Dysbacteriosis in infants is a phenomenon that affects up to 95% of children under the age of one year. Weak, premature and frequently ill babies are especially susceptible to this disease. What is dysbacteriosis and why is it dangerous?

Dysbacteriosis– imbalance of healthy intestinal microflora In accordance with the “International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems” (a document of the World Health Organization), such an imbalance is not a disease. In European countries, this condition is often not treated at all: it is believed that the body must cope with it on its own. But many modern experts hold the opposite opinion.

Why is this happening? Let's sort things out in order.

Dysbacteriosis in infants: symptoms and treatment

Infant dysbiosis

Until the moment of birth, the baby is in a completely sterile environment; its gastrointestinal tract does not contain any bacteria or microorganisms. At the moment of birth, moving along the birth canal, the child first “gets acquainted” with the mother’s natural microflora, which normally contains lacto- and bifidobacteria and E. coli. Later, when breastfeeding, hugging and kissing, the baby encounters various bacteria that are on the skin and in the mother’s mouth. In this way, the baby’s gastrointestinal tract is colonized by normal (healthy) microflora.

Ideally, in babies who are completely breastfed, the intestinal microflora consists of 95-99% lacto- and bifidobacteria (so-called probiotics). And only a small part consists of “neutral” (obligate) bacteria, which have neither harmful nor beneficial effects on the baby’s body. These include streptococci, enterococci, micrococci, clostridia, bacteroides and Escherichia coli.

If unfavorable factors occur (forced use of antibiotics by the mother or baby (read also:), late first breastfeeding, lack of breastfeeding), the balance of the intestinal microflora can be disrupted and lead to adverse consequences for the fragile organism.

Symptoms and signs of dysbiosis

Signs and main symptoms indicating that an infant may have an imbalance of intestinal flora:

• bloating;
• flatulence;
• bad breath;
• increased salivation;
• dry skin;
• manifestations of allergic dermatitis;
• , stomatitis on mucous membranes;
• diarrhea for more than 2-3 days;
• vomit;
• the child is gaining little (or not gaining) weight ();
• a large amount of green mucus and foam, bloody streaks in the stool.

Here it is worth making a reservation and recalling that for infants, the normal stool is yellow, similar in consistency and smell to sour cream. However, a small amount of mucus and foam is not considered abnormal. And the stool of babies receiving complementary foods may contain undigested pieces of food.

We also read:

Causes

The following factors can be the causes of dysbiosis in infants:

• impaired maternal health during the peritoneal period of fetal development;
• birth pathologies;
• long stay in the maternity hospital;
• infections of various origins (respiratory viral, intestinal, pustular);
• physiological immaturity of intestinal motor function;
• dyspeptic disorders in the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, regurgitation, constipation, malabsorption and intestinal dysfunction);
• primary immunodeficiency;
• late breastfeeding;
• lack of breastfeeding or early transfer of the child to artificial milk formula;
• forced use of hormonal and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• taking antibiotics;
• operations;
• the baby’s constant presence in stressful and unfavorable social conditions, changes in the child’s psychoneurological status;
• pathological phenomena of anemia, malnutrition, rickets, allergic dermatitis and others.

Tests for dysbacteriosis

Analysis table (normal) Click to enlarge
Normal test results for dysbacteriosis (Click to enlarge)

If several of the above symptoms are present, the doctor will suspect the development of dysbiosis in the baby and will suggest conducting a laboratory test.

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Tests for dysbiosis in infants include the following types of studies:

• coprogram - diagnostics that reveals the degree of digestion of food components by the intestines, as well as signs of inflammation (or lack thereof);
• stool culture for opportunistic flora - a study that reveals the percentage of obligate bacteria (without taking into account the quantitative indicators of healthy microflora);
• stool culture for dysbiosis - an analysis that reveals the ratio of normal and opportunistic flora and its resistance (sensitivity) to antibiotics.

