious pathologies. Harmful microorganisms can enter other organs and provoke inflammatory processes in any organ. A lot of toxins accumulate, which leads to weakness, poisoning, headaches, and fever. Diarrhea can become chronic, and the stool has a putrid odor. The child suddenly loses weight, becomes nervous, and has signs of vitamin deficiency and anemia.

Dysbacteriosis in a child: symptoms

Pain, feeling of heaviness and bloating in the abdomen, flatulence;
bowel disorder: constipation or diarrhea;
remnants of undigested food, mucus or grains in the stool;
excessive regurgitation, belching, and sometimes vomiting;
peeling and redness of the skin, rashes and diaper rash, atopic dermatitis;
hair loss, brittle nails, bleeding gums;
bad breath;
white or gray coating on the tongue;
dark plaque on teeth;
poor appetite.

Many gastrointestinal diseases have the same symptoms as the symptoms of dysbiosis in children. Treatment must be different, which is why it is so important to make a correct diagnosis.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing, the doctor analyzes the symptoms and prescribes some tests:

coprogram - allows you to determine the degree of digestion of food in the intestines;
stool culture for opportunistic microflora - reveals the percentage of obligate bacteria;
stool culture for dysbacteriosis - determines the ratio of healthy and pathogenic microflora and its sensitivity to antibiotics;

Fresh feces of a child (at least 10 grams) must be collected in a special container or a clean glass container. It cannot be stored at room temperature, otherwise the results will not be reliable. It should also be taken into account that if your baby is taking probiotics before collection, they should be discontinued.

Analysis for dysbiosis in children

To compile a general clinical picture of the child’s health, additional studies may be prescribed. For example, a coprogram (a procedure for determining the degree of digestion of food), ultrasound of the digestive organs (to identify congenital anomalies and chronic diseases), as well as a bacteriological study of the composition of feces (an analysis to determine the number of different types of bacteria in the intestines).

Rules for conducting analysis for dysbacteriosis:

feces must be sent for examination within three hours after collection;
At least one day before the test, you should not give your child antibiotics or other drugs;
if the child has been prescribed an x-ray examination, then feces obtained after two or three acts of bowel movement are suitable for analysis;
stool should be collected in a sterile container.

Dysbacteriosis develops when the beneficial microflora of the gastrointestinal tract is replaced by harmful bacteria (pathogenic).

Which doctor should I contact?

If dysbiosis is suspected, you should contact a pediatrician and pediatric gastroenterologist. If there are difficulties in making a diagnosis or it is necessary to determine the presence of chronic diseases in a child, then specialists can prescribe an additional examination from specialized doctors (for example, an immunologist, endocrinologist, etc.).

Treatment

Parents should not be afraid of the diagnosis, since modern medicine does an excellent job of treating it. Therapy will be faster and easier if the causes of the pathology are determined. If you notice symptoms of dysbiosis in a baby, show it to the doctor as soon as possible - he will diagnose it and prescribe adequate treatment.

Tactics for treating dysbacteriosis

To successfully treat dysbacteriosis in an infant, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and not engage in “amateur activities.” Treatment is usually quite long. We need special medications that contain live lacto- and bifidobacteria. The treatment regimen is determined by the doctor. Usually, medications that eliminate pathogenic microorganisms are first prescribed, and in parallel with them, sorbents are prescribed to remove toxins from the body.

In the future, tactics are aimed at populating the microflora with beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli using medications and milk formulas. In order to maintain intestinal health, it is recommended that all family members lead a healthy lifestyle.

If the child is still breastfed, then an important point in treatment is the normalization of the mother’s nutrition. You need to consume more fermented milk products and give up fast food, sauces and other harmful foods.

If complementary foods are already being introduced into your baby’s diet, give him fermented milk products every day.

Treatment of dysbiosis with medications

To treat the disease, lactulose preparations are widely used, which are completely safe and well tolerated by children.

Children are often prescribed Linex, which includes bacteria aimed at restoring normal intestinal microflora. The medication is available in capsules. Before use, the capsule must be opened, then its contents must be mixed with a small amount of water. It is also used to prevent dysbiosis during antibiotic treatment.

