Dysbacteriosis - a disease or a Russian fiction? All the most relevant about this condition in children is told by a practicing doctor. Treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis in children Dysbacteriosis symptoms in children 8 years old

The health of the child is the main concern of the parents, and the identification of any disease in the baby is a serious test for the parental psyche. Unfortunately, doctors often not only cannot urge parents to calm down, explain the situation and offer an understandable and accessible plan of action with detailed instructions, but they also intimidate moms and dads to the point of losing their pulse with incomprehensible terms and diagnoses that are eerie for hearing. Even if behind them is something completely treatable and does not pose a direct threat to the health of the baby. Due to the unwillingness of doctors to explain anything, it also happens that diseases and methods of their treatment are overgrown with a variety of rumors and speculations that have little to do with reality.

One of these "legendary" ailments has long been dysbacteriosis in children, the nature, causes and methods of treatment of which cause a real stir in the parental environment.

A particularly emotional attitude to the problem is characteristic of mothers and fathers of infants, who, listening to not quite competent medical workers and more experienced parents, attribute any feeling of discomfort in the child to dysbacteriosis, and begin to eliminate it with everyone accessible ways. However, such an approach is unlikely to bring benefits, but it can do much harm. Therefore, in order to preserve the health of the baby, it is necessary to have an idea about such a state of the body as dysbacteriosis.

To understand what intestinal dysbacteriosis (or dysbiosis) is in children, it is necessary to have an idea of ​​the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. The microflora of the gastrointestinal tract (in another way it is also called eubiosis) is the quantitative and qualitative ratio of certain types of microorganisms that support the correct metabolism and human immunity at the level necessary for normal life activity.

Simply put, a healthy gastrointestinal tract is constantly populated by beneficial bacteria. They are responsible for the breakdown of food entering the stomach and intestines, absorption, metabolism and assimilation useful substances and normal digestion. As a result of the correct regulation of digestive processes, cells of the immune system are formed, therefore, the body's defenses are strengthened.

Intestinal microflora healthy person contains about 500 species of various bacteria. All of them are divided into obligate and conditionally pathogenic groups. obligate bacteria make up 90% of the total intestinal flora and perform the most important functions for human immunity and digestion. These include:

  1. Bifidobacteria are the most important microorganisms responsible for the synthesis of vitamins and strengthening the body's defenses. In newborns, colonization of the intestine by bifidobacteria begins from the 5th day of life, and by about a month they form persistent active colonies.
  2. Lactobacilli - suppress foreign bacteria, fight pathogens of gastrointestinal infections. Inhabit the intestines of the newborn during the first month of life.
  3. Propionic acid bacteria - support metabolic processes, activate immunity.
  4. Peptostreptococci - maintain the acid-base balance in the intestines, are responsible for the breakdown of proteins.
  5. Enterococci - are responsible for normal fermentation with the breakdown of essential nutrients.

Conditionally pathogenic microflora is a colony of microorganisms that perform protective and digestive functions. They differ from obligate microbes in that they are harmless when their number does not exceed a certain value. The increased growth of opportunistic flora leads to the suppression of the activity of obligate bacteria and causes a violation of metabolic processes. These include:

  1. Escherichia coli (escherichia) - responsible for the synthesis of vitamins P, A and K, normally should not exceed 108 CFU / g.
  2. Staphylococcus aureus (saprophytic and epidermal) - support water-salt metabolism. Harmless to the body in an amount not exceeding 104 CFU.
  3. Yeast-like fungi - responsible for the synthesis of lactic acid and the breakdown of food debris. Normally, their number should not exceed 104 CFU.

In addition to these bacteria, Proteus, Klebsiella, lactic streptococcus and fusobacteria are opportunistically pathogenic. All of them are useful for the body only in small quantities.

pathogenic microorganisms in a healthy intestine should not be: they provoke the development of infections, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and also weaken the immune system. Salmonella is one of these bacteria. different types, as well as Yersinia, Shigella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogenic microbes.