When collecting tests, you should remember that stool (minimum 5-10 g) is collected in a clean glass jar and given freshly collected. Long-term storage at room temperature is not permissible. If a child is taking probiotics, they must be discontinued before taking the test.

Treatment

How to treat dysbiosis

If the doctor has diagnosed “intestinal dysbiosis”, then a comprehensive, fairly long-term treatment will be required.

At the first stage, bacteriophages are prescribed - the so-called “tamed” viruses. Their action is aimed at destroying pathogenic and opportunistic flora (while they do not affect beneficial bacteria). In parallel with intestinal antiseptics, sorbents (to quickly remove toxins from the body) and enzymes (to help the digestive system) are prescribed.

At the second stage, the intestines should be populated with “good” microflora (lacto- and biphodobacteria). For this purpose, special drugs are prescribed.

To successfully treat dysbacteriosis in an infant, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and not engage in “amateur activities.”

Additionally, the pediatrician may prescribe a mixture containing lactobacilli for artificially-bred babies. It is not recommended to give such mixtures to a child without a doctor’s prescription. It would be relevant to include fermented milk products in sufficient quantities in the diet of babies receiving complementary feeding.

Naturally fed children are less susceptible to dysbacteriosis compared to bottle-fed children.

Therefore, breastfeeding (at least until the age of one) is the best prevention of dysbiosis. Breast milk contains antibodies against E. coli, rotavirus, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella, Salmonella and Giardia, as well as bifidus factor, a substance that promotes the growth of normal microflora. At the same time, nursing mothers need to adhere to a proper and balanced diet.

Reading on the topic of breastfeeding:

Dysbacteriosis in infants is quite common - up to 95% of children under one year of age are susceptible to it. This is especially true for weak, premature, sick babies. Dysbacteriosis refers to an imbalance of the normal intestinal microflora.

In European countries, this condition is often not treated at all, believing that the body must cope with it on its own. However, many experts have a different opinion on this matter: dysbiosis must be treated, but to choose gentle and safe methods that will not harm the baby. Much also depends on correct diagnosis.

1. Infant dysbiosis

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

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

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

2. Causes of dysbiosis in an infant

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

3. Symptoms

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

Characteristic signs of dysbiosis in infants are as follows:

• pale skin;
• loss of appetite;
• lethargy;
• frequent colic;
• dry skin;
• rash, allergy symptoms;
• stomatitis and thrush in the mouth;
• irritability;
• lasting more than three days;
• , excessive and frequent regurgitation;
• insufficient weight gain;

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

4. Degrees of dysbacteriosis

Pediatricians distinguish four degrees of dysbiosis in infants:

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

5. Diagnostics

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

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

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

6. Treatment

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

Tactics for treating dysbacteriosis

Treatment is usually quite long. We need special medications that contain live lacto- and bifidobacteria. The treatment regimen is determined by the doctor. Usually, medications that eliminate pathogenic microorganisms are first prescribed, and in parallel with them, sorbents are prescribed to remove toxins from the body.

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

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

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

Treatment of dysbiosis with medications

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

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

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

7. Decoding the analysis

Analysis of stool for intestinal microflora allows you to obtain information about the presence of certain microorganisms.

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

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

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

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

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8. Why is dysbiosis dangerous?

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

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

9. Prevention of dysbiosis in infants

Also, preventive measures are as follows:

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

10. Forecast

This is not such a dangerous disease that occurs quite often in infants. When symptoms appear, it is important for parents to take the baby to the doctor. He will diagnose and prescribe correct and safe treatment.

Video on the topic: How to treat dysbiosis in infants.

Tummy problems in babies are not uncommon, because dysbiosis in infants occurs to one degree or another in almost all children. Most often, tummies bother babies who are premature, weakened, or who are bottle-fed.

A huge number of bacteria live and multiply in the human intestines. Normally, they do not cause harm to humans. Moreover, their presence is necessary for the normal functioning of the intestines and the body as a whole.