The main drugs in the treatment of dysbiosis in infants are probiotics and bacteriophages, such as Linex, Enterol, Acipol, bifidumbacterin, bifiform and others. They contain beneficial microorganisms that help restore normal intestinal microflora, as well as vitamins that are necessary to maintain immunity.

The role of nutrition in the development of dysbiosis in children

Correction of diet is the main method of treating dysbiosis. The diet for infants and older children is different. If the baby cannot eat food on his own and is breastfed, then the woman should change the diet. Potential allergens, harmful foods and foods that negatively affect the digestive processes should be excluded from the menu.

For babies who are bottle-fed, it is recommended to switch to adapted formulas (with special marks on the packaging). Frequent changes of baby food are undesirable. Children who eat their own food are prescribed a special diet.

Role of nutrition:

poor diet is one of the main causes of dysbiosis;
Dieting is more effective than drug therapy;
Errors in the menu can reduce the child’s tendency to recover.

Authorized Products

The recommended menu for intestinal dysbiosis depends on the age of the child. It is necessary to prepare dishes for children using the methods of boiling, steaming or baking. All ingredients must be crushed. If a child has a food allergy, this nuance must be taken into account when preparing the diet. For example, a baby may have an intolerance to dairy products, honey, or an allergy to certain berries and fruits.

Authorized products:

The baby should receive all the products required by age as part of a complete and balanced diet. vegetables (potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, zucchini, beets);
Read also: Skin of newborns: erythema, peeling, rashes. What to do?
cereals (white rice, buckwheat, pearl barley);
poultry meat (turkey, chicken;
low-fat fish (hake, cod, perch);
rabbit meat;
fermented milk products (kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese);
sweet varieties of berries (lingonberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries);
butter;
compotes based on fruits and dried fruits;
jelly from berries and fruits;
rosehip decoction.

Products to Avoid

The menu for a child with intestinal dysbiosis should be based on the list of permitted products. Eating certain types of food can reduce the effectiveness of therapy and worsen the condition of the baby's digestive system. Fatty, fried, salty and smoked foods are strictly prohibited. You can't eat fast food. All products from the prohibited list should not be present on the menu, even in minimal quantities.

Prohibited foods: brown rice, millet; raw vegetables; sour varieties of fruit; sweet pastries; confectionery; sausages; whole milk (and cream); lamb and fatty meats; mushrooms; legumes; semi-finished products; waterfowl meat; sauerkraut; turnip; radish; mayonnaise; canned food; carbonated drinks.

Analysis transcript

In healthy babies, the norm is a content of 107-108 CFU/g of E. coli. Analysis of stool for intestinal microflora allows you to obtain information about the presence of certain microorganisms.

Enterobacteriaceae are part of the pathogenic flora; they can cause a lot of diseases, in particular intestinal infections. These include Salmonella and Shigella.

E. coli is part of the normal microflora. Such bacteria create a kind of barrier in the body that protects against the penetration of pathogenic flora.

Lactose-negative enterobacteria belong to pathogenic microflora. Their normal amount is no more than 5%.

To maintain healthy microflora, lacto- and bifidobacteria are needed. When their number decreases, we can talk about dysbacteriosis. The attending physician interprets the test results.

If you have any symptoms of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor. You can view a list of gastroenterology clinics on our website
You will be interested! The article describes symptoms that make it possible to suspect the presence of liver disease in the early stages
You will also be interested in learning more about the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Dysbacteriosis

Gastritis

Blackheads (acne)

Fungus

Diarrhea

16150 27 October

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Dysbacteriosis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods.

Definition

Dysbacteriosis, or dysbiosis, is a qualitative and quantitative change in the microflora in the body. It is characterized by an increase or sharp decrease in bacteria and a decrease in their diversity. Dysbacteriosis can occur in any area where bacteria are present, including the skin, vagina, mouth, etc.

But most often dysbacteriosis means a violation of the intestinal microflora.

Microflora plays an important role in maintaining the functioning of the immune system, but there is also an inverse relationship - with a serious decrease in immunity, dysbiosis occurs.

Causes of dysbacteriosis

The human intestine contains 70 to 80% of the cells of the immune system. Therefore, any instability of the intestinal microflora can disrupt the body's natural defense mechanisms against disease and illness.

Intestinal dysbiosis is associated not only with intestinal disorders, but also with many other conditions that at first glance are not related to digestion - skin problems (acne, eczema), neurological disorders, etc.

Among the reasons for the development of dysbiosis are:

An increase in the number of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts (for example, candida) and a lack of beneficial microorganisms.

Penetration of microorganisms normally found in the large intestine into the small intestine. This occurs in chronic diseases characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
Other factors include genetic predisposition, an unbalanced diet low in fiber but high in sugar and processed foods, physical and psychological stress, excessive alcohol consumption, frequent use of antibacterial and heartburn medications, and poor oral hygiene.

Classification of dysbiosis Due to the appearance:

Dysbacteriosis in practically healthy individuals:

age-related dysbacteriosis – changes in microflora in older people;
seasonal dysbiosis – changes in microflora during the cold season;
nutritional dysbiosis – associated with an unbalanced diet;
occupational dysbacteriosis – with various occupational hazards.

Dysbacteriosis accompanying various diseases of the digestive system (stomach, pancreas, liver and biliary tract, intestines, malabsorption syndrome (impaired absorption of nutrients)).
Dysbacteriosis in other diseases:

infectious,
immunodeficient,
with hypo- and avitaminosis (reduced intake or poor absorption of essential vitamins),
in case of intoxication and exposure of the human body to radionuclides (radioactive isotopes that can be found in places with increased background radiation; in limited quantities and under strict control, they are used for the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases).

Drug dysbacteriosis. Occurs as a result of taking antibiotics, immunosuppressants, antacids, antisecretory, laxatives, chemotherapy and other drugs.
Stress dysbacteriosis. Occurs as a result of prolonged emotional or physical stress.

According to clinical forms:

Asymptomatic form of dysbacteriosis.
Local, or local form of dysbacteriosis. It is observed with the development of a local inflammatory process in the intestines (the patient develops symptoms of colitis or enteritis - inflammatory diseases of the large or small intestine).
A common form of dysbacteriosis. Manifested by severe digestive disorders.

By severity (determined by the number and composition of bacteria):

1st degree of severity;
2nd degree of severity;
3rd degree of severity;
4th degree of severity.

Symptoms of dysbiosis
Symptoms of dysbiosis depend on the form and severity of the disease. Patients may complain of stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, increased gas and bloating, decreased appetite, unexplained fatigue and problems concentrating, bad breath, and skin rashes.

Diagnosis of the disease

When making a diagnosis, the doctor pays attention to complaints, symptoms of the disease and examination results. But to assess the severity of dysbiosis, laboratory and instrumental examinations are usually required.

Clinical blood test with a detailed leukocyte formula.

Why is dysbacteriosis dangerous?

If left untreated, dysbiosis can provoke various complications that can negatively affect the immune system and the development of the body as a whole. Possible negative consequences of the disease are as follows:

anemia;
lack of vitamins and minerals in the body;
lack of weight gain;
frequent infectious pathologies;
gastrointestinal pathologies;
allergic reactions.

If you are breastfeeding your baby and the child is gaining weight well, then dysbacteriosis is impossible for him.

Prevention of dysbacteriosis in infants

If there is a risk of dysbacteriosis, it is recommended to take preventive measures. For this purpose, doctors often prescribe drugs to restore microflora - this is especially important when using antibiotics.

Also, preventive measures are as follows:

Early latching of the baby at the breast. This contributes to the formation of strong body defenses and populates the intestines with beneficial bacteria.
Breast-feeding. But if the child is on an artificial one, then do not despair. You can choose milk formulas that will provide the child’s body with everything it needs.
Proper and balanced nutrition for the mother.
Parents' concern for their health when planning pregnancy and during pregnancy.
Healthy lifestyle of parents in general.

If you follow the specialist’s recommendations regarding treatment and nutrition, you can usually get rid of dysbiosis within a month. If there are concomitant chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, more time may be required.