How does dysbacteriosis occur in infants? The thing is that the intestines of a newborn are practically sterile - there are no microorganisms in it. Immediately after birth, the baby receives nutrition - breast milk or a mixture - which the intestine needs not only to process, but also to extract the maximum benefit from it, so the obligate microflora begins to actively develop. However, if pathogenic bacteria enter the body before beneficial ones, the digestive and immune processes will immediately be disturbed, and the percentage of obligate microbes will be lower than necessary.

In older children, this condition may occur after taking medications, past infectious diseases, or when not proper nutrition. In both infants and children up to a year, this phenomenon is called dysbacteriosis. International classification diseases does not put dysbiosis into the category of independent diseases: it is considered only a consequence of previous infections and weakening of the immune system. However severe violations intestinal microflora is quite dangerous and even requires hospitalization, which, however, does not happen so often.

Symptoms and diagnosis of dysbacteriosis

Since the violation is directly related to the digestive processes, the signs of dysbacteriosis in children are quite obvious: it can be nausea, vomiting, bloating, frequent skin rashes, food allergies weakness and even headache.

If it is not so easy to suspect a violation of the intestinal microflora in a child older than a year, signs of dysbacteriosis in infants are usually obvious. The baby regularly has prolonged constipation or, conversely, diarrhea, while the feces acquire an unpleasant color and smell. baby often burps, sleeps poorly, becomes nervous and whiny, pimples, irritations and rashes may appear on the skin. All these phenomena are the first sign that something is wrong with the baby's intestines, and it's time to take tests to study the microflora.

Most informative analysis for dysbacteriosis in a child today - a study of feces for the presence different kind microorganisms. The rules for its collection are quite simple: the feces must be collected in a sterilized container and handed over to the laboratory within three hours. Reception of any medications and the use of rectal suppositories must be stopped at least three days before taking the analysis.

In the form of the result of the analyzes, the type and number of all identified microorganisms are indicated. If the study was conducted in a private laboratory, in the conclusion, next to the number of bacteria found, the rate of their presence in the intestine is indicated. Thus, deviations in the ratio of obligate and pathogenic microorganisms can be seen, however, only a specialist can make a final diagnosis and prescribe treatment for dysbacteriosis in children.

Normalization of microflora

If the analysis for the presence of violations of the intestinal microflora turned out to be positive, the parents face the question: how to treat dysbacteriosis in a child and how should the baby eat now? Many moms and dads in a panic run to the pharmacy and buy up all the known means to try to improve the bowels of their baby with radical methods.

However, this behavior is not allowed: means for the treatment of dysbacteriosis in children should be selected only by a gastroenterologist, since microflora disorders can be caused by different pathogens, each of which requires its own drug.

To eliminate pathogenic microorganisms, a specialist may prescribe bacteriophages - means in the form of special viruses that kill bacteria of a certain type. They are considered safer than antibiotics, since each bacteriophage is destructive only for certain microorganisms, the rest of the microflora remains untouched. Depending on the direction, Klebsiella, staphylococcal, coliproteus and other bacteriophages are isolated. These funds are considered the most effective and harmless drugs for dysbacteriosis in children.

After elimination pathogenic bacteria it is necessary to restore and strengthen the beneficial intestinal microflora. For these purposes, appoint preparations based on bifido- and lactobacilli . The microorganisms obtained with the agent take root in the intestines, create new colonies and stabilize eubiosis. The most effective and popular means for the treatment of dysbacteriosis in infants are "Hilak Forte" and "Linex". For children older than 1 year, the use of drugs such as Acipol, Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin is allowed.

If the child is on breastfeeding, mothers are also advised to take breast milk for analysis: pathogenic microorganisms can also be there. If pathogenic bacteria are not found, natural feeding and restrictions on complementary foods are recommended for the baby until the unpleasant symptoms disappear. For older children, a special diet is recommended. Diet with dysbacteriosis in children, it consists in the use of rice, millet, semolina and buckwheat, potatoes, lean dietary meat and not too sweet drinks. Dairy products, fruits, vegetables are excluded from the diet for the duration of treatment.