Dysbacteriosis is a phenomenon in which conditions are created in the intestines that enable the active reproduction of pathogenic microflora. In other words, this is a violation of the harmony of the intestinal microflora, which causes symptoms that are quite unpleasant for humans.

Is dysbiosis dangerous for an infant?

Is it necessary to talk about dysbiosis in children of the first year of life as a disease? This question remains open in modern medicine. Many experts consider it a special condition that needs correction.

Dysbacteriosis in infants manifests itself in many problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, allergic rash, etc. These symptoms, in fact, worry the baby. As you know, not only normal digestion, but also the baby’s overall well-being, as well as his immunity, depend on the condition of the intestines.

An imbalance of intestinal flora undermines the child’s body’s defenses and makes him vulnerable to viral infections.

How to recognize dysbiosis in an infant

Observant parents can easily recognize the first symptoms on their own. The main signs of dysbiosis in children: diarrhea, anxiety, sleep problems, tearfulness, a tendency to develop allergic dermatitis, rash. The above symptoms are not a reason to make a diagnosis, but they should at least alert parents.

Characteristic symptoms of dysbiosis:

1. flatulence;
2. pale skin;
3. lethargy;
4. poor appetite;
5. frequent attacks of colic;
6. abdominal pain;
7. dry skin;
8. frequent manifestations of allergic dermatitis, rash;
9. irritability;
10. thrush in the mouth, stomatitis;
11. constipation;
12. diarrhea for more than 3 days;
13. vomiting, nausea, frequent and profuse regurgitation;
14. poor weight gain;
15. green mucus in the baby's stool, blood impurities, foam.

It is worth noting that with the introduction of complementary foods, temporary changes in the consistency of the child’s stool, the frequency of bowel movements, the appearance of green mucus, diarrhea, and an allergic rash are possible. In most cases, such conditions do not require special treatment; everything will go away on its own. If not, you need to look for the causes of such disorders.

You should not self-medicate. If any symptoms occur, you should contact the doctor who is observing the child. After studying all the symptoms, the doctor will make a diagnosis.

What are the causes of intestinal microflora disturbances?

The causes of dysbiosis in infancy may be:

• maternal health problems that arise during pregnancy;
• pathologies during childbirth;
• various infections;
• physiological immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract of children under one year old;
• primary immunodeficiency;
• early feeding of children with dairy products, artificial feeding;
• late breastfeeding;
• use of hormonal drugs, antibiotics;
• stressful and/or unfavorable socio-psychological conditions in which the child finds himself.

Methods for diagnosing dysbiosis

Disturbances in the balance of intestinal microflora can be determined using stool analysis.

Before having stool tested, consult your doctor about the advisability of such a test. The interpretation of the test results should also be carried out by your doctor.

The following studies are carried out in laboratory conditions:

1. Coprogram. Determining the degree of digestion of food by the intestines. It also helps to identify signs of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Stool culture tank. Identification of the degree of formation of pathogenic intestinal flora.
3. Stool culture for dysbacteriosis. Identification of the percentage ratio of the pathogenic and normal components of the microflora.

It would seem that what’s so difficult about collecting baby’s stool for analysis? For the results of the study to be reliable, this must be done correctly.

To properly collect stool for analysis, you should consider the following rules:

• Before collecting stool for analysis, the child should be washed and put on clean underwear; it is advisable to use a diaper, a homemade diaper (not disposable);
• long-term storage of collected material at room temperature is unacceptable;
• It is best if a sterile plastic container purchased from a pharmacy is used to collect stool;
• If the child eats mixtures containing prebiotics and probiotics before collecting the test material, they must be discontinued a few days before submitting stool for analysis.

Treatment of dysbiosis in infants

Parents should not be afraid of this diagnosis, because modern medicine knows how to treat dysbiosis in infants.

It will be much easier and faster to cure dysbiosis in infants by identifying the causes of its occurrence. Parents who discover signs of a violation of the intestinal microflora in their children should immediately contact their family doctor. It is he who will prescribe the correct treatment in your particular case.

It is the doctor (and not you yourself) who must determine the causes and give you practical recommendations for eliminating them.

Tactics for treating dysbacteriosis

As a rule, treatment of dysbiosis is quite long. Special medications containing live lacto- and bifidobacteria are required. The treatment regimen is prescribed by the doctor, who also observes the child and adjusts the therapy aimed at restoring normal intestinal microflora. For example, a course of taking Linex can last from 5 to 7 days, after which a noticeable improvement is usually observed. If necessary, the doctor will adjust the treatment regimen.

First, the doctor will prescribe drugs that kill pathogenic bacteria. At the same time, sorbents are prescribed to remove toxins from the body. And in the future, treatment tactics will be aimed at populating the intestines with beneficial lacto- and bifidobacteria with the help of medications and milk formulas. To maintain intestinal health, it is recommended that all family members maintain a healthy lifestyle in all its manifestations.

If the child above is still breastfed, a necessary condition is the normalization of the feeding mother's diet. You should consume more fermented milk products, completely abandon the so-called food “garbage”: sausages, sausages, mayonnaise, ketchup, packaged juices, carbonated drinks, chips, etc.

If you are already introducing complementary foods, you should definitely give your baby fermented milk products every day.

Treatment of dysbiosis with medications

To treat dysbiosis in modern medical practice, lactulose preparations are widely used under various commercial names. They are absolutely safe for the health of children and are well tolerated by them.

A common practice is to prescribe a course of treatment with the drug "Linex", which contains bacteria that restore normal intestinal microflora.

The drug "Linex" is widely used to treat dysbiosis in children under 2 years of age. When using it to treat newborns and infants, you first need to open the capsule, then mix the contents with a small amount of water. Linex is also used to prevent dysbiosis during antibiotic treatment.

Most often, the following are used to treat dysbiosis in infants: bacteriophages, probiotics, Acipol, Linex, Enterol, bifidumbacterin, bifiform and others.

These preparations contain beneficial bacteria, microorganisms to restore positive intestinal microflora, as well as vitamins necessary to maintain immunity.

Prevention of dysbacteriosis in infants

When there is a risk of intestinal dysbiosis, it is advisable to take preventive measures.

Having prescribed a course of antibiotic treatment to prevent dysbiosis, doctors usually simultaneously prescribe drugs that restore intestinal microflora (Linex, lactulose syrup, etc.).

Doctors often prescribe the drug “Linex” to prevent dysbiosis from the first days of a baby’s life. This is especially true for bottle-fed children. This medicine is usually well tolerated; side effects in rare cases may include hypersensitivity reactions (rash, diarrhea, etc.), which are not dangerous. In such cases, you should consult your doctor before continuing treatment with this drug.

An overdose of the drug "Linex" is possible if the doses specified in the instructions for the corresponding age are exceeded. You should be careful.

Basic measures to prevent dysbiosis in infants:

1. Early breastfeeding. The first drops of colostrum entering the baby’s mouth create the most powerful defense for his body, populating the intestines with beneficial bacteria.
2. Breast-feeding. But parents of bottle-fed babies should not despair. The variety of modern milk formulas allows you to select appropriate treatment regimens.
3. Balanced healthy diet for a nursing mother.
4. Caring for the health of parents at the planning stage and during pregnancy. A consultation with a gynecologist before conception will not be superfluous. While pregnant, it is necessary to undergo the necessary examinations in time (before the moment of birth) and, if necessary, carry out an appropriate course of treatment.
5. A healthy lifestyle for parents and children in all its manifestations.

Analysis of stool for disturbances in intestinal microflora provides information about the presence of certain bacteria.

Enterobacteriaceae. They are part of the pathogenic flora and cause many diseases, including intestinal infections. These include salmonella, shigella (causative agents of dysentery);

In healthy children, a stool test showing the presence of E. coli in the range of 107–108 CFU/g is normal.

Some enterobacteria (Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter), with a significant decrease in human immunity, can significantly disrupt intestinal functions.

Klebsiella. Part of the pathogenic microflora of the human intestine (family Enterobacteriaceae). Can cause many diseases of the human gastrointestinal tract.

Lactose-negative enterobacteria. These bacteria belong to pathogenic microflora. Normally – no more than 5% (104–105 – moderate amount).

Lactobacilli. Essential for healthy intestinal microflora. If the child is breastfed, then he automatically receives them to the required extent with breast milk. These lactic acid bacteria are necessary for the normal breakdown of lactose, as well as for maintaining optimal acidity in the intestines. Perform an important protective function.

Bifidobacteria. They are necessary for the body to the same extent as lactobacilli. They are needed to create negative conditions for the development of pathogenic microflora. The deciphering of the stool analysis for dysbacteriosis should show the development of the population of bifidobacteria - 95%. A decrease in their number indicates dysbacteriosis.

Remember that the interpretation of the test results is carried out by your treating doctor. He will also prescribe an appropriate treatment regimen for you.

Grow healthy!

Pediatricians are increasingly diagnosing children under one year old. Dysbacteriosis is a violation of the natural balance between beneficial and pathogenic intestinal microflora.

Dysbacteriosis is a common diagnosis in children under one year of age.

All children, while in the womb, have a sterile intestine without any bacteria. As the baby passes through the birth canal, it encounters the world outside the placenta for the first time. It is then that the first bacteria colonize the newborn’s intestines. If the mother was allowed to put the baby to the breast immediately after birth, he, along with colostrum, receives a huge amount of useful substances, lacto- and. It has been proven that children who were not weaned in the first days of life grew up healthier and were less likely to experience bowel problems.

In addition to drug treatment, the doctor will advise normalizing the child’s daily routine. He needs to walk in the fresh air and preferably away from highways and roads. This will contribute to a quick recovery. Under no circumstances should you force feed your baby. Infants themselves know how much they need to eat. If a child has lost his appetite, then the intestines require unloading. Force feeding will do more harm than good. It is not recommended to introduce complementary foods and new foods during treatment. In case of deterioration of the condition, severe vomiting, diarrhea, hospitalization is necessary. It is not advisable for mothers to avoid hospitals because dehydration is very dangerous for an infant. No one will force a mother and child to be in the hospital unless absolutely necessary.

Disease prevention

Good nutrition will reduce the occurrence of dysbiosis in children.

Prevention of dysbacteriosis should be started even before the birth of a child. Before giving birth (and even better before pregnancy), a woman is recommended to cure all diseases of the genital area so that when passing through the birth canal, the child is not infected. The sooner the baby is put to the breast, the less likely it is that dysbacteriosis will occur. A normal diet is also very important. Some doctors recommend feeding your baby by the hour, others on demand. But overfeeding is not recommended in any case. The longer the baby feeds on mother's milk, the better. An early transition to formula and the introduction of complementary foods can disrupt the intestinal microflora.

A nursing mother needs to eat properly and nutritiously, and also observe the rules of personal hygiene: regularly wash her hands and breasts before feeding. The child needs to walk in the fresh air every day. If it is not possible to walk with a stroller, you can at least take walks on the balcony. When breastfeeding, mothers need to consume natural fermented milk products daily: kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt without dyes or flavors. Be sure to eat meat, as it is the main source of protein. But you need to choose low-fat varieties: turkey, skinless chicken, beef, rabbit. Fatty meat can cause indigestion and allergies in a child.

Sweets, chocolate and baked goods are not recommended for a nursing mother to consume. These products enhance fermentation processes in the child’s intestines and can also cause allergies. For sweets, you can have biscuits, white marshmallows, dryers,... Some fruits and vegetables can cause increased gas in a baby and worsen colic. Without fear, you can eat green apples, bananas in small quantities, zucchini and potatoes in limited quantities, carrots, and bell peppers. You can eat unsalted cheese, egg omelet (quail eggs are rare and better), cereals, dried fruit compotes, low-fat fish. You will have to give up coffee, powdered juices and soda. Following these rules is not as difficult as subsequently treating dysbiosis in a child.

Dysbacteriosis appears in most newborns. This is explained by the fact that the digestive system of babies is not yet stable; even a slight change in diet leads to the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines. Weakened children with low immunity are more susceptible to the disease. In order to prevent the development of dysbiosis, parents should know the reasons for its occurrence.

Almost all infants suffer from intestinal dysbiosis

Features of intestinal microflora in infants

The body of newborns lacks beneficial microorganisms that facilitate the digestion of food. Before birth, the fetus receives nutrients from the mother's placenta. After birth, the child has to feed on his own. The digestive system begins to change, adapting to new conditions.

Soon the intestines begin to colonize bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, the number of which gradually increases. These representatives of microflora contribute to the absorption of nutrients from food and should be present in the body of every healthy person. Such bacteria protect it from pathogenic microbes. Colibacteria also play an important role in the digestion process, but their amount in the intestines should be insignificant.

In addition to beneficial microflora, the body of infants contains clostridia, enterococci, streptococci and other obligate microorganisms that are not involved in the digestion process. The number of these bacteria should be within normal limits. Weakened immunity allows pathogenic microflora to multiply, which leads to the appearance of dysbacteriosis.

What is dysbiosis?

Dysbacteriosis is a condition in which the balance between beneficial microflora and pathogenic bacteria in the intestines is disturbed. Infants at risk include:

• born early or late;
• staying in the maternity hospital for a long time after childbirth;
• who are not breastfed or were brought to the breast late;
• injured during childbirth;
• those suffering from acute respiratory infections or gastrointestinal diseases;
• suffering from allergies, anemia, rickets.

When a child’s body weakens, the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines decreases, which leads to the growth of pathogenic microflora (fungi, staphylococci, streptococci and others). Dysbacteriosis is a concomitant syndrome, and in most cases disappears when the causes of its occurrence are eliminated. Dysbacteriosis in newborns is not a disease; it only indicates disturbances in the intestinal microflora under the influence of unfavorable factors.

Reasons for the development of the disease

To prevent the occurrence of dysbiosis in newborns, you need to know the main causes of the development of this disease.

It is extremely important for the intestinal microflora of a newborn to attach him to the breast when he is born.

The following factors can provoke the growth of pathogenic bacteria in infants:

1. Delayed breastfeeding. There are no microorganisms in the body of a newborn; they populate the intestines only after birth. Beneficial microflora passes to the baby along with breast milk. It is saturated not only with nutrients, but also with cultures of lactic acid bacteria that promote the development of immunity. If for some reason the newborn was not put to the breast after birth, the risk of developing pathogenic microflora in the body increases. This becomes the main reason for the appearance of dysbiosis.
2. Treatment with antibiotics. When prescribing medical therapy, doctors try to avoid antimicrobial drugs, since they affect not only pathogenic microorganisms, but also beneficial microflora. However, in some cases it is impossible to do without taking antibiotics. Dysbacteriosis is a consequence of such treatment. Oral administration of drugs is most dangerous for intestinal lactic acid bacteria. Antibiotics also enter the child’s body through milk if the mother took antimicrobial drugs.
3. Inflammation. The inflammatory process in the body takes on acute and chronic forms under the influence of factors such as birth trauma, family stress, and indoor cigarette smoke.
4. Rotavirus infection. Rotaviruses, penetrating the child’s intestines, disrupt the functioning of enzymes and kill beneficial microflora.
5. Helminths. When infected with worms, a newborn develops bloating and loose stools (more details in the article:).
6. Early complementary feeding. Adding new food to the diet often causes dysbiosis in a baby, since his body needs time to readjust. A sudden change from breast milk to formula leads to similar symptoms.

The mixture should be used in extreme cases, its main benefit is mother's milk

Degrees of development of dysbiosis in infants and its types

There are 4 degrees of progression of dysbiosis, characterized by various symptoms:

Degree	The child’s condition and characteristic symptoms	Treatment
1st degree	The child feels well. The microflora is dominated by beneficial bacteria. The presence of opportunistic microflora in the feces is diagnosed. At this stage, a dysbacterial reaction appears that does not affect the child’s behavior. A state of imbalance occurs when switching to formula after breastfeeding, or when starting complementary feeding.	No drug treatment is required. The child’s body copes on its own and the condition returns to normal.
2nd degree	The baby is not gaining weight well. He develops bloating, colic, and possible diarrhea. There is a growth of pathogenic microorganisms that can suppress normal microflora. Several types of E. coli are found in stool.	A pediatrician's examination is required. It is recommended to review the diet of a nursing mother. If a child eats formula, it needs to be changed.
3rd degree	Dysbacteriosis of the 3rd degree manifests itself in infants in the form of inflammation and pain in the tummy, prolonged diarrhea with particles of undigested food. Pathogenic bacteria predominate in the intestines. The analysis reveals a large number of staphylococci, serats and other pathogens.	Medical therapy recommended by a doctor is necessary. Tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis.
4th degree	With grade 4 dysbiosis, the baby’s health deteriorates sharply. There is a rapid growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Vomiting and diarrhea increase, leading to weight loss. There is a process of intoxication in the child’s body.	A newborn needs emergency treatment with probiotics. If dysbiosis is not treated, it becomes chronic.

If the symptoms of bacteriosis intensify, the baby refuses to eat and loses weight, you should urgently consult a doctor

Signs and symptoms of dysbiosis in a child

Every child experiences digestive problems from time to time that are not signs of illness. If the symptoms do not go away, but continue to intensify, this indicates the appearance of dysbiosis in the child. Signs of a persistent imbalance of intestinal microflora in infants are as follows:

• The diarrhea is watery with a green tint and a putrid odor. It contains mucus, white specks and foam. If the baby is already being fed, there may be food particles in the stool.
• Long-term constipation. In a healthy infant, bowel movements can occur once every three days. There is nothing dangerous about this if the child feels well and poops on his own. When artificially feeding, stool should be at least once a day.
• Unsustainable bowel movement. After prolonged diarrhea, constipation begins and vice versa.
• Colic, bloating. With these symptoms, the baby pulls his legs towards his stomach or knocks them. When bloated, a rumbling sound is heard.
• Frequent regurgitation leading to vomiting. It is common for infants to regurgitate a little food after feeding, but in this case the regurgitation is more intense and turns into vomiting (we recommend reading:).
• Rashes. With dysbacteriosis, infants develop a rash. This phenomenon is explained by an allergic reaction to pathogenic bacteria that predominate in the intestinal microflora during dysbiosis. The cause of the rash may be the mother's poor diet.
• Poor progress in weight gain. With symptoms of dysbiosis such as diarrhea and vomiting, it is difficult for children to gain weight.

This is what baby stool looks like with dysbacteriosis

Diagnosis of dysbacteriosis

To diagnose dysbiosis in infants, pediatricians use several basic methods:

1. Symptoms. Before prescribing treatment, the doctor determines the presence of symptoms characteristic of dysbiosis. These include loss of appetite, bloating, frequent regurgitation, and unstable stool.
2. Anamnesis. This diagnostic method is very important for establishing a complete clinical picture. It includes collecting information about the baby, such as the presence of injuries at birth, past illnesses, infections, antibiotic use, type of feeding, photos of X-rays, etc.
3. Laboratory tests of blood and urine. Based on the test results, diseases of the digestive system are excluded.
4. Stool analysis. It allows you to determine the qualitative composition of the microflora, which type of bacteria predominates, and in what proportion. This type of analysis cannot fully reflect all types of microorganisms, since their number in the feces is much less than in the intestines. To ensure reliable results, stool for analysis must be fresh and in a sterile container.
5. Bacteriological culture. Analysis of stool for the presence of dysbacteriosis (we recommend reading:). A long procedure that takes at least 7 days. Based on the results, they determine what type of antibiotic should be used in treatment.
6. X-ray and ultrasound. This type of diagnosis is used when there is a suspicion of intestinal diseases that can be dangerous for children.

If the doctor suspects the presence of more serious intestinal diseases than dysbiosis, the infant may be prescribed an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity

Treatment of a newborn baby

Therapeutic therapy for dysbiosis depends on the degree of its progression. In order to eliminate the initial symptoms of intestinal microflora imbalance, it is not necessary to resort to drug treatment. In most cases, it is enough to follow the feeding schedule, and if the baby is bottle-fed, change the formula. For grade 3 and 4 dysbacteriosis, complex therapy will be required for a long time.

Use of medications

Dysbacteriosis is treated with three types of medications: probiotics, prebiotics and bacteriophages. Treatment will be more effective if you first give the baby sorbents that have the ability to remove toxins that have accumulated in the body during illness. Each drug has its own composition and effects on the body.

Probiotics include lactic acid bacteria, enterococci, E. coli, and Candida fungi. Probiotics help normalize intestinal microflora. Upon completion of the course of treatment, the balance between beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms is restored, and the baby’s well-being is observed.

Treatment medications must be prescribed by a doctor. Based on the test results and characteristic signs, the pediatrician selects a treatment regimen individually for each child. For minor intestinal disorders, it is advisable to use 1st generation probiotics. Acute gastrointestinal infections are treated with 3rd and 4th generation probiotics.

Prebiotics are substances that promote the growth of beneficial microflora. These include vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and microelements. The drugs are made from natural ingredients. In their production, cereals, soybeans, algae, beets and mushrooms are used. All prebiotics are divided into two types:

• Clean (Lactusan, Lizalak).
• Combined (Polysorb, Lactofilrum). During production, enterosorbents are introduced into their composition.

The therapeutic effect of prebiotics lies in their complex effect on the baby’s body. As a result of taking the drug, the amount of beneficial microflora increases, the process of regeneration of the intestinal walls begins, acidity is normalized, the immune system is strengthened, and the unpleasant symptoms of dysbiosis disappear.

The principle of action of bacteriophages is based on the fact that the viruses they contain suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria without affecting beneficial strains. To understand which bacteriophage to use, you need to correctly determine the predominant type of pathogenic microflora. The recommended course of treatment is 10 days.

Nutritional Features

Some doctors believe that dysbiosis can be cured without taking medications. The basis of therapy is a balanced diet. If the microflora is disrupted, lactation cannot be stopped.

Breast milk contains as many useful substances as a baby needs to maintain the balance of beneficial microflora.

During breastfeeding, the mother must follow a strict diet, in which fatty, spicy, sour and sweet foods should be excluded from the diet. They promote fermentation and irritate the mucous membranes. It is better if there are more natural fermented milk products in the diet.

When artificial feeding, mixtures with probiotics and lactic acid bacteria are useful. When introducing complementary foods, lactic acid dishes should predominate in the diet of infants. They should be natural and made from homemade starters. This mixture is sold in children's dairy kitchens.

Preventive measures

Dysbacteriosis in infants is a common occurrence, but it can be avoided by following a few simple preventive measures before and after the birth of the baby. During pregnancy, the mother must monitor the microflora of the genital organs, eat right and eliminate bad habits.

When your baby is born, you need to start breastfeeding immediately. To support immunity, it is recommended not to stop lactation until 1-2 years. Timely introduction of complementary foods has a beneficial effect on the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Mom should know how to recognize dysbiosis at the first signs, and then consult a doctor. Self-treatment at home is dangerous for the baby’s health.