If an 8 month old baby has diarrhea without fever, what to do?

Diarrhea in children is a common reason for young parents to visit a pediatrician. Diarrhea is characterized by loose, frequent stools. Indigestion in itself is not a disease; diarrhea is a characteristic symptom of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or other diseases.

Diarrhea is a common pathology in young children due to the imperfection of their digestive and immune nervous systems. Any change in diet, taking certain medications, even stress can cause diarrhea. It is important to immediately identify the provoking factor and eliminate it immediately. Do not self-medicate, contact your pediatrician.

Types of diarrhea

Diarrhea in an 8-month-old child is expressed not only by the presence of loose stools. There are 6 types of the disease, each of which is characterized by signs and manifestations.

Infectious diarrhea

Its appearance is associated with the penetration of an intestinal infection into the body due to poisoning with poor-quality products, when infected with dysentery or salmonellosis.

Alimentary diarrhea

The main reason for its appearance is a sudden change in diet, a negative reaction to new foods introduced into the baby’s diet, and an allergic reaction to medications.

Dyspeptic diarrhea

If, after eating food, an 8-month-old child has poor production of enzymes for high-quality digestion of food.

Toxic

In children, this type of diarrhea can occur as a result of poisoning with any chemicals: arsenic, mercury, salts of heavy metals.

Medication

This type of diarrhea is associated with the baby taking medications. Antibiotics have a particularly negative effect on the gastrointestinal microflora, causing dysbiosis, which causes loose stools.

Psychological diarrhea

With this type of diarrhea, various psychological factors play an important role: poor sleep, stress, changes in habitual lifestyle: moving to a new place, disruption of the daily routine, fear or fright. In this case, loose stools may pass on their own when the baby is again in a comfortable environment.

Classification of loose stools in infants

During the first year of life, every baby experiences diarrhea at least once. The form and duration of diarrhea often depends on the reasons that caused the unpleasant symptom. Based on the factors that could provoke intestinal dysfunction, six types of diarrhea are distinguished.

Infectious diarrhea

The problem arises due to pathogenic microflora entering the baby’s body. However, diarrhea is not necessarily a consequence of an intestinal infection. Frequent loose stools are often observed in viral diseases (acute respiratory infections, influenza). Food poisoning can also cause diarrhea, which will be classified as this type.

Through dirty toys, an infection can enter the baby's gastrointestinal tract.

A characteristic sign of infection is a strong smell (sour or rotten) of stool. Bowel movements can occur quite often - up to several times an hour. Diarrhea with foam, mucus, white flakes or streaks of blood - all this may indicate that the baby had to deal with an infection. A characteristic sign will also be an increase in body temperature to low-grade levels.

Diarrhea and regurgitation are dangerous signs that may indicate poisoning. If unpleasant symptoms occur in a baby, you must call emergency help.

Alimentary diarrhea

Diarrhea develops against the background of prolonged malnutrition of the child. This type includes hungry diarrhea. Unpleasant manifestations occur if the baby does not have enough food that is offered to him. The feces have a greenish tint (in some cases the color reaches dark green). The stool appears unformed and may contain water.

Nutritional problems also include diarrhea that develops due to the introduction of complementary foods or a change in formula. This symptom indicates that the baby’s gastrointestinal tract is not yet ready for the food offered.

Dyspeptic diarrhea

Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract develop due to insufficient secretion of enzymes necessary for digesting food. Failure may occur due to a decrease in the body's defenses during teething. Dyspeptic diarrhea is also often observed after the baby overheats. Typically, stool has a liquid consistency, but bowel movements are observed no more than 5 times a day. The unpleasant symptom disappears after 2–3 days.

Diarrhea may develop due to teething

Toxic diarrhea

Diarrhea develops due to poisoning with chemicals (mercury or arsenic). In addition, the symptom can be observed in renal failure.

Drug-induced diarrhea

Infants may experience loose stools after taking certain medications, in particular antibacterial agents. Diarrhea often occurs after hepatitis vaccination. Medicines disrupt the healthy intestinal microflora, as a result of which diarrhea develops.

Diarrhea often develops as a complication after vaccination

Neurogenic diarrhea

Anxiety, fear, emotional stress - all this can lead to disruption of the regulation of the motor activity of the baby’s intestines. As a result, diarrhea develops. To remove an unpleasant symptom, first of all, it is necessary to eliminate the psychological factor that negatively affects the baby.

Based on the nature of the diarrhea, one can only guess what caused the unpleasant symptom. A qualified pediatrician can make an accurate diagnosis. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the presence of accompanying symptoms (fever, moodiness, sleep disturbances, etc.).

Causes of diarrhea in a baby

Diarrhea in an 8 month old baby can occur for a number of reasons. The main ones include:

Food poisoning due to food that has expired, poor food quality, violation of proper food preparation standards, infection with E. coli or staphylococcus.
If parents have introduced unusual or new foods into the diet.
When moving or changing climatic conditions.
With poor water quality.
If your baby is afraid or anxious.
In stressful situations.
If parents have introduced cow's milk into the diet, and he has a negative tolerance to lactose.
If the intestines are affected by an intestinal infection.
If your baby is being treated with certain types of medications, the side effects of which include loose stools.
If your baby is infected with intestinal flu.
Eating sour or salty foods.
For colds and flu.
Due to overeating.

Causes and factors for the development of diarrhea and children under one year old

Diarrhea in an infant in most cases is a consequence of a violation of the healthy intestinal microflora. Various factors can contribute to the development of the symptom. The most common include:

use of certain medications;
infection (can enter the child’s body through poorly washed bottles or dirty toys);
neurogenic disorder (fear);
introducing new foods to the diet or changing the milk formula;
intolerance to certain foods;
overheat;
teething.

A woman during lactation should carefully monitor her diet. Foods that can cause diarrhea should be avoided. Most often, if diarrhea is observed in the mother, the infant also experiences an unpleasant symptom.

Symptoms

Parents will know what to do and how to treat their child if they study the symptoms of diarrhea. These also include:

nausea or vomiting;
temperature and fever;
stool may change color;
there may also be mucus or blood clots in the stool;
moderate or unbearable abdominal pain;
strong gas formation.

Even if parents know what to do in this situation and what remedies can be used for diarrhea, self-medication in children under one year of age is not recommended. There are cases when diarrhea causes complications that can pose a danger to the health and life of the child. Dehydration is especially dangerous, as a result of which the mucous membranes become dry and the child may experience convulsions. In this case, you should call an ambulance as quickly as possible. This symptom requires professional medical attention.

The danger of rotavirus infection

Also, unfavorable symptoms may indicate the presence of rotavirus infection in the body, which was discovered as recently as 1973. Translated from Latin, the word rota means “wheel”, since the virus under a microscope is shaped vaguely like a wheel.

Rotavirus infection spreads through food, as well as through household contact. Regardless of living conditions and the degree of hygiene, almost all children suffer from rotavirus. The highest percentage of infections with this type of infection is among children aged 2 to 6 years. Rotavirus may cause vomiting and diarrhea in a child without fever. Komarovsky recommends that you definitely visit your doctor and take the tests prescribed by him, on the basis of which the causative agent of the disease will be identified. Guided by an accurate diagnosis, the pediatrician will be able to prescribe effective treatment. As a rule, antimicrobial drugs (Enterofuril) are prescribed. Parents are not recommended to give their child any medications on their own. The most they can do to help their child is to give them plenty of fluids to drink to stop dehydration, sorbents (activated carbon, Enterosgel, Polysorb).

Treatment

What to do if your 8-month-old baby has diarrhea. Pay attention to the frequency of going to the toilet, the color and consistency of stool.

Mild diarrhea

It is not frequent and without pain. The child's lifestyle has not changed. In this case, you can give decoctions of medicinal herbs, slightly change your diet and give more fluids.

Diarrhea is a protective reaction of the body and tries to cleanse the intestines of harmful substances and toxins. And if the diarrhea is not prolonged, it is not necessary to resort to taking medications.

Prolonged diarrhea

If diarrhea is prolonged, and stool is not very abundant, but lasts more than 5 days, medical attention is necessary. There is a possibility of infection in the intestines. In this case, astringent decoctions and medications are used. It is also worth paying attention to why lingering diarrhea appeared. If it is associated with stress or with moving and changing climate conditions, it is enough to adjust the diet and give the baby as many positive emotions as possible.

With blood

In this situation, you need to urgently consult a doctor or call an ambulance. Feces with blood clots can signal pathologies and serious diseases. Quite often, this symptom indicates intestinal obstruction. This requires first of all surgical treatment.

With severe pain

Pain in the baby's tummy requires the appointment of an antispasmodic. Such a symptom should be a reason to visit a doctor. Quite often, with appendicitis or intestinal obstruction, diarrhea with pain or discomfort in the baby’s tummy is possible.

With mucus

First of all, there may be a rotavirus infection, an intestinal infection, or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Perhaps your baby is starting to teethe. This may also be due to poisoning from low-quality products.

Causes

In the first years of a baby’s life, it is difficult to determine the onset of diarrhea from ordinary, liquid stool. If the baby is breastfed, the stool will have a porridge-like consistency, which is normal. Young parents begin to sound the alarm due to their inexperience. It is important to know and be able to distinguish the normal state of affairs from pathology. Pediatricians have several options when the stool is normal, don’t worry:

In the first weeks of life, the baby will defecate up to eight times a day. The discharge is yellow and has a sour, milky odor. If your baby has white lumps in his stool, don’t worry, this is because the digestive system is trying to normalize its work and get used to new living conditions;
From the age of two months, bowel movements occur much less frequently - up to five times a day. The discharge itself becomes harder and acquires a dark color.

As new foods are introduced into the child’s diet, the stool changes, becomes thicker, and changes color. Pediatricians identify several main causes of diarrhea in a baby without fever and vomiting.

Diet disorder

The following aspects fall into this category:

improper introduction of complementary foods or infant formula. Sometimes parents are in a hurry with this process; the child’s body does not yet produce the necessary enzymes that digest food;
binge eating. Observed in infants and preschool children, a large intake of food disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system, intestinal motility increases, which provokes diarrhea;
unbalanced diet. Eating too heavy, unhealthy food disrupts the normal functioning of the child’s stomach;
low quality products. Spoiled “treats” are rich in pathogens that lead to diarrhea (the body tries to get rid of toxins).

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Intestinal dysbiosis

The problem is characterized by an imbalance of intestinal microflora, is a common cause of diarrhea in children of all ages, and causes a lot of inconvenience. Infants suffer from intestinal dysbiosis due to imperfections in the digestive system and dietary errors. Older children get sick for a number of other reasons:

developmental abnormalities or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
taking antibiotics and other medications;
helminthic infestations;
recent intestinal infections;
chronic diseases that are accompanied by a significant decrease in immunity;
inflammatory processes in other organs.

Infectious diseases

Diseases of the digestive system and other organs can be caused by various bacteria and viruses. Diarrhea is often a symptom of the following ailments:

initial stages of dysentery, salmonellosis. A few days later, diarrhea is accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication of the body;
“dirty hands” diseases. The category includes gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, colitis;
viral and bacterial diseases of the respiratory tract that occur in acute form: sore throat, ARVI, pneumonia and others. With such pathologies, loose stools cause intoxication of the child’s body with waste products of pathogenic bacteria.

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Enzyme deficiency

Nowadays, pediatricians are increasingly diagnosing a special pathology - lactase deficiency (congenital or acquired). During this disease, the body has little or no lactase enzyme, which promotes the absorption of milk sugar (lactose). The congenital disease is noted by parents immediately after the birth of the baby: the baby experiences foamy, loose stools with a sour milk smell, and colic that bothers the baby after each feeding.

With this pathology, the baby is prescribed to switch to artificial feeding with a special lactose-free formula. In addition to the most common enzyme deficiency, there are other types: celiac disease, congenital chloridorrhea.

Pathologies of non-infectious etiology

Loose stools are not always caused by the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Diarrhea in a baby sometimes indicates the following pathologies:

manifestation of an allergic reaction, additionally rashes, redness, and itching appear on the baby’s body;
appendicitis, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract;
as a result of heat and sunstroke;
parasitic infection (pinworms, tapeworms, ascariasis).

Doctor's recommendations

If dysentery or infection is detected, the doctor prescribes Fthalazol.
Enterofuril quickly copes with intestinal infections, diarrhea, and restores the microflora of the digestive system.
The drug Sulgin effectively treats diarrhea, colitis and dysentery.
An effective remedy for diarrhea that has excellent astringent properties is Tannacom. This drug is harmless even for babies of one month. Also, this drug very quickly relieves spasms and relieves pain.
If acute intestinal obstruction is not detected, Enterosgel can be given to the child.
An excellent solution is to use the drug Polysorb, which quickly stops diarrhea and has an excellent adsorbing effect.

When treating diarrhea, probiotics must be used. The drugs include:

Lactobacterin;
Bifidumbacterin;
Bifiform;
Hilak Forte.

They not only cope with diarrhea, but also restore intestinal microflora.

Complications

How the child will feel in the future depends on competent methods of combating diarrhea and timely assistance provided. Parents’ non-serious attitude towards the child’s problem and loss of precious time leads to the following complications:

consequences of dysbacteriosis - obstruction of the colon, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation of the rectum, bronchitis, dermatitis;
intestinal infections - cerebral edema, neurotoxicosis, salt imbalance, sepsis;
dysentery - bleeding in the intestines, iron deficiency, lack of vitamins, encephalitis, arthritis;
convulsions;
dehydration;
fatal outcome.

All diseases are dangerous. They will have to be treated for a long time.

Folk recipes

For children 8 months of age, you can prepare rice water. To do this, you need 2 tablespoons of rice for 2 glasses of water. The rice is cooked until tender, but the water is not drained. Grind rice and water in a mixer. Give your baby a teaspoon to drink several times a day until the stool returns to normal.
Dried blueberries or berry compote help. If you give dried berries, it is enough to take a teaspoon 3 times a day. But for such small children it is better to boil compote and give it to the baby in any quantity.
Grind the pomegranate peel and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Leave for about an hour and give the child a tablespoon 3 times a day.

If the child does not have an intestinal infection or pathology, parents can help the child on their own. But if loose stools continue for more than 2-3 days, you should still consult a doctor.

Source

An upset bowel movement in a child is an alarming signal for all parents without exception. Diarrhea is a common pathological condition caused by intestinal dysfunction. Diarrhea in a child without fever is common. This condition cannot be ignored, as it entails dehydration of the body - a dangerous condition for health and life.

Only a pediatric specialist can accurately determine the cause of diarrhea and prescribe the correct treatment. In turn, it is important for parents to know how to provide first aid to a child if he has diarrhea. The next step should be to call a doctor; under no circumstances should you engage in amateur activities.

Signs of baby dehydration

Diarrhea is not always dangerous. The symptom goes away in a few days without causing harm to the body. But frequent watery bowel movements can lead to dehydration of a small body. Parents should know the signs of a dangerous condition:

dryness of the oral mucosa and tongue;
sunken fontanel;
infrequent urination, the diaper remains dry for more than three hours;
drowsiness;
crying without tears;
restlessness, lethargy.

Dehydration of the baby's body can lead to dangerous consequences.

If at least one of the listed signs is present against the background of diarrhea, you must call an ambulance.

The difference between loose stools and diarrhea in a child

Parents should distinguish between loose stools and diarrhea in a child without fever.

At any age, children experience indigestion and loose stools. It can be caused by dietary errors, such as excessive consumption of milk or juice, viral infection and much more. Loose stools cause virtually no discomfort and go away on their own after one or two bowel movements.

Diarrhea or diarrhea in a child differs from loose stools in that it occurs much more often - the intestines are emptied at least 5 times a day, and, in most cases, this condition occurs without vomiting and fever. Diarrhea is dangerous due to the high risk of dehydration.

What is diarrhea in a baby under one year old?

Every mother needs to know what healthy baby stool looks like in the first months of life. You can judge the health of the baby by the contents of the diaper. In the first hours of life, a child's stool may have a brown or green tint. This is absolutely normal. The stool contains amniotic fluid, which entered the baby's gastrointestinal tract while still in the womb.

Diarrhea in an infant under one year old can lead to dehydration

After just a few days, the stool takes on a yellow or mustard tint. The consistency of the mass is similar to liquid semolina porridge. Small white specks or mucus may be present. There is no need to be afraid of this. The child’s body is just rebuilding to life outside the mother’s womb. If the baby is gaining weight well, sleeps and is not capricious, then there is no reason to worry.

If your child has bowel movements too often (more than ten times a day), the stool has become watery, and has an unpleasant odor, you should contact your pediatrician as soon as possible. The body must not be dehydrated. This condition can threaten the baby’s life.

Prevention

If a child has a frequent urge to defecate, if defecation occurs with liquid feces, you need to adhere to a diet and follow the rules of hygiene.

A baby should not stop feeding breast milk. You need to apply it to your breast more often.
Add 2-3 teaspoons of Regidron to artificial feeding.
Older children should include more slimy porridges in their diet: oatmeal, rice.
Offer low-fat broths with meat so as not to burden the stomach and intestines.
The menu includes baked apples, bananas, and persimmons.
It is possible to include a diet of eggs: 1 pc. per day.
As a sweet treat, offer your child biscuits or crackers.

If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting

Intestinal disorders accompanied by vomiting symptoms, as well as pain in the abdomen (determined by palpation in the epigastric zone), indicate possible poisoning or the presence of harmful microbes in the intestines, causing the development of harmful infections.

The manifestation of vomiting and diarrhea is a kind of attempt by the body to protect itself and get rid of pathogenic microbes that destroy the microflora. The real cause for concern is the unnatural color of stool: green indicates bacterial pathology, black indicates internal bleeding. You should be alarmed if you find bloody discharge or a large amount of mucus in your stool. Vomiting without diarrhea in a child is also very dangerous. Komarovsky claims that the painful condition will not go away on its own, so the child should be urgently hospitalized. No self-medication is allowed: only consultation with a doctor and use of prescribed medications.

At such moments, parents need to give their child plenty of liquid (you can give Regidron) and not force them to eat a lot, since for a weakened body, eating in the usual amount will be a heavy burden. After 8-12 hours, after the end of rehydration therapy aimed at replenishing fluid in the body, you can gradually introduce foods that are easy to digest into the diet: rice, bananas, crackers, dried bread.

Causes of diarrhea without fever in a child

The main factors that provoke stool disorder include:

Eating disorder. Almost all parents, one way or another, deviate from healthy eating recommendations. The child’s body cannot digest a large amount of “wrong” food (a lot of salty, fried, etc.), as a result, intestinal function increases, and a condition such as diarrhea in a child occurs, which occurs without an increase in temperature.
Infectious diseases. Viruses and harmful microorganisms often attack the baby’s body, and in this case, diarrhea in a child can last more than 3 days and rarely goes away without fever. The culprits of this condition are dysentery, salmonellosis, enterovirus, influenza, rubella, and intestinal infection.
Intestinal dysbiosis. If the balance of beneficial and opportunistic flora in the intestines changes, dysbiosis develops - a condition whose symptoms are diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and allergies in children.
Enzyme deficiency. Due to the functional immaturity of the child’s enzymatic system, the body does not always cope with digestion. As a result, diarrhea develops with the presence of particles of undigested food in the stool. Such problems are more common before one year of age, that is, among infants, due to lactase deficiency - the body’s inability to fully absorb lactose. In this case, diarrhea in a child 6 months and older will occur without fever in the form of foamy, copious stools immediately after finishing feeding.
Diseases of non-infectious etiology. Diarrhea in this case often occurs in the summer as a result of the child overheating in the sun or heat stroke. In addition, stressful situations, allergies, and surgical pathologies in the abdominal cavity can become non-infectious factors.
Reaction to medications. Each child tolerates medications individually. There are cases when children react to a medicine prescribed by a doctor with digestive disorders - diarrhea and vomiting, skin rashes without fever, which is a side effect of taking a specific medicine, for example, a child who is 4 months old. Most often, such an inadequate reaction of the body is caused by antibiotics.
Food allergies. A hypersensitivity reaction to foods can also cause abdominal discomfort, itchy skin, diarrhea and vomiting. The temperature in this case may or may not be elevated.

Associated symptoms

The symptoms accompanying vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the appearance of feces and vomit, can tell parents even before the doctor arrives what exactly is happening to the child. And first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the temperature, since even a slight increase in temperature is almost always a sign of an inflammatory or infectious process.

Diarrhea and vomiting in a child without fever can be the result of allergies, minor intoxication, problems with the gastrointestinal tract or gall bladder.
Diarrhea and vomiting in a child with a temperature of 37°C may indicate teething, food poisoning, or rotavirus.
Vomiting, diarrhea and a temperature of 38-39°C are always symptoms of infection.

Stomach ache

If a child has vomiting, diarrhea and a stomach ache, it is advisable to find out exactly what he is feeling:

colic - intestinal infection;
severe spasmodic pain - food poisoning;
colic a couple of hours after eating, uncomfortable rumbling - dysbacteriosis.

In a child, diarrhea and vomiting of acidic contents may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux.
Pungent odor - intestinal infection, food poisoning.

Impurities and consistency of diarrhea

Watery is a viral infection.
Foamy - bacterial infection, dysbacteriosis.
Bloody - food poisoning.
With the remains of undigested food - allergies, poor nutrition.

Characteristics of vomit

Unchanged, diarrhea prevails - intestinal infection.
Immediately after eating - allergies.
1-2 times a day - dysbacteriosis.
Not abundant, after each feeding - gastroesophageal reflux.
Abundant, fountain, in the form of undigested milk - pyloric stenosis.
Not associated with feeding - damage to the central nervous system.
Not abundant, no cyclicity - teething.
With blood - poisoning with mushrooms or poisons, damage to the esophagus, ulcer.

In infants, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms are blurred, but increase very quickly, the peak is reached in a short period of time. After a year, the clinical picture is clearer, and the cyclical development of the underlying disease can be traced. It is much easier to understand what is happening because the child describes what he feels. But at any age, he needs first aid to avoid dehydration and other complications.

Interesting fact. It has been scientifically proven that vomiting is triggered not by the stomach, but by signals from the brain.

When to see a doctor

Please note that diarrhea can lead to serious consequences. It is important to seek help from a specialist in time. Below is a list of conditions that require immediate medical attention:

The presence of pathological impurities in feces. Pus, streaks of blood and a lot of mucus are characteristic of inflammatory bowel changes. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are rare, but it is better to play it safe and do the appropriate tests once again. It is these diseases that are accompanied by repeated trips to the toilet and the release of pathological feces. Take care of your child and do not put off going to the doctor.
Diarrhea does not go away for a day or more. This condition threatens dehydration with further development of hypovolemic shock.
If your child is excessively restless or, on the contrary, constantly sleeps, it is time to consult your pediatrician. Small children cannot tell the symptoms; we have to observe their behavior.
Tarry stool color indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires immediate replacement therapy.
Older children begin to complain of intense abdominal pain. The clinical picture indicates the development of inflammatory changes in the gastrointestinal tract (often this is the first symptom of appendicitis, pancreatitis, peritonitis).

The article was approved by the editors

Diarrhea is not scary, but...

If you have a high temperature during diarrhea, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diarrhea is not scary, but it is unpleasant. This condition goes away within 2 or 3 days if you follow a diet. If symptoms persist and increase, you should urgently contact a medical facility. Urgently see a doctor:

Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
Loose stools in large volumes in children 1 year of age
High temperature in children of any age
The appearance of mucus and traces of blood in the stool
Change in stool color. Black stool indicates internal bleeding
Pain in the epigastric region of any nature – stabbing, cutting, spasmodic
The appearance of signs of dehydration - loss or confusion, bluish and pale skin, weakness

Any of these symptoms is a reason to consult a doctor. Do not use adult medications to treat diarrhea in young children without the advice of a specialist. This can only make the situation worse. Sticking to a healthy diet is not difficult. At the same time, there will be a reason to reconsider the food system in the family. The prognosis of the disease is favorable.

Every mother in the process of raising a child is faced with such an unpleasant phenomenon as diarrhea, otherwise uncontrollable loose stools, in which the process of defecation without the ability to restrain the urge to defecate occurs more than 5-6 times a day. The total number of acts of defecation depends on the age of the baby and the reasons that caused this process in the body.

First aid

Parents should know what measures they must take to alleviate the baby’s condition.

For diarrhea without fever in a child, the following will help:

Strict diet. In case of diarrhea, children should be given exclusively boiled or steamed food for at least 3 days. Dairy products, sweets, fruit juices, fatty, salty and smoked foods should be excluded from the child’s diet.
Normalization of microflora. Not only nutrition, but also medications with bifidobacteria are included in first aid for diarrhea in a child without fever. Of course, the doctor will tell you how to treat the baby, but before he arrives, you can start giving Linex.
Drinking regime. To avoid dehydration, during diarrhea it is necessary to offer the child more liquid - boiled water, fruit drinks and compotes.
Taking enterosorbents. Drugs in this group are needed for diarrhea to evacuate toxins and other dangerous substances from the body. A popular enterosorbent is Activated carbon.

Treatment prognosis and prevention

The sooner parents pay attention to unpleasant symptoms, the faster the baby can be cured. With adequate therapy, the prognosis is favorable. But refusal of treatment can lead to dehydration of the baby’s body. Death cannot be ruled out.

Preventive measures for diarrhea in children of the first year of life include the following:

regular wet cleaning of the room where the baby spends most of his time;
thorough washing of hands and utensils from which the child eats;
regular visits to the pediatrician;
nutrition appropriate for the baby’s age;
favorable psychological climate in the family.

What should you not eat or drink if you have vomiting or diarrhea?

Some foods can aggravate the patient's serious condition, so they should not be taken during the period of gastrointestinal problems.

Fried meat and fish. They can irritate the intestinal mucosa. You will also have to give up pickled, salted and smoked foods.
Raw fruits and vegetables. They contain a lot of fiber and plant fibers, which stimulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Black bread. This product is an intestinal irritant.
Confectionery. Due to their high sugar content, they can cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to increased vomiting or diarrhea.
Milk. Dairy products speed up the movement of stool in the intestines, so taking them may make the condition worse.
Spicy dishes. Aromatic spices, which are used abundantly in their preparation, in addition to stimulating the appetite, can stimulate intestinal function. This worsens the patient's general condition, increasing nausea and diarrhea.
Carbonated drinks contain large amounts of sugar and carbon dioxide, which contribute to fermentation processes in the gastrointestinal tract, which also leads to irritation. In this case, the intestinal mucous membranes are severely affected.

Why does this happen and what to do

Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between vomiting and vomiting. Both may look the same since your baby is currently on a full-time milk or dairy diet. The main difference is how they come out.

Regurgitation usually occurs before or after a burp and is most common in children under 1 year of age. Saliva will flow out of your baby's mouth easily—almost like white, milky saliva.

Vomiting is usually out of control (whether you are a child or an adult). This is because vomiting occurs when the "vomiting center" of the brain causes the muscles around the abdomen to clench. This causes everything in the stomach to be thrown out.

In the case of an infant, vomiting may appear as milky vomit, but with clearer stomach acid added. It can also look like milk that has been fermented for some time - this is called "cheese". Yes, that sounds rude. But the texture probably won't bother you when you see it—you'll be more concerned about the baby's well-being.

Your child may also cough or make small gagging sounds before vomiting. This is likely the only warning you need to bring a towel, bucket, burp cloth, sweater, shoes, whatever.

Additionally, spitting up is normal and can happen at any time. Your child will only vomit if he has digestive problems or another medical condition.

Difficulty feeding

Babies need to learn everything from scratch, including how to feed and retain milk. In addition to spitting up, your baby may sometimes vomit after feeding. Most often this happens in the first month of life.

This happens because your baby's tummy is still getting used to digesting food. They also need to learn not to swallow milk too quickly and not to overeat.

Vomiting after feeding usually stops after the first month. To stop vomiting, give your child smaller, more frequent meals.

But tell your pediatrician if your baby vomits frequently or very heavily. In some cases, it may be a sign of something other than feeding difficulties.

Stomach flu

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach bugs or “stomach flu,” is a common cause of vomiting in infants and children. Your child may have cycles of vomiting that come and go over a period of about 24 hours.

Other symptoms in infants may last 4 days or longer:

watery, runny poop or mild diarrhea
irritability or crying
poor appetite
cramps and stomach pain

A tummy can also cause a fever, but this is less common in infants.

Gastroenteritis usually looks much worse than it actually is (thank goodness!). This is usually caused by a virus, which goes away on its own in about a week.

In infants, severe gastroenteritis can lead to dehydration. Call your pediatrician right away if your child has signs of dehydration:

dry skin, mouth, or eyes
unusual drowsiness
no wet diapers for 8-12 hours
weak crying
crying without tears

baby reflux

In some ways, babies really are like tiny adults. Just as adults of any age can have acid reflux or GERD, some babies have infantile reflux. This may cause the baby to vomit in the first weeks or months of the baby's life.

Vomiting due to acid reflux occurs when the muscles in the upper abdomen are too relaxed. This causes the baby to vomit soon after feeding.

In most cases, the abdominal muscles become stronger and the child's vomiting goes away on its own. Meanwhile, you can help slow down vomiting:

avoiding overfeeding
giving smaller and more frequent feedings
burping baby frequently
keeping baby upright for about 30 minutes after feeding

You can also thicken milk or infant formula with more formula or a small amount of baby cereal. Caution: Check with your pediatrician before trying. This may not be suitable for all babies.

Colds and flu

Babies get colds and flu easily because they have a shiny new immune system that is still developing. It doesn't help if they're in daycare with other sniffing kids or around adults who can't resist kissing their faces. In the first year alone, your baby may have up to seven colds.

Colds and flu can cause different symptoms in babies. Along with a runny nose, your baby may vomit without a fever.

Too much mucus in the nose (congestion) can cause nasal discharge in the throat. This can cause bouts of severe coughing, which sometimes causes vomiting in infants and children.

Like adults, colds and flu in infants are viral and clear up in about a week. In some cases, sinus congestion can develop into an infection. Your child will need antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection rather than a viral one.

Ear infection

Ear infections are another common condition in infants and children. This is because their ears are positioned horizontally, rather than more vertically like adults'.

If your baby has an ear infection, he may have nausea and vomiting without a fever. This is because an ear infection can cause dizziness and loss of balance. Other symptoms of ear infections in babies include:

pain in one or both ears
tugging or scratching in or near the ears
muffled hearing
diarrhea

Most ear infections in babies and children go away without treatment. However, it is important to see your pediatrician if your child needs antibiotics to clear up the infection. In rare cases, a severe ear infection can damage a baby's delicate ears.

Overheat

Before swaddling your baby or dressing him in an adorable fluffy bunny costume, check the temperature outside and inside the house.

While it is true that the womb was warm and cozy, babies can quickly overheat in hot weather or in a very warm house or car. This is because their tiny bodies are less able to handle heat. Overheating can cause vomiting and dehydration.

Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion or, in more severe cases, heat stroke. Look out for other symptoms, such as:

pale, clammy skin
irritability and crying
drowsiness or lethargy

Remove clothing immediately and keep your child away from the sun and heat. Try breastfeeding (or give your baby water if he is 6 months or older). Get immediate medical help if your baby doesn't seem normal.

Motion sickness

Infants under 2 years of age do not usually get motion sickness or car sickness, but some children may become ill after driving or spinning, especially if they have just eaten.

Motion sickness can make your baby dizzy and nauseous, which may lead to vomiting. This may be more likely if your baby already has an upset stomach due to bloating, gas, or constipation.

Strong smells and windy or rough roads can also make your baby dizzy. Nausea produces more saliva, so you may notice it before your baby starts vomiting.

You can prevent motion sickness by traveling when your baby is ready for bed. (Great trick if your baby likes to sleep in the car!) A sleeping baby is less likely to feel nauseous.

Keep their head well supported in the car seat so it doesn't move around too much. Also, don't ride right after your baby has fully fed—you want him to digest the milk, not carry it.

Milk intolerance

A rare milk intolerance is called galactosemia. This happens when babies are born without a certain enzyme needed to break down the sugar in milk. Some babies with this condition are even sensitive to breast milk.

May cause nausea and vomiting after drinking milk or any dairy products. Galactosemia can also cause skin rash or itching in both children and adults.

If your baby is formula fed, check the ingredients for dairy products, including milk proteins.

Most newborns are screened at birth for this rare disease and other diseases. This is usually done through a heel or urine test.

In the rare case that your child has it, you will know about it very early. Make sure your child avoids milk completely to stop vomiting and other symptoms.

Pyloric stenosis

Pyloric stenosis is a rare condition that occurs when the opening between the stomach and intestines is blocked or too narrow. This can lead to severe vomiting after feeding.

If your child has pyloric stenosis, he may go hungry all the time. Other symptoms include:

dehydration
weight loss
wave-like contractions of the stomach
constipation
fewer bowel movements
fewer wet diapers

This rare condition can be treated with surgery. Tell your pediatrician right away if your child has any symptoms of pyloric stenosis.

Intussusception

Intussusception is a rare intestinal disease. The disease affects 1 in 1,200 children and most often occurs at 3 months of age and older. Intussusception can cause vomiting without increasing body temperature.

This condition occurs when the intestines are damaged by a virus or other disease. The damaged intestine slides - "telescopes" - into another part of the intestine.

Along with vomiting, your child may experience severe stomach cramps that last about 15 minutes. The pain may cause some children to bend their knees toward their chest.

Other symptoms of this intestinal condition include:

fatigue and tiredness
nausea
blood or mucus in bowel movements

If your child has intussusception, treatment can return the intestines back into place. This relieves vomiting, pain and other symptoms. Treatment involves using air in the bowel to help it move gently. If this does not work, laparoscopic surgery will cure the condition.

Treatment methods

How to treat diarrhea without fever if it appears in a 9-month-old child or older children, a specialist will tell you.

Commonly prescribed drug treatments include:

sorbents (Smecta, Polyphepan, Enterodes);
gastric lavage with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or simply boiled water;
enzymes (Pancreatin, Mezim);
fluoroquinol antibiotics or cephalosporins (Cefotaxime, Ciprofloxacin, etc.) are prescribed if the child is unwell and the diarrhea continues for three days or more;
drink plenty of mineral water, Regidron, saline solutions.

Breastfeeding should not be stopped during diarrhea. If the child is artificial, then soy-based formulas may be recommended until he recovers. If a child is 3 years old or more, then he can easily withstand a light diet: porridge, vegetable purees, boiled chicken, natural yoghurts, soups and rice water - all these dishes should form the diet of a sick child for at least 3 days.

Nutrition

Treatment of diarrhea is impossible without following a diet, which depends on the child’s nutrition.

The baby continues to be fed with mother's milk. It will replace his fluid and prevent dehydration.

If diarrhea occurs due to the introduction of a new product into the diet, then it is removed until the body is completely restored. Then this product is introduced, observing the principle of gradualness.

For a bottle-fed baby, it is recommended to eat small portions, but often. During this period, saline solutions are given, as well as other liquids to normalize water balance. In order for the stomach and intestines to work as before, a gentle diet is prescribed:

Breastfed children receive mother's milk;
artificial - fermented milk mixtures, acidophilus milk, kefir;
complementary foods - pureed liquid soups, steamed or boiled vegetables.

Prohibited and permitted products

Do not use:

milk and cereals with milk;
meat and fish broths;
raw vegetables and fruits;
carbonated drinks;
cookies and baked goods;
butter;
fat meat.

Authorized products:

watery porridge;
first courses of cereals in dietary chicken broth;
low-fat cottage cheese;
steamed omelette;
bread crumbs.

Mom's nutrition

At 9 months, the baby can still receive breast milk. It is generally accepted that this method of feeding is safe for the baby. After all, mother's milk contains everything that is most necessary and healthy. It is not affected by the environment.

But infants are not immune to intestinal problems. An unformed stomach reacts to breast milk, which can be:

watery;
increased fat content;
contain laxatives if the mother has problems with bowel movements.

It also depends on what foods are included in the mother’s diet. Some of them cause allergic reactions or stomach upset in the child. To protect the baby from troubles, a nursing mother should adhere to the following diet:

exclude from the diet foods containing preservatives and dyes;
do not eat tropical fruits or seafood;
be careful with foods that cause allergic reactions and food ailments;
limit the consumption of sweets and baked goods;
introduce a taboo on alcoholic drinks.

Folk recipes

Oak bark . The use of this product is effective for various reasons that affect the child’s stool disorder. To prepare the decoction, you need to take half a glass of oak bark and place it in a saucepan. Next, fill with cold water and place on low heat. After 30 minutes from the moment of boiling, the liquid must be removed from the stove and cooled to room temperature. Children are recommended to take two tablespoons of the decoction during meals.
Tea . Regular, strongly brewed black tea is often effective. Allowed for use by children from two years of age, a few sips after meals.
Healing herbs . We take equal amounts of St. John's wort and sage. Pour two glasses of boiling water and cover with a lid. After three hours, the product is ready for use. Take 14 glasses after meals.

Treatment of diarrhea in a child under one year old

To eliminate a dangerous symptom in a child in the first months of life, the doctor may prescribe the following groups of drugs:

Antidiarrheals. Such drugs as Smecta, Neosmectin, Enterol restore stool quite quickly.
Sorbents. Medicines from this category are used if diarrhea is the result of poisoning. To quickly remove toxins from the baby’s body, drugs such as Enterosgel, Polysorb, and Activated Carbon can be used.
Drugs that improve metabolism. A child under one year old can be prescribed Elkar, Karniten.
Agents that restore intestinal microflora. The doctor may recommend Primadophilus, Linex, Bifiform baby, Bifidumbacterin, Hilak Forte.
Enzyme preparations. A specialist may prescribe Creon.
Antibacterial drugs. Remedies from this group are necessary if diarrhea is the result of a bacterial infection. Medicines Bacteriophage and Furazolidone can be used.
Medicines that reduce flatulence. A child of the first year of life may be prescribed Espumisan and Rela Life.
Preparations for restoring water-electrolyte balance in case of dehydration. The products Regidron and Trihydron show good results.

Any medication can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. You can’t start therapy without finding out the exact cause of the baby’s diarrhea. Additionally, symptomatic medications can be used to relieve pain and normalize body temperature. A specialist may prescribe medications Paracetamol, Nurofen, etc.

Medicines for diarrhea in children - photo gallery

Regidron helps restore the body's water and electrolyte balance

Activated carbon is an effective and inexpensive sorbent

Furazolidone is an antibiotic that can be prescribed for infectious diarrhea

Espumisan eliminates flatulence

Linex helps restore intestinal microflora

Creon is prescribed for enzyme deficiency

Smecta is a popular antidiarrheal drug

Diet for diarrhea in a child

If the child is breastfed, there is no need to limit his feeding. Human milk contains the entire range of vitamins and microelements that the baby needs for normal recovery. Breastfeeding helps stimulate your baby's immune system. A woman will have to give up foods that can cause diarrhea. This should include:

fresh vegetables and fruits;
dairy products;
fried and fatty foods.

For babies who are bottle-fed, you should choose a mixture that contains not only useful vitamins and microelements, but also bifidobacteria. Such a product must have a fixing effect. Your doctor will help you choose the mixture. It is recommended to increase the number of feedings, but reduce the portions by half.

If you have diarrhea, it is important to stay hydrated

Children over 7 months old who are familiar with complementary feeding can be offered only those foods that will not irritate the intestines and will help restore healthy stools. This may include:

slimy cereal soups;
rice or buckwheat porridge with water;
dried white bread, biscuits;
lean fish or poultry, steamed.

In the first days of diarrhea, portions should be minimal. If your baby refuses food, you should not force him. But a sufficient amount of liquid should be consumed. To avoid dehydration, in addition to clean water, you can offer your child weak tea or dried apple compote.

Any food should be served slightly warmed (not hot!). The following foods should absolutely not be given to a child with diarrhea:

fresh vegetables and fruits;
dairy products (exception - breastfeeding);
whole grain bread and bran;
fatty and fried foods.

For children under one year old who have diarrhea, many experts recommend not giving complementary foods at all. To restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, it is enough to limit yourself to a medicinal formula or breast milk. You can return to complementary foods 7–10 days after stool has been restored.

Treatment of diarrhea in children using folk remedies

Traditional medicine recipes can effectively restore the baby’s digestion, eliminate dehydration, and stop diarrhea. But any means can be used only after consultation with a pediatrician.

Dill water

This product perfectly helps remove gases from the baby’s intestines and normalizes digestion and stool. To prepare the medicine:

Pour a teaspoon of dry dill seeds into a glass of boiling water (250 ml).
Leave the product covered for about an hour.
Then the infusion should be filtered and given 15–30 drops to the baby’s tongue.

Dosage depends on age.

Oak bark

Oak bark contains astringents in large quantities, so this natural remedy has been used for diarrhea in adults and children for a long time. To prepare the product, 1 tsp is recommended. crushed oak bark, pour 500 ml of cold boiled water and leave for 9 hours, then strain. Your baby can be given a teaspoon of this medicine three times a day.

Blueberry

Dried berries are widely used for various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. To prepare the medicine:

A tablespoon of raw material is poured into 500 ml of water and placed on low heat.
Remove the product when the amount of liquid is reduced by half.
The medicine is filtered and cooled.

A baby up to one year old is given a teaspoon of decoction three times a day.

Chamomile

The medicinal plant helps get rid of many ailments. It is recommended to take chamomile for diarrhea. It is enough to prepare healthy tea (pour boiling water over a teaspoon of the raw material) and offer the baby 10 ml three times a day.

Pomegranate peels

A teaspoon of dried crushed raw materials must be poured with a glass of boiling water and simmered over low heat for at least 20 minutes. Then the medicine should be filtered and cooled. Babies up to one year old are given a teaspoon of decoction three times a day.

Folk remedies for diarrhea in a baby - photo gallery

A decoction of pomegranate peels helps to effectively cope with diarrhea.

Blueberry decoction will help with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Chamomile tea - a delicious remedy for diarrhea

Oak bark infusion helps cope with diarrhea

Dill water helps normalize baby's digestion

Chronic diarrhea

We are talking about chronic diarrhea if this condition lasts more than 2-3 weeks. Typically, this pathological condition develops in a child aged 3 years and older; such diarrhea occurs without fever.

Chronic diarrhea may be associated with digestive disorders in the small intestine due to dysbiosis, deficiency of bile acids, insufficiency of pancreatic fermentation, or as a result of impaired absorption of nutrients.

If diarrhea continues for more than 3 weeks, most likely we are talking about serious diseases of the digestive tract. In any case, you should consult a doctor already in the first days of the onset of diarrhea, even if nothing bothers the child except loose stools.

Regardless of what caused the appearance of diarrhea without fever in a child of 7 months or 7 years (age is completely unimportant in the case of this condition), it is necessary to eliminate this symptom as quickly as possible and prevent the development of dehydration. You should be more attentive to your child, since diarrhea is often a symptom of a serious illness, the onset of which is important not to miss.

Author: Olga Rogozhkina, doctor, especially for Mama66.ru

Diarrhea and diet in children. General rules

You need to feed your baby in small portions, but often.

Doctors have developed general rules of nutrition for diarrhea. They are used depending on the cause of the disease and the age of the patient:

Avoid dehydration and salt imbalance
Eat small portions, but often
Food – light, non-spicy, gentle, heat- and mechanically processed
Age gradation – nutrition should correspond to the patient’s age

Do not insist or force him to eat. As soon as the baby, and even the adult, begins to feel hungry, it means that things are getting better. And what the baby lost during the forced fast, he will quickly gain back after recovery.

How to help your baby

Parents should know what to do if a small child has diarrhea due to water. The main thing is not to worry and monitor his condition, tracking and analyzing the symptoms of the pathology.

There is no need to feed the patient. If this is a baby, then do not limit him in breastfeeding.
Give your baby a teaspoon of water to drink every 5-7 minutes. If vomiting occurs, you need to wait 15-20 minutes and resume drinking again. You can also prepare a saline solution or dissolve Regidron. This will help replenish the beneficial elements lost during diarrhea.
Medicines that inhibit intestinal motility can only be taken after consulting a doctor.
If the baby’s condition worsens and repeated vomiting of bile occurs, you should immediately call an ambulance. The patient will be admitted to a hospital where intensive therapy will be carried out.
If a child has diarrhea like water, this is a good reason to use adsorbents, which are allowed to be given from a very early age (Smecta, Enterosgel, Activated carbon).

After each bowel movement, you need to wash the baby with warm water and treat the anus with Bepanten, Desitin or Panthenol to avoid irritation of the delicate skin.

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Folk remedies

When diarrhea is not associated with dangerous symptoms, there is no suspicion of pathological processes, or a trip to a specialist is delayed due to some other circumstances, traditional medicine for diarrhea is used.

They will tell you what to do to ease the baby’s general well-being:

To prevent dehydration at home, it is permissible to make such a healing solution. For 1 liter of clean water - 2 tbsp. l. sugar, 1 tsp. soda and salt. When a baby has intense diarrhea, you should give 2 tsp of the product to drink. after 15 minutes.
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic herbal mixtures from blueberries, peppermint, chamomile, caraway, immortelle, bird cherry.
Dried films of chicken stomachs.
At home, an infusion of dried pears helps relieve diarrhea in a 9-month-old child.
Starch solution: 1 tsp. starch per 0.5 cup of cold water.
Tincture of dried pomegranate peel.

Such therapy at home is carried out extremely carefully. Taking into account the fact that diarrhea is always the result of disruptions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to properly review the diet at this stage.

Diarrhea in an infant: how to recognize and stop

Mom very quickly learns to recognize what exactly causes her baby to cry: whether it is hunger, a wet diaper, or an unpleasant sensation in the tummy. But if in the first two cases the problem is easy to solve, then, unfortunately, determining the root cause of abdominal discomfort is much more difficult.

Often, young mothers lose peace and sleep, blame themselves for the baby’s hypothermia, non-compliance with the diet and, as a result, spoiled milk, and also find thousands of other probable reasons. We warn parents against making premature conclusions and suggest that they look into this delicate issue.

Doctor's advice

To avoid your child getting sick, it is recommended to follow the following preventive measures:

Teach your child basic hygiene rules.
Cook meat, dairy, fish dishes, as well as eggs using high temperature.
Pour boiling water over fresh vegetables and fruits.
Limit the consumption of fried, canned, smoked foods.
Give your child purified water.
Consume quality products.
Wash your hands after walking, using the toilet, before eating, after playing with your pet.
Follow a diet for a nursing mother.
Correctly introduce complementary foods.
Select formula milk for artificial babies with caution.
Keep toys clean.
Do not lick the baby’s personal belongings (bottle nipple, spoon, pacifier).
Maintain a friendly microclimate in the family.

Knowing about all the nuances of diarrhea in a child, following the recommendations and warnings, parents will begin treatment on time and will not allow dangerous consequences.

Signs of diarrhea in an infant

How can you tell if your child’s digestion is normal or if it needs adjustment? How many times a day should babies have bowel movements and what consistency of stool is acceptable? Let's figure it out.

The following factors may indicate bowel dysfunction in a child of the first year of life:

watery stool with greens. Liquid gray-green feces, often mixed with mucus, are typical for children in the first week and a half of life and should not cause concern to parents. The baby’s body is in a transition period when the intestines adapt to dairy foods and acquire their own microflora. You should not expect any hardness from your stool for at least the next three months. Breast milk has a laxative effect, causing soft stools with a consistency similar to fermented baked milk or thin porridge. The normal color of stool in the first months of life is considered yellow or mustard. The presence of the smell of milk protein is noticeable. Thus, loose stools in themselves are not a symptom of diarrhea, but should alert you in combination with the strong smell of feces, bloating and cramps in the tummy;
frequent and abundant stools. Stool frequency is also a very conditional sign. The average norm at this time is considered to be “long hikes” from four to eight times a day. However, a baby can soil diapers literally after every “snack”, that is, up to 12 times daily. At the same time, even eight excessively loose bowel movements may indicate problems if, for example, before this the baby pooped four or less times a day, while having a good appetite and healthy sleep;
weakness, anxiety, crying. The slightest change in the child’s mood and behavior will not hide from the mother’s sensitive attention. If an active and smiling baby has become lethargic, refuses usual games and sleeps more than usual, this is a reason to be wary. Physical weakness accompanied by frequent urge to go to the toilet may indicate a lack of beneficial bacteria in the microflora, which help digest food and absorb nutrients. Indigestion is a rather painful phenomenon even for adults. And for kids this is a complete test. Painful sensations in the abdomen can cause moodiness, prolonged crying, and night awakenings. Even in the absence of other symptoms, if this continues for more than one day, you need to consult a doctor;
the appearance of blood, mucus or foam in the stool. Bloody, foamy impurities and mucus in the stool can seriously alarm mothers. In this case, foam in loose stools may occur due to improper attachment to the breast, which is not so difficult to eliminate. Foaming is possible if the baby receives only foremilk, that is, he is not allowed to the “source of nutrition” for long enough, or the mother alternates breasts too often. When feeding is established, bubbles and foam in the stool are no longer detected. Mucus in moderate doses should also not cause parental concern. It's another matter if there are orange or green flakes in the mucus. This is how salmonellosis or coli infection often manifests itself - E. coli. Diarrhea with bright scarlet blood splashes is dangerous. It may indicate intestinal colitis, which causes inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the intestines, or dysentery, an acute intestinal infection;
temperature increase. A high temperature in combination with loose stools can be a symptom of diarrhea of a non-infectious nature: this is how the body reacts, for example, to teething, which will also be indicated by swollen gums and profuse salivation. In this case, you just need to help the baby get distracted and endure two to three painful days, after which the first teeth will appear. But infectious diarrhea requires immediate medical attention.

As you can see, symptoms of diarrhea in infants are sometimes a variant of the norm, but they can also indicate health-hazardous conditions. When you can cope on your own, and when you definitely need to see a doctor, how to treat diarrhea in a child depends on the root cause of the bowel disorder.

Why does a child have diarrhea: possible reasons

Diarrhea in infants can be caused by various reasons. Diarrhea can be a symptom of influenza or tonsillitis - a serious test for the infant’s fragile immunity. An acute respiratory infection can be suspected if there is a cough, nasal congestion, redness and swelling of the nasopharynx. The best decision is to call a pediatrician at home. If parents also notice a rash, they should call a doctor immediately: the baby may have contracted scarlet fever, measles or rubella.

Diarrhea may also indicate an intestinal infection or food poisoning: for example, if the child has eaten expired or allergic foods. A newborn's stool disorder can also be provoked by the nursing mother's consumption of "undesirable" foods, such as mushrooms, sausage, soda, and citrus fruits.

Diarrhea coupled with an increase in temperature is detected with serious surgical problems: peritonitis, appendicitis, volvulus. Often, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are also accompanied by vomiting.

One of the most common causes of loose stools in a baby is dysbiosis - a violation of the quantity and composition of beneficial intestinal microflora. Nine out of ten babies under the age of one year experience this phenomenon; WHO does not even classify it as a disease. Diarrhea due to dysbiosis occurs more often and longer in weakened, premature babies.

The causes of dysbiosis and, as a consequence, diarrhea in infants may be as follows:

late breastfeeding. Even a half-hour delay between birth and the first feeding can have a detrimental effect on the baby’s health. Colostrum is rich in components that stimulate the development and growth of bifidobacteria, and their deficiency can result in diarrhea in the newborn. For the mother, the consequences are also unpleasant: this is fraught with a decrease or even disappearance of milk, a longer and more painful period of postpartum rehabilitation;
artificial feeding. High-quality and carefully selected infant formula is a worthy alternative to breast milk, but it cannot fully replace it. Together with mother's milk, the baby receives immune protection, which helps its intestines suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increase the number of beneficial microorganisms;
poor or unhealthy diet. A balanced diet and a regulated diet are the basis for proper physical development, good health and mood of the baby;
lactose intolerance. The child’s body’s rejection of milk protein, one of the fundamentals of nutrition for babies under one year of age, is a big problem. By digesting lactose, the body receives the “building blocks” necessary for cell growth and development. And loose stools are an even lesser evil caused by lactose intolerance;
diseases that cause malabsorption in the intestine. Maldigestion syndrome (improper digestion) can be caused by various reasons. The most obvious are inflammatory or chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: stomach, pancreas, small intestine. These include: gastroduodenitis, peptic ulcer, nonspecific ulcerative colitis. But malabsorption of nutrients can also be caused by malfunctions of other organs and systems, such as the liver or cardiovascular system. Only medical diagnostics and test results can indicate the root cause of health problems;
allergic diseases. Food allergies and atopic dermatitis also often lead to consequences in the form of loose stools. Unfortunately, allergies are the scourge of the modern world, and it is rare that a person has not encountered manifestations of this autoimmune disease. Diarrhea is one of the small body’s attempts to resist allergens and physically get rid of them. Unfortunately, this does not always turn out to be an effective measure in the fight against the disease - rather, on the contrary. Due to insufficient supply of nutrients, the body quickly depletes energy reserves and weakens. If you suspect an allergy, you should contact your pediatrician as soon as possible and consult with an allergist;
acute infectious diseases. A child may also react to intestinal infections, flu and other gastrointestinal diseases with loose stools. This is a self-cleaning mechanism, the release of pathogenic microbes from the body. However, the efforts of a fragile infant body, as a rule, are not enough; medical assistance is needed;
Long-term use of antibiotics and other medications weakens the immune system and destroys healthy microflora involved in the breakdown and absorption of food. Antibiotics are equally merciless against both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. After completing the course of treatment, the number of “correct” microorganisms must be urgently restored.

Why a child has diarrhea in a specific, individual case can only be answered by a doctor - a pediatrician, infectious disease specialist, allergist or other specialist.

What to do when your child has diarrhea

The main advice to mothers: do not be afraid to tell the doctor about the problem, even if friends and relatives insist that it is normal and will soon go away on its own. Diarrhea that does not stop for several days may be a symptom of a serious illness that needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

What can you give a baby for diarrhea? You should not self-medicate: the child’s body is too fragile, and experiments are unacceptable. You can give probiotics on your own, but you should still consult with your pediatrician before taking them.

Below we provide general recommendations for parents who are faced with the problem of loose stools in their babies. So, if your baby has diarrhea, you need to:

change diapers more often. Diarrhea causes irritation to a child's delicate skin, and the longer it comes into contact with feces, the greater the child's discomfort. In addition, even the most breathable diaper creates a greenhouse effect, and in the heat bacteria develop that attack the baby’s skin and genitourinary system. This causes inflammation and infection, such as cystitis;
give plenty of fluids. If the baby has loose stools, a large loss of water occurs and the body becomes dehydrated. A lack of fluid, which serves as the basis of life, leads to the failure of many important processes. It is necessary to avoid dehydration and give the child water more often than usual. Additional intake of water is also useful in that along with it, toxins and bacteria will be washed out of the gastrointestinal tract, which will speed up recovery;
remove complementary foods. If a child has just begun to get used to new food and this coincides with an attack of diarrhea, then complementary feeding should be abandoned. Diarrhea can be a reaction to inappropriate food. And even if this is not the case, while fighting the disease it is better to return to proven and more familiar food for the baby;
give rice water. This advice is suitable for parents whose baby is over nine months old. Rice water is a centuries-proven remedy for improving digestion and consolidating stool. Rice not only does not cause food allergies, but can also help in the fight against them: it binds and removes toxins and allergens from the body;
use probiotics. To restore normal intestinal microflora, it will be useful for a child to drink probiotics. Since the composition of the intestinal microflora is diverse, it is better to give the child a combined complex of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. It will be useful for nursing mothers to take a course of probiotics, which will enter the baby’s digestive system with milk.

The presence of probiotic microorganisms is the norm for the human intestinal microflora: they suppress the growth of harmful bacteria, participate in digestive processes and increase the body’s resistance to infectious threats.

Digestion is one of the most important functions of the body. And the slightest disruption in it, like falling dominoes, can lead to a whole series of unpleasant consequences. Childhood diarrhea is, first of all, a protective reaction of the body and a signal of disorders that may not reveal themselves in any other way. It is important to pay close attention to this signal and respond to it in a timely manner.

Probiotic agent for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea in infants

For example, Acipol® Baby drops can become a faithful assistant to parents in the fight for healthy digestion of children. This is a complex probiotic containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and approved for use in children from the first days of life. The components of Acipol® Baby drops help with diarrhea, promote the development of healthy microflora and reduce the risk of dysbiosis, establish proper digestion and regular bowel movements, strengthen the immune system, and restore the natural defenses of the child’s body.

Victory over dysbiosis and the cultivation of beneficial microflora in the children's intestines occurs in just two weeks of taking the product, and one package is more than enough for the course. The probiotic in the form of an oil suspension with a high content of live bacteria is easy to dose thanks to a convenient dropper cap. "Acipol® Baby" can be mixed with breast milk or formula; you only need to ensure that the temperature of the liquid does not exceed 37 °C. No special storage conditions are required: an open bottle can be stored at room temperature for up to three weeks, so Acipol® Baby drops are convenient to take with you on the road.

Contraindication for use is individual intolerance to the components. Before taking, you should consult with your pediatrician.

"Acipol® Malysh" is a registered product. State registration certificate No. RU.77.99.88.003.E.003651.08.17 dated 08.21.2017

One of the frequent complaints of parents of children under 1 year old is changes in stool. In most cases, it occurs before the introduction of complementary foods due to the liquid nature of the food. In others, it is a symptom of diseases of the digestive system or general infections.