Causes and prevention of dysbiosis

The intestines of a child is a rather vulnerable organ, so microflora disturbances can be caused by a variety of reasons.

Dear readers, today you will learn what intestinal dysbacteriosis is, symptoms of treatment in children. In this article, we will also consider why the disease can develop, what diagnostic methods exist, and how to do everything to prevent the development of pathogenic microflora.

The value of a healthy gut microflora

Beneficial intestinal microflora

  1. Microorganisms are actively involved in digestion.
  2. Promote easy absorption of vitamin D, as well as trace elements.
  3. Synthesizes enzymes necessary for the process of digestion of food, as well as hormone-like substances
  4. They are responsible for the synthesis of vitamins, in particular biotin, folic and ascorbic acid, vitamin B.
  5. They take an active part in the mechanisms of metabolism,
  6. Resist pathogenic microorganisms.
  7. Affect the normal movement of food masses and bowel movements.
  8. Responsible for the neutralization of nitrates.
  9. Actively influence the formation of immunity.

normal composition

In order for the intestinal microflora to cope with the tasks, it is necessary that there is a constant ratio beneficial bacteria, namely:

  • bifidobacteria should occupy 90%;
  • up to 10% are enterococci, lactobacilli and coli, which is not pathogenic;
  • in a very small amount, less than a percent, are opportunistic bacteria, namely: Proteus, Enterobacter, yeast-like fungi, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, non-pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus.

The reasons

Late breastfeeding can cause dysbacteriosis

The intestines of the child are filled with microorganisms only after birth. It is very important to apply the baby to the mother's breast already in the delivery room. This is necessary in order for the mother to transfer her flora to the newborn.

The reasons that upset the balance of microflora, and cause the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines of the baby, include the following:

  • poor nutrition of a nursing mother;
  • taking antibiotics, both directly by the baby and with mother's milk;
  • delayed attachment to the breast;
  • the introduction of complementary foods without regard to the rules;
  • cancellation of breastfeeding;
  • intolerance to the protein of dairy products;
  • artificial type of feeding, especially if the types of mixtures are often changed;
  • an intestinal infection that has recently been transferred;

Such factors can be the reasons for the diagnosis of intestinal dysbacteriosis in a child under one year old.

As for older children, in particular those who are not yet 3 years old, the following factors may be the causes of dysbacteriosis:

If we consider children who are approaching school age, as well as schoolchildren, then the following reasons can be added to the above reasons:

  • increased consumption of meat, sweets, products with preservatives, flavorings and flavorings;
  • long-term treatment with hormonal agents;
  • state of immunodeficiency;
  • frequent stress;
  • organ surgery digestive system;
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • bad ecology;
  • hormonal changes.

Main features

Colic is a symptom of dysbacteriosis

If we consider intestinal dysbacteriosis, symptoms in children, then the following signs should be distinguished:

  • diarrhea;
  • change in the nature of feces;
  • pain in the abdomen;
  • , colic;
  • dermatitis, dryness skin;
  • metallic taste;
  • decreased immunity, manifested by frequent colds;
  • frequent bowel movements;
  • in the feces, food remains that have not been digested are detected.

Infants are characterized by:

  • poor appetite;
  • liquid consistency of feces, the presence of a greenish tint.

It is also necessary to consider the symptoms of the disease depending on the stage of dysbacteriosis.

  1. First:
  • there is still no noticeable decrease in beneficial microflora;
  • the baby may have a loss of appetite;
  • arise, which are replaced by diarrhea, then constipation again;
  • increased excitability is possible.
  1. Second. The growth of pathogenic microorganisms begins. The following symptoms are characteristic:
  • flatulence;
  • constipation or diarrhea with a pungent odor;
  • infants may experience frequent regurgitation and vomiting;
  • poor sleep in older children;
  • pain and feeling of fullness in the abdomen;
  • worsening or complete absence appetite
  • belching, heartburn, increased gas formation.
  1. Third. The following symptoms are present:
  • diarrhea of ​​a chronic nature;
  • increased gas formation;
  • constant colic;
  • the child often has colds;
  • babies up to a year old may show symptoms of rickets;
  • children lose their appetite;
  • a growing body lacks nutrients and vitamins;
  • greens and mucus, a sour smell may be present in the feces;
  • diarrhea alternates with constipation;
  • plaque formation in the tongue;
  • sensation incomplete emptying during defecation.
  1. Fourth. Characteristic:
  • complete imbalance of microflora in the intestine;
  • high risk of intestinal infection;
  • the baby may experience an increase in temperature, headaches, fever or chills;
  • together with undigested food, toxic substances are released that can cause chronic poisoning.

Diagnostics

  1. Antibiotic therapy, broad-spectrum drugs are now prescribed.
  2. Instead of the previous one, another method can be used: to increase beneficial microflora. For this purpose, probiotics are prescribed. When they multiply, pathogenic microorganisms are forced out. May prescribe Enterol, Bifiform. As a rule, these drugs are prescribed to children who are already 1 year old.
  3. receiving bacteriophages. This drug is prescribed to destroy a specific type of microorganisms.
  4. Substitution therapy to enhance the beneficial microflora in the intestines of the child. Prebiotics are used.
  5. Useful microflora can be obtained with proper nutrition:
  • live microorganisms are contained in Biolact, Actimel or Activia;
  • preference should be given to those sour-milk drinks that have a short shelf life;
  • it is recommended to prepare a drink yourself using bacterial starter;
  • for the period of treatment, the use of fresh fruits and vegetables, coarse cereals, fried foods is unacceptable;
  • the child should eat dietary meat, enveloping cereals, you can give baked apples;
  • in addition to fermented milk drinks, you can give tea, jelly, strained compote;
  • it is necessary to practically exclude whole milk, bakery products from white flour, pasta, canned food and sweets from the baby's diet.

My son had dysbacteriosis even before the year. This happened after the use of antibiotics, when the doctor did not remember at all about the need to take beneficial bacteria. After the fact, when the condition acquired obvious symptoms, the doctor came to his senses and prescribed probiotics. We could not immediately get rid of dysbacteriosis, the course was repeated four times, until the intestinal microflora was completely normalized.

Prevention

Now you know what the treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis in children is. Remember to follow simple rules to maintain a balance of beneficial microorganisms and prevent the growth of pathogenic ones. Do not forget when the first symptoms of dysbacteriosis occur, immediately consult a doctor for the purpose of diagnosis and adequate therapy.

Dysbacteriosis can appear at any age, but most often it affects young children. This disease begins its manifestation when the body ceases to cope with disorders in the digestive system. At the first stages of the development of dysbacteriosis, when the number of pathogenic microorganisms does not have such a negative impact on the microflora, and their number is slightly increased, the symptoms will be weak or absent, which sometimes makes it difficult to diagnose and prescribe timely treatment.

The manifestation of dysbacteriosis in both adults and children is not specific. Symptoms of dysbacteriosis may indicate other diseases of the digestive system, which have various causes.

Symptoms of 2 years are the same as the symptoms of any disease associated with disruption of the digestive tract. From birth to 2 years of age and older, babies can suffer from abdominal pain, colic, constipation, diarrhea, and increased gas. Not always such manifestations indicate a violation of the intestinal microflora. However, if the child has dry skin, there is irritation on the skin, general state skin and nails are worsened, appetite has become weak, then in this case it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Nails and hair can be subjected to peeling and dryness, since an imbalance of harmful and beneficial bacteria has occurred in the intestines, which disrupts the proper and complete absorption of nutrients and vitamins. In addition to beneficial trace elements, water absorption may be impaired, which leads to drying of the skin. Also, the child becomes lethargic and capricious, despite the lack of energy, he does not sleep well. Dyspeptic disorders may be observed.

Video: Dysbacteriosis and treatment in children

Another distinguishing characteristic of dysbacteriosis in children is an increase in the frequency of stools, even in the absence of diarrhea and constipation. Often parents observe that the child asks for a potty immediately after eating. Particles may be found in the stool undigested food, mucus and other fluids. A sour or putrid smell of feces may indicate the predominance of pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines. With the progression of the disease in the baby, the temperature may rise to subfebrile limits. Violation of the intestinal microflora may be associated with the presence of infections that require immediate treatment.

How does dysbacteriosis develop?

Dysbacteriosis can occur as a result of a previous disease or proceed in conjunction with the disease. Usually, a violation of the intestinal microflora can worsen the course of the underlying disease, so the root cause must first be eradicated. The causes of the disease can be conditionally divided into several groups depending on the age of the child.

Dysbacteriosis in newborns

Violation of the microflora in newborns may occur due to provocations of the following factors:

  • if during pregnancy the expectant mother suffered infectious diseases organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • trauma during childbirth;
  • if for some reason the child was not immediately attached to the breast;
  • stress experienced by the baby, including due to birth trauma.

Dysbacteriosis in children under 2-3 years old

This group includes babies who have had a disturbed intestinal microflora due to feeding. dysbacteriosis may develop in the presence of the following factors:

  • artificial feeding;
  • improperly selected mixtures;
  • with frequent changes of mixtures;
  • improper attachment of the baby to the chest, swallowing air;
  • intolerance by the child's body of mixtures or milk;
  • earlier introduction of complementary foods that are not appropriate for age: meat, fruit and vegetable puree, cereals, sweet compotes, etc.;
  • taking antibiotics during breastfeeding or direct treatment of the baby with them;
  • frequent infections and viral diseases;
  • reduced immunity.

Corrective treatment should be started as soon as possible, because at an older age the child may develop serious illness that are difficult to treat.

How to suspect dysbacteriosis?

As already mentioned, dysbacteriosis may be weak or not show itself at all, so parents should pay attention to any manifestations that may be associated with dysbacteriosis or any other gastrointestinal disease:

  • stomach ache;
  • the child presses the legs to the stomach;
  • frequent loose stools with a green tint;
  • frothy stools containing mucus or parts of undigested food;
  • putrid or sour smell of feces;
  • the occurrence of cuts and severe pain in the stomach a few hours after eating;
  • strong gas formation;
  • rumbling;
  • belching;
  • lack of appetite;
  • urge to defecate;
  • nausea, sometimes vomiting;
  • constipation;
  • flatulence;
  • rumbling;
  • lag in weight gain;
  • the occurrence of allergic rashes.

With a more severe course of the disease, the child may experience the development of thrush, tonsillitis, pneumonia and damage to the digestive tract. These diseases are often accompanied by the highest stage of dysbacteriosis, when pathogenic microorganisms are rapidly spreading throughout the body. Often, doctors observe a picture of the course of all diseases at the same time.

The main symptoms of dysbacteriosis in children 2 years old

All of these symptoms may apply to other diseases of the digestive tract. Doctors have identified several main symptoms that indicate that the child has dysbacteriosis:

  1. Dyspeptic manifestations. The child has frequent bowel movements, because the stool is liquid, in the area anus irritation may begin in the form of burning and itching due to cracks that have appeared. A putrid smell, and a frothy stool consistency is one indicator of the presence a large number pathogenic microorganisms in the intestine. From time to time, diarrhea can be replaced by constipation, bloating and lack of weight gain.
  2. Stomach ache. The nature of the pain may be different, the intensity and localization of it may decrease or even disappear after defecation or gas discharge. Usually the pain occurs in attacks a few hours after eating.
  3. Allergy. Due to the violation of the intestinal microflora, more than 90% of children develop allergic reactions, which manifest themselves in intolerance to certain foods, skin rashes may appear, bronchial asthma, itching and swelling.
  4. Violation of the absorption of nutrients. Due to development harmful bacteria in the intestine there is a violation of the absorption of vitamins and fluids, which leads to the development of anemia and hypovitaminosis. Parents may notice pale skin and bleeding gums.
  5. Intoxication. The waste products of microorganisms can have an intoxicating effect on the body, which is manifested by nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, insomnia and headaches - this can cause a lag in the physical development of the baby.
  6. Reduced the immune system. Dysbacteriosis can cause frequent viral diseases, as well as fungal infections.

If you have one or more symptoms, you should consult a doctor, do not self-medicate.

Diagnosis and treatment

Symptoms of dysbacteriosis can greatly disturb the child, therefore, first of all, treatment should be aimed at eliminating the symptoms, while at the same time it is necessary to treat the root cause. To properly prescribe treatment, the doctor prescribes diagnostic examination, which includes:

After the examinations, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment, which should include:

  • nutritional adjustment, the exclusion of foods that can provoke allergic reaction, diarrhea or constipation;
  • prescribing drugs to normalize the intestinal microflora (probiotics): Hilak Forte, Laktofiltrum, Acipol, etc .;
  • appointment of bacteriophages;
  • prebiotics;
  • in some cases, the doctor may prescribe symbiotics.

Also, in the treatment of dysbacteriosis in children 2 years old, doctors recommend giving the child fermented milk drinks enriched with bifido- and lactobacilli simultaneously with treatment, these include: Bifidok, Bifilin, Aktimel, Activia. These products will not be able to replace the treatment, but they will become helpers for a faster recovery.

Also, do not forget about preventive measures, it is better to prevent the disease than to treat it for a long time and hard. If possible, even in infancy, breastfeeding is necessary - this is one of the first conditions that will later help the child grow and develop healthy.

Dysbacteriosis in children is a rather serious and common problem. Diagnosis of dysbacteriosis in children is especially difficult, since its symptoms are similar to a huge number of other gastrointestinal diseases.

And in this article, we would like to talk about how to treat intestinal dysbacteriosis in children, what tests to take to diagnose it, and how this disease generally manifests itself. In addition, the article will contain reviews on drugs for dysbacteriosis in children and recommendations on what to eat for children with dysbiosis.

Reasons for the development of dysbacteriosis in a child

Most often, the causes of dysbacteriosis in children are associated with malnutrition and long-term use of antibiotics. At the same time, dysbacteriosis after antibiotics in a child is a rather serious condition, in rare situations ending in the development serious illnesses(pseudomembranous enterocolitis, for example).

But far from in all cases it is possible to understand what kind of pathogenesis (causes) the developed dysbacteriosis has. Sometimes dysbiosis in a child develops without any apparent predisposing causes.

Pathogenic viruses and bacteria - common cause dysbiosis in children

Speaking of all possible causes of intestinal dysbiosis in children, then they are:

  1. Late attachment of the baby to the breast.
  2. Situations when a mother has to feed her baby artificially.
  3. Malnutrition of the child.
  4. Frequent constipation or, conversely, diarrhea.
  5. Violation of the mechanism of absorption of trace elements in the intestine.
  6. Gastroduodenitis, peptic ulcers, colitis.
  7. Food allergies and atopic dermatitis.
  8. Intestinal infections, influenza.
  9. Exposure to high doses of radiation.
  10. Injuries of the gastrointestinal tract.
  11. Surgical interventions.
  12. Taking antibiotics.

It is important to remember that the severity this disease often directly related to the cause of its development. So the most severe is dysbacteriosis, which arose against the background of exposure to radiation, antibiotics, infection and after injuries of the gastrointestinal tract.

Risk groups: at what age do children most often get dysbacteriosis?

The peak incidence of dysbacteriosis in children falls on quite early age(at baby) and at the age of 5-10 years. And this is not surprising, in such young children the gastrointestinal tract does not work efficiently enough, as does the immune system.

Diagnosis of children's intestinal dysbacteriosis

As a result, it turns out that it is at this age that you should especially closely monitor your baby and treat any gastrointestinal diseases in him in a timely manner. Moreover, if the baby is often sick with the flu, then it makes sense to give him courses (for a month every six months) drugs to improve the intestinal microflora.

What is the danger of dysbacteriosis in a child?

In 70% of cases, dysbiosis in babies does not pose a particular danger and is easily treatable (in 50% of cases, it completely disappears on its own, without therapy). However, there are situations when the disease progresses, which is already a very dangerous condition.

So a baby against the background of 3-4 degree dysbiosis can develop such formidable complications as pseudomembranous enterocolitis or perforation of the intestinal wall. Such diseases can not only worsen the health of the baby, but in rare cases lead to his death.

That is why you should never ignore such diseases in children and expect their independent resolution. In all cases, even with mild symptoms, you should contact the baby with a pediatrician!

Symptoms of dysbacteriosis in a child

Childhood dysbacteriosis has a huge number clinical manifestations(symptoms). Generally symptoms of this disease in a child the following:

  • regurgitation in infants;
  • bad breath (sometimes even fetid);
  • temperature (often fever);
  • reducing the increase in body weight of the child;
  • rash on hands and face;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • rashes in the mouth (stomatitis);
  • constipation or diarrhea;
  • false urge to defecate;
  • frothy or mushy stools;
  • blood in the stool;
  • melena (black stool);
  • steatorrhea and flatulence;
  • intestinal colic;
  • intestinal dyskinesia;
  • belching;
  • decreased appetite.

Symptoms of intestinal dysbacteriosis in children

What is obvious, the signs of this disease are nonspecific and occur in a huge number of other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, vomiting, rashes, constipation or diarrhea - common symptoms food intolerance.

However, due to the lack of diagnosis, doctors often take these symptoms for manifestations of dysbacteriosis and treat the child for the wrong thing. Therefore, it is very important that the doctor reinforces his subjective opinion with the results of an analysis for dysbacteriosis in children.

Otherwise, a situation is possible when inadequate treatment is carried out (due to an error in diagnosis), and the disease, meanwhile, is rapidly progressing. As a result, the child begins to be treated already when the disease has taken a serious turn and aggressive treatment is required.

Analysis for dysbacteriosis in a child

Tests for dysbacteriosis in children should be done if the symptoms described above persist for three or more days. The analysis itself is carried out in order to determine the concentration and ratio of symbiotic (beneficial) bacteria in the child's body relative to conditionally pathogenic ones.

And it is better not to delay the diagnosis, since in children intestinal dysbiosis develops very quickly and reaches 3-4 degrees, the consequences of which often require hospitalization. Delay is especially dangerous in the case of children under the age of one year.

Before conducting the analysis, it is imperative to properly prepare. So children under one year old, three days before the procedure, it will be possible to give only the usual mixtures or breast milk. Children aged 1-16 years will not be given fatty, fried, smoked, spicy and starchy foods (so as not to provoke constipation or diarrhea).

Normal test results for dysbacteriosis in children

The test material itself (feces) can be donated in any suitable container. However, it is important to note that it is best and generally correct to donate feces in a special pharmacy vessel, if it is possible to purchase it. You need to do this because the pharmacy container is sterile, unlike household counterparts.

Preparations for the treatment of dysbacteriosis in children

In most cases, in order to cure a baby from intestinal dysbiosis, it is enough to give him analogues of those drugs that are used to treat adult patients. There are similar analogues in every pharmacy.

So, for example, the "Linex" remedy for the treatment of adult patients can easily be replaced with the children's remedy "Primadophilus". In general, "Primadophilus" is not much different from "Linex", which, by the way, is also confirmed by numerous reviews of mothers on the Internet.

Both Linex and Primadophilus restore such a fragile intestