Symptoms and treatment of dysbacteriosis in a child up to a year and older, a special diet and preventive measures. Treatment of dysbacteriosis in children child health

Dysbacteriosis (dysbiosis) is a secondary symptom and a signal of malfunctions in the body. The main changes in this condition occur at the level of microflora. There is an increase in the number of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms against the background of a decrease in the number of beneficial ones. At the same time, the former take the place of the latter and gradually displace them.

Such an imbalance leads to disorders of the digestive process, a deficiency of essential trace elements, vitamins, and a decrease in immunity. In some cases, a violation of the microflora is a symptom of serious illness, so parents should be aware of what dysbacteriosis is in children in order to prevent possible complications in time.

According to statistics, about 95% of babies suffer from violations of the composition of the microflora. The intestines of newborns are practically sterile, so the correct formation of microflora should begin from the first minutes of life. Breastfeeding plays an important role in this process.

Adequate treatment is impossible without determining the exact cause of dysbacteriosis in a child. As a rule, therapy consists not only in the appointment of bacterial preparations, the main place in the recovery process is given to the correction of the diet.

CAUSES

In children up to a year, signs of dysbacteriosis have slightly different causes than in older adults. Most often, deviations in the state of microflora are associated with the immaturity of the digestive system.

There are several classifications of dysbacteriosis.

Etiological classification:

• primary;
• age;
• food;
• seasonal;
• professional;
• secondary;
• caused by radiation;
• mixed.

Doctors in their practice actively use the clinical classification, which helps to choose the optimal strategy of action in order to cure dysbacteriosis in children. This systematization includes identifying the degree of deviation, the main pathogen and clinical forms.

Clinical forms of dysbacteriosis according to the degree of compensation:

• compensated (latent form) - without any clinical manifestations;
• subcompensated - manifests itself in violation of the diet in the form of local foci of inflammation;
• decompensated - the body can not cope on its own, the treatment of the generalized form is difficult.

Types of dysbacteriosis depending on the pathogen:

• staphylococcal;
• klebsiella;
• clostridious;
• candidiasis;
• protein;
• bacteroid;
• associated.

The degree of violation of the composition of the microflora:

• I degree - there is a decrease in the number of lactobacilli, E. coli and bifidobacteria by more than 10 times, this phase proceeds secretly.
• II degree - against the background of a normal number of lactobacilli, the number of bifidobacteria is significantly reduced, they are replaced by pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microbes, there are dyspeptic phenomena;
• III degree - aerobic microflora is aggressive, its numbers reach high titers. In addition to indigestion, the child has lethargy and capriciousness.
• IV degree - a deep imbalance of microflora and the accumulation of toxic decay products, functional disorders occur in the digestive system.

SYMPTOMS

In children, the symptoms of dysbacteriosis appear at the moment when the compensatory capabilities of their body cannot cope with the violation of metabolic processes. The initial stages of the disease are asymptomatic, but pronounced microbiological changes signal external clinical manifestations.

Symptoms of dysbacteriosis:

• Dyspeptic syndrome is manifested by frequent diarrhea, the consequence of which is pain in the anus, itching, burning and cracks. The presence of pathogenic microflora in the feces may be indicated by a putrid odor and a foamy consistency. Sometimes diarrhea alternates with constipation, or there is a tendency to prolonged constipation. Often in patients with dysbacteriosis, bloating appears and the rate of weight gain decreases.
• Pain syndrome - pain in the abdomen of a different nature, localization, intensity may decrease or disappear after passing gases or defecation. As a rule, it is paroxysmal and appears 1.5-2 hours after eating.
• Allergic reactions are detected in more than 95% of children with impaired microflora. They manifest themselves in intolerance to certain foods, the appearance of skin rashes, itching, swelling and bronchospasm.
• Signs of malabsorption appear as a result of a violation of absorption processes in the intestine, against which there is a shortage of essential substances and fluids. This condition is accompanied by hypovitaminosis, anemia, hypocalcemia, neurotic disorders, dry skin, changes in the nail plates, bleeding gums and pale skin are also possible.
• Intoxication - loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, headaches, subfebrile body temperature, malaise, impaired physical development of the child.
• Decreased immunity. In a child, a symptom of dysbacteriosis may be a tendency to infections of the upper respiratory tract, the development of viral and fungal infections.

DIAGNOSTICS

Specialists who study the symptoms and treatment of dysbacteriosis in children are gastroenterologists. It is to the doctors of this profile that you should seek help with bowel problems.

Differential diagnosis is carried out in order to exclude or confirm malabsorption syndrome, ulcerative colitis and acute intestinal infection.

TREATMENT

Treatment methods for dysbacteriosis:

• Diet therapy. Experts insist that the treatment of dysbacteriosis in children should begin with a diet correction. Diet therapy is individual and depends on the type of feeding of the child. With mixed feeding, it is recommended to diversify the diet with healthy fermented milk products. In the menu of older children, it is advised to limit animal proteins and fast carbohydrates. To normalize digestion, vegetable fibers and food enriched with biocultures of beneficial microorganisms should be supplied in sufficient quantities.
• Probiotics are products that contain beneficial bacteria.
• Prebiotics - drugs that promote the growth of normal microflora
• Symbiotics - combined (probiotic + prebiotic).
• Bacteriophages - to suppress pathogenic microflora.
• Enzymes - to regulate digestion.
• Antifungal drugs in the diagnosis of active reproduction of fungal microflora characteristic of candidiasis.
• Antibiotics from the group of cephalosporins and macrolides with low activity of antifungal agents.
• Sorbents reduce the severity of symptoms of intoxication.

Many children of the first year of life have symptoms of microflora disturbance. For most of them, the problem disappears on its own or after nutritional correction. Unfortunately, cases of treatment of dysbacteriosis in a child older than 3 years with such symptoms are not uncommon. A huge role in this process is played by the attention of parents and the correct complex therapy.

COMPLICATIONS

Intestinal dysbacteriosis in children can lead to the development of serious pathologies.

Possible complications:

• decreased immunity;
• lag in physical development;
• dermatitis;
• neurodermatitis;
• Iron-deficiency anemia;
• bronchial asthma;
• rickets;
• proctosigmoiditis;
• violation of hematopoietic processes;
• urinary tract infection;
• dyskinesia of the intestine and biliary tract.

PREVENTION

Prevention measures:

• pregnancy planning;
• balanced nutrition of the expectant mother;
• treatment of genital tract infections before delivery;
• elimination of stress and compliance with the regime;
• early attachment of the baby to the breast;
• prolonged breastfeeding;
• gradual introduction of complementary foods at the recommended time;
• timely treatment of diseases of the digestive system;
• prevention of intestinal infections.

PROGNOSIS FOR RECOVERY

Children's dysbacteriosis is treated comprehensively. The result of therapy depends on the timeliness and correctness of the chosen treatment tactics and the severity of the pathological process. In most cases, the prognosis is favorable, but long-term maintenance treatment and constant monitoring of the child's nutrition are required.

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In the fetus in the womb, the gastrointestinal tract is absolutely sterile and there are no microorganisms in it. After the birth of the baby's gastrointestinal tract, it begins to actively populate with various bacteria that enter the body during the passage of the birth canal. This is the process of creating a normal and healthy intestine. After the birth of the baby, his gastrointestinal tract continues to be actively populated by the microflora that is in the environment.

Breast milk contains bifidus factor. This substance contributes to the production of bifidobacteria, which make up up to 99% of the intestinal flora of the baby. They normalize the functioning of the immune system, promote digestion and prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

What is dysbacteriosis, its causes?

Dysbacteriosis in a month-old baby is a violation of the natural balance of microflora in the intestine. Microorganisms that are not characteristic of the normal flora may appear in the body. In most cases, dysbacteriosis is caused by intestinal infections or antibiotics.

Its diagnosis is based on severe symptoms or fecal analysis. Specific symptoms are difficult to identify. According to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, this condition does not apply to diseases.

If your child does not pass loose stools within two to three days, then it is necessary to do an analysis for dysbacteriosis. Also, the indications for the diagnosis are greenish stools, frothy stools, the presence of mucus or particles of undigested food. The child has bloating, which is accompanied by painful sensations.

Is dysbacteriosis dangerous?

First of all, it causes a malfunction in the normal functioning of the digestive process. This leads to the fact that the baby receives insufficient amounts of nutrients that are so necessary for its normal development.

Treatment of dysbacteriosis in infants.

Only a pediatrician can prescribe medication.
One of the best means of combating dysbacteriosis is breastfeeding. With mother's milk, all the necessary substances enter the body of the baby. This helps to restore the intestinal microflora.

If a woman cannot breastfeed her baby, then he needs to pick up a mixture with prebiotics. This component stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Also, the pediatrician may prescribe the intake of various drugs, which include live bacteria. This therapy will improve the condition of the baby and normalize digestion.

In what cases should you see a doctor?

If your child shows any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor.

• severe diarrhea (more than 12 bowel movements per day);
• elevated temperature;
• vomit;
• weight loss or low weight gain.

Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration. This condition threatens the life of the child.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis is a condition in which the balance of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms is disturbed in this organ. This situation can occur at any age for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the violations are temporary, and the microflora is restored naturally. If this does not happen, special medications are used.

At the time of birth, the human digestive system is sterile. Microorganisms begin to colonize the gastrointestinal tract of the child as soon as he is born. It occurs in the birth canal of the mother. The microbes obtained here multiply in the baby's body and protect it from pathogenic environmental bacteria. They are involved in the process of digestion and assimilation of food. Beneficial microorganisms secrete substances that stimulate cells of the immune system and prevent the development of food allergies. In addition, they synthesize some hormones and vitamins necessary for normal life.

The primary intestinal microflora is far from normal. It is represented by both beneficial and pathogenic microbes. This situation persists for up to three weeks, until bifidobacteria multiply and occupy a dominant position. To do this, they need a certain nutrient medium - mother's milk. Dysbacteriosis in infants most often develops with artificial feeding. Mixtures are less suitable food for bifidobacteria, their population grows more slowly. This contributes to the activation of the pathogenic microflora of the infant, which can cause many diseases. Children who do not receive breast milk have all the signs of bacterial imbalance. They suffer from increased gas formation, which is accompanied by colic and frequent regurgitation. Such babies do not sleep well, slowly gain weight, get sick more often and longer.

Artificial feeding is not the only reason for the imbalance of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines of infants. In children up to a year, dysbacteriosis is caused by complications during childbirth. The birth by caesarean section does not allow the child to acquire the mother's microflora. As a result, he receives a set of hostile bacteria that are in the air and on the hands of medical staff. Genetic disorders also affect the composition of the microflora. The most common among them is the absence or lack of enzymes (lactase) that break down milk - the main food of infants. It is not absorbed and fermented inside the body, creating a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogens.

The digestive system of the child is formed gradually and completes its development by 3 years. Until this time, some foods cannot be broken down due to a lack of necessary enzymes and rot in the intestines. Therefore, you need to start feeding your child wisely. Treatment with antibiotics negatively affects the state of the microflora. Such drugs destroy not only pathogenic, but also beneficial microorganisms. Breastfed babies can get antibiotics in the milk of the mother who takes them.

The development of dysbacteriosis in children is noted as a result of:

1. inflammatory diseases of the digestive system;

2. the presence of helminths (they take nutrients from beneficial bacteria);

3. violations of the diet and diet;

4. hormonal or radiation therapy;

5. food allergies;

6. poisoning;

7. actions of adverse environmental factors;

8. nervous disorders;

9. prolonged diarrhea or constipation;

10. infectious diseases.

Qualitative and quantitative changes in the microflora cause a violation of the digestive process. The constant lack of vitamins and microelements necessary for the body adversely affects the health of the child.

At the first signs of dysbacteriosis, you should contact a pediatrician, and adolescents - a therapist. The doctor will prescribe treatment and refer you to a consultation with other specialists.

How to recognize the first signs in time

The intestinal flora includes more than 500 species of various microorganisms. They create a kind of biological film on the mucous membrane. Most (90%) are beneficial obligate bacteria. These include:

1. Bifidobacteria are the main and most important microorganisms. They are responsible for the synthesis of B vitamins and their absorption, produce biologically active substances that regulate metabolic processes. These bacteria form organic acids that prevent the reproduction of pathogenic microflora and promote the absorption of calcium salts.

2. Lactobacilli help in the formation of strong immunity, play an important role in the fight against intestinal infections and are actively involved in digestion.

3. Peptostreptococci are responsible for the breakdown and absorption of protein, regulate the acid-base balance.

4. Propionic acid bacteria activate the body's defenses and metabolic processes.

5. Enterococci support normal fermentation and breakdown of nutrients.

A significant decrease in the number of obligate microorganisms leads to dysbacteriosis. This is manifested by the following symptoms:

• flatulence (increased gas formation);
• the appearance of bad breath;
• diarrhea or constipation;
• nausea, sometimes vomiting;
• fast fatiguability;
• pain in the abdomen between meals;
• allergic reactions;
• skin rashes;
• headache.

In the feces there are pieces of undigested food, mucus. The stool acquires a sharp fetid odor, changes color, becomes heterogeneous. Children whose microflora is disturbed often get sick and recover for a long time. The sure signs in infants are frequent regurgitation, colic, irritation of the skin, frequent loose stools with lumps of curdled milk. Toddlers do not sleep well and are often naughty.

Dysbacteriosis is diagnosed on the basis of laboratory studies of feces, during which the presence of various microorganisms in it and their number are determined. Such an analysis can be taken on the direction of a doctor or on your own initiative. Feces are collected in a sterile container (purchased at a pharmacy) and delivered to the laboratory within 3 hours. Before this, stop taking medications and the use of rectal suppositories (at least 3 days in advance). The result obtained will show which bacteria are present and their number. The doctor should make the final diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Illiterate interference in the internal processes associated with the formation of microflora can worsen the situation and lead to undesirable consequences.

Treatment and prevention of dysbiosis in a child

Dysbacteriosis is not diagnosed as a separate disease. It is a clinical sign of a number of pathologies. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to cure the cause of the violation of microflora.

1. If dysbacteriosis is a consequence of an intestinal infection, antibiotics are prescribed. This aggravates the situation, but is a necessary measure in the treatment of such diseases. The death of beneficial microorganisms allows pathogens to dominate. To suppress them, bacteriophages are prescribed (dysenteric, staphylococcal, salmonella, coli-proteic). These are viruses that do not pose a threat to humans. They only kill certain types of harmful bacteria.

2. In parallel, probiotics are prescribed. These are preparations consisting of substances of microbial origin and living microorganisms. Most often it is lacto-, coli- and bifidobacteria. Sometimes the composition of drugs includes representatives of microbial communities that are not characteristic of the intestinal microflora - spore rods or yeast (Bactisubtil, Sporobacterin, Biosporin). They have the ability to suppress disease-causing organisms.

Probiotics are indicated in complex treatment. They are absolutely harmless and can be used from birth. The doctor should choose them, since the microflora of babies has its own characteristics. Children under 3 months are prescribed mainly drugs with bifidobacteria. There are mono- and polycomponent probiotics. The former consist of individual cells of bacteria of the same species. These include first-generation drugs: Bifidumbacterin, Colibacterin, Lactobacterin. Used for the treatment of mild forms of dysbacteriosis.

Polycomponent ones contain several types of microorganisms characteristic of the normal intestinal microflora: Acipol, Acilact, Linex, Bifolong, Bifiliz. They are used in the treatment of dysbacteriosis caused by local inflammation of the digestive system. The latest breakthrough in pharmaceuticals is the creation of probiotics, consisting of whole colonies of bacteria. They are grown on sorbent microparticles and enter the intestine along with it, maintaining their viability. Such drugs are used for food poisoning, causing serious changes in the microflora. These include: Probifor, Bifidumbacterin forte, Ecoflor.

In addition to dry probiotics, there are liquid forms. They are more effective, since the microorganisms in them are active (not in suspended animation) and multiply faster in the intestine. In addition to live bacteria and a nutrient medium for them, their composition includes various vitamins and trace elements. They can be taken not only orally, but also injected directly into the rectum.

3. Along with probiotics, prebiotics are used. The latter consist of organic compounds that provide comfortable conditions for the existence of bacteria of a healthy microflora. They are made mainly from oligosaccharides (lactulose, inulin). Typical representatives are Duphalac, Lactusan, Goodluck, Normaze, Prelax, Portalak.

It is not worth using this or that remedy to normalize the microflora of a child on your own initiative. This requires the use of a certain set of drugs, which only a specialist can correctly select.

So that children do not have problems with the intestines, it is necessary to take care of the health of the newborn even during pregnancy. The expectant mother must maintain her own microflora in the norm, because it is the set of her bacteria that the baby will receive at birth.

The main food of children under one year old is breast milk. Proper nutrition of the mother during this period and strict hygiene will help to avoid intestinal dysbacteriosis in the baby. If breastfeeding is not possible, suitable formulas must be selected. The introduction of complementary foods should be carried out on time in strict accordance with the recommendations of the pediatrician. The diet of children under 3 years of age is significantly different from that of an adult. Its basis is cereals, soups, vegetables, fruits, lean meats and dairy products.

Non-traditional means for the normalization of microflora

Traditional healers recommend treating various symptoms and forms of dysbacteriosis with the help of diet, fermented milk products and decoctions of medicinal plants. You can not use such methods in relation to infants. Children over 3 years of age and adolescents can be treated without resorting to medication, but a doctor's consultation is also necessary.

Nutrition depends on the symptoms that accompany the violation of the microflora. With diarrhea, you must include in the diet:

• mucous decoctions (rice, oatmeal);
• boiled and stewed vegetables (carrots, potatoes);
• white bread crackers;
• jelly from dried fruits;
• baked apples;
• boiled fish and chicken.

If the symptom is constipation, then fermented milk products should be the basis of nutrition. They contain a large number of lactobacilli and yeast, which normalize the intestinal microflora, inhibiting pathogens. Kefir enriched with bifidobacteria (biokefir and bifidok) is especially effective.

Whey is useful for dysbacteriosis. It is obtained by heating kefir until the curd separates. The serum has a mild laxative effect. On its basis, a well-known medicine is made - Duphalac. Daily use of whey for a month significantly improves the microbial composition of the intestine.

Many herbs have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These include: chamomile, calendula, sage, yarrow, St. John's wort, calamus root and burnet. Decoctions and infusions of these plants are used to treat inflammatory and infectious bowel diseases. Pathogenic bacteria are defenseless against bee products. Honey and to a greater extent propolis are natural antibiotics.

For children, you can prepare a delicious medicine from 1 cup of rosehip infusion with the addition of 1 tsp of honey and propolis (a small piece the size of a pea). Such a drink is given to the child during the day between meals for 0.3 cups. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

Treating the intestines of children from a bacterial imbalance is much more difficult than following certain rules of nutrition and hygiene. But if dysbacteriosis has arisen, you should seek help from specialists.

Parents of children of the first year of life often face such a concept as "dysbacteriosis". In our country, dysbacteriosis, until recently, was considered a disease, but now the opinion that it is a fictitious and non-existent disease is increasingly being sown. And, indeed, this is not a disease, but a special condition of the body - intestinal dysfunction caused by an imbalance in the ratio of beneficial and harmful microorganisms, with them, a child up to a year old shows signs of discomfort in the abdomen.

This condition for infants born 1, 2 or 3 months ago is quite normal. However, it is still necessary to adjust the nutrition menu of the nursing mother and, if necessary, treat the baby. In other cases, when the child is older than 5 months, you should consult a doctor to find out the causes of intestinal dysfunction.

The internal environment of the intestines of the child consists of many different microorganisms. The most important are bifido- and lactobacilli.

Bifidobacteria begin to dominate the intestinal microflora in infants by the end of the 1st week of life. They synthesize amino acids, proteins, vitamin K, B vitamins, pantothenic, nicotinic and folic acids. They ensure the correct absorption of vitamin D, iron and calcium ions by the intestinal walls.

Lactobacilli are involved in the formation of lactic acid, lycozyme and substances with antibiotic activity. These bacteria play an important role, as they produce lactase, which helps to break down lactose, which in turn prevents the development of lactose deficiency.

When does the intestinal microflora form?

The intestinal microflora of a child begins to emerge even in utero, genetically, in the early months of pregnancy. To ensure the health of the fetus, a woman must eat properly and not have diseases of the genital organs, subsequently transmitted to the newborn.

The colonization of the first bacteria occurs during the passage of the child through the birth canal, with the first breath, the first attachment to the breast along with the mother's colostrum, and then in the first 3-5 days of the baby's life in the process of feeding and interacting with the environment. During this time, it is necessary, as carefully as possible, to monitor the hygiene of the baby and all objects in contact with him. It is undesirable for children of 1 month of life to give supplementary food in the form of milk mixtures and cow's milk. An unprepared system of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract) will not cope with the digestion of new food, and will lead to the appearance of dysbacteriosis. It is very important that during the first months the baby should eat only mother's milk, which contains everything necessary for the development of immunity: bifidogenic substances for microflora, which contribute to the growth of the number of bifidobacteria in the intestine, and immunoglobulins (antibodies) from infections that affected the mother.

Symptoms indicating the presence of dysbacteriosis

The main symptoms of dysbacteriosis in infants are a change in the color and consistency of feces, as well as a deterioration in the condition of the skin.

In healthy newborns, thick, viscous, dark green stools called meconium are observed within 1-2 days. After 2-5 days, it changes, becomes cleaner, mushy, changes color to yellow or light brown. But for another 3 months, in the diaper, along with feces, you will find a little admixture of greenery or mucus - this is considered the norm. At first, the frequency of bowel movements in children of the first month of life reaches 5-10 times per day, but upon reaching 2 months of age, the stool normalizes to 1 time in 2-3 days. It is worth remembering that in children older than 5 months, with the introduction of complementary foods, vegetables and fruits with a laxative effect can affect the frequency of stools.

But sick babies have diarrhea. Fecal masses may acquire a sharp unpleasant odor, become frothy, green in color, with a high content of mucus or streaks of blood. In this case, it is necessary to pass an analysis for dysbacteriosis and its subsequent treatment.

Common symptoms that appear in children under one year old with impaired bowel function:

• sleep disturbance;
• loss of appetite and body weight;
• the presence of spasms in the intestines (while the child cries loudly and bends his legs under him);
• frequent spitting up or vomiting;
• bloating and rumbling of the abdomen;
• diarrhea;
• pale skin;
• restlessness and moodiness.

What are the causes of intestinal microflora disorders?

In a newborn, within 3-4 weeks, there is an active colonization of the intestines by microorganisms. The ratio of the number and composition of microbes during this period of time is still poorly established, and the child develops transient dysbacteriosis, which is a temporary phenomenon in the process of establishing the immunity of the crumbs. At 1 year old, the intestinal microflora changes for the better, and already at 2 years old, the combination of beneficial and harmful bacteria becomes like that of an adult.

A slight imbalance in the work of the intestines in children after 5 months causes the introduction of complementary foods, and in newborns, supplementary feeding with milk mixtures becomes the cause.

But there are more serious reasons for dysbacteriosis

First of all - as a consequence of an acute intestinal infection, such as food poisoning. The number of pathogenic microbes increases and begins to prevail over the beneficial ones, as a result of which infection of the internal organs is possible.

Candida fungus (thrush) becomes a common cause of dysbacteriosis. Signs of its appearance are the presence of light gray films covering the intestinal mucosa of the child.

Displacing the beneficial flora, staphylococci can settle in the intestines. The most common is Staphylococcus aureus, a child becomes infected with it in the hospital. Its symptoms are a purulent rash on the skin, similar to prickly heat, and a general infection of the blood.

Antibiotic treatment absolutely causes an imbalance in the work of the gastrointestinal tract in children, regardless of their age.

Consequences of dysbacteriosis

Dysbacteriosis often causes an allergic reaction in a child up to a year old, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, or inflammation of the urination organs. In this case, pathogenic bacteria from the intestine enter the urinary tract and blood.

Colitis in children 1-5 months of age is also a consequence of a violation of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by poor digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.

How to treat?

Pediatricians and gastroenterologists say that the treatment of dysbacteriosis will be effective only with the initial elimination of factors that affect the reproduction of harmful microorganisms in the large intestine, since the artificial colonization of microflora with lactobacilli is not always the right solution. Because these bacteria are different from the lactic acid sticks contained in the intestines of the child.

More correct treatment will be based on improving the quality and normalization of the diet, as well as prescribing medicines for the child in the first year of life, eliminating the causes of gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Always remember, the baby has a chance to get sick at 1 month, and at 2 months, and at 3 years, and even after he becomes an adult. Unfortunately, this condition occurs throughout a child's life. Follow the rules of hygiene, diet, expose the crumbs to diseases less and in the future you will not need treatment.

Dysbacteriosis (dysbiosis) is a fairly common disease. This is a change in the normal intestinal microflora. The condition in children is not an independent disease. Dysbacteriosis is a secondary sign of already existing disorders in the body.

The disease is diagnosed by examining feces. An imbalance in the intestinal microflora in a child requires careful diagnosis and complex treatment.

Reasons for the development of dysbacteriosis

Depending on the age of the child, various factors can cause dysbacteriosis. This problem can arise after the use of antibiotics, with improper nutrition, poor ecology.

Causes of microflora disorders in children under 1 year old:

• malnutrition of the mother during breastfeeding;
• artificial feeding with mixtures;
• abrupt weaning;
• taking antibiotics;
• allergy;
• weakened immunity;
• bad ecological situation.

In children older than 1 year, other causes of intestinal dysbacteriosis appear:

• helminthic invasions;
• improper and unbalanced diet;
• frequent colds;
• acquired diseases of the digestive tract (intestinal atony, gastritis);
• chronic infections;
• taking drugs that reduce intestinal motility, inhibit the synthesis of enzymes (antispasmodics, sedatives);
• stress, hormonal changes.

Symptoms and stages of the disease

Dysbiosis is accompanied by quantitative and qualitative changes in the microflora. The beneficial bacteria are replaced by harmful bacteria that have a detrimental effect on the health of the child.

Typical symptoms are:

• violation of the chair;
• stomach ache;
• gas formation and colic;
• metallic taste in the mouth;
• dry skin, dermatitis;
• weakening of the immune system, which is expressed in frequent colds and exacerbations of chronic diseases.

In infants, signs of dysbacteriosis appear after 1-1.5 months. Observed:

• loss of appetite;
• poor weight gain
• loose and greenish stools.

Older children have a significant number of defecation acts. The stool is liquid, it contains the remains of undigested food.

Manifestations of dysbiosis largely depend on the stage of the disease:

• With the initial dysbacteriosis, there is still no significant decrease in the level of beneficial bacteria, the pathogenic flora has not grown. During this period, the child's appetite worsens, he is disturbed by frequent constipation, which alternates with diarrhea. There is anxiety and excitability.
• The second stage is characterized by the growth of pathogenic microflora. The child begins flatulence, diarrhea with a strong odor, or constipation. Symptoms of dysbacteriosis are similar to signs of other diseases. Babies have vomiting, regurgitation. 2 hours after feeding, he has anxiety, he pulls his legs up to his stomach, sleeps badly. Older children have symptoms of gastritis: distension and pain in the abdomen, decrease or loss of appetite, heartburn and belching, severe gas formation.
• In the 3rd phase of dysbiosis, diarrhea becomes chronic, gas formation and colic continue. The child is irritable, often exposed to colds and SARS. Children under 1 year of age show signs of rickets. Interest in food disappears, the child is lethargic due to a lack of vitamins and nutrients. The stool may have a sour smell with impurities of mucus and greenery. Symptoms may resemble colitis: diarrhea is replaced by constipation, incomplete bowel syndrome, plaque on the tongue, accumulation of gases.
• Severe dysbacteriosis is a fundamental violation of the microflora. In the intestines, there is a large concentration of several types of pathogenic bacteria that can provoke an intestinal infection. The child may periodically rise in temperature, he may have chills, fever, headaches. Undigested food releases toxins that cause symptoms of chronic poisoning.

Note! The baby's skin can also react to dysbacteriosis, on the surface of which allergic rashes appear.

Analyzes and diagnostics

To diagnose a violation, it is necessary to pass an analysis for dysbacteriosis and feces for microbiological examination. It will determine the ratio of different types of bacteria in the intestine. Thanks to this analysis, the sensitivity of organisms to various drugs can be assessed, which subsequently helps to determine the treatment regimen. The analysis requires feces collected in the morning (5-10 g). It cannot be stored for a long time at room temperature, otherwise the result of the study will not be correct.

Bowel function and the likelihood of dysbiosis can be determined by donating feces for a coprogram. It can be used to assess the ability of the intestine to digest food, to identify violations of its absorption. With a bad coprogram, a fecal analysis for carbohydrates is prescribed. With an increase in their level, we can talk about lactose deficiency.

Additionally, an analysis is given for eggs of worms and enterobiasis.

Treatment Methods

How and how to treat dysbacteriosis in children? Traditional therapy at any stage should be carried out in several directions:

• taking medications;
• diet;
• symptomatic therapy;
• alternative therapy.

Drug therapy

In order for the treatment to be effective, first of all, you need to remove all the factors that provoked the disease (improve nutrition, stop using antibiotics).

The task of the first stage of therapy is to stop the growth of pathogenic bacteria, normalize the intestinal microflora. The child needs to remove the symptoms of intestinal disorders (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain).

If the baby has a poor appetite, the lack of food should be compensated for with glucose-salt solutions (Bio Gaia, Regidron) or sweet tea.

To destroy the "bad" microflora, several groups of drugs for dysbacteriosis are prescribed.

bacteriophages- These are special bacteria that will "eat" pathogenic organisms. These can be salmonella, coliproteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage, etc. The drug should be given simultaneously orally and in the form of small enemas. The first reaction to the drug in a child may be severe abdominal pain.

Probiotics- preparations containing live "beneficial" bacteria. They help regulate the balance of the intestinal microflora. They are monocomponent, polycomponent, combined, recombinant.

• Baktisubtil;
• Bifiform;
• Primadophilus;
• Enterol.

At the 2nd stage of treatment, a 7-10-day course is prescribed prebiotics. These are non-microbial products that help maintain normal levels of “good” bacteria.

• Hilak forte;
• Duphalac;
• Lactusan;
• Primadophilus.

In parallel with pro- and prebiotics, the child is given sorbents:

• Smecta;
• Polyphepam;
• Polysorb.

If dysbacteriosis occurs in severe form, it affects the functioning of the pancreas. Therefore, the child is prescribed enzyme preparations (Pancreatin, Creon, Mezim). Thanks to them, the process of splitting food and the absorption of nutrients is better.

Antibiotics should be taken very carefully with dysbacteriosis. Most of them do not affect the intestinal microflora, and can harm the child. Basically, intestinal antiseptics with a broad spectrum of action are prescribed:

• Nifuratel;
• Encefuril;
• Nifuroxazide.

Diet and nutrition rules

One of the main components of the treatment of the disease is proper nutrition and adherence to a diet for dysbacteriosis. In the initial disease, natural probiotics, fiber, pectins, and dietary fiber should be included in the diet. In the early days, it is better to focus on a plentiful drinking regime, limit food. If the baby has severe diarrhea, the diet should be more strict. It must be agreed with the doctor, but you yourself need to exclude the child from eating vegetables and fruits in their raw form (except for bananas and baked apples).

If the child is breastfed, then the mother must adhere to the diet. You can normalize the microflora with the help of probiotics from fermented milk mixtures, kefir.

From the age of 2, the child's menu should include dishes with dietary fiber. Good to give:

• boiled or steamed vegetables;
• baked apples;
• cereals;
• vegetable puree;
• vegetable soups;
• lean boiled meat (chicken, rabbit);
• jelly;
• compote from mountain ash or wild rose.

If a child has diarrhea with yellowish stools, his diet should include protein foods (fish, eggs, cottage cheese). If the feces are dark, you need to include fermented milk products, fruit compotes, boiled vegetables. Juices and soda should be avoided. You can not give children whole milk, pasta, animal fats, canned food, sweets.

Traditional medicine

In small quantities, with dysbacteriosis, you can give decoctions of herbs that have an antiseptic effect:

• chamomile;
• St. John's wort;
• sage.

Decoctions help to fix the chair:

• blueberries;
• cinquefoil root.

In parallel with traditional treatment, a child can be given microclysters. from 100 ml of vegetable oil (olive, sesame, peach) with 5 drops of tea tree and fennel ether. It is necessary to inject an enema daily, 5 ml into the rectum for 10 days.

Prevention of dysbacteriosis in a child should be dealt with at the stage of its planning. A woman should be examined for the microflora of the genital organs. If necessary, it must be corrected before the birth of the baby. A pregnant woman needs to monitor her diet and stable bowel function.

When the child is already born, it is necessary:

• timely apply it to the chest;
• breastfeed him for as long as possible;
• correctly introduce complementary foods;
• be sure to give the child fermented milk products with bifidobacteria;
• if the baby often suffers from colds, in addition he needs to be given probiotics;
• monitor the condition of the child's stool, the dynamics of his weight.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis in children is a common disorder that requires careful examination and timely elimination of the problem. Today, there are many research methods and medical tools that make it possible to successfully treat dysbiosis. The main thing is to detect the problem in time and seek qualified help.

More interesting details about childhood dysbacteriosis in the following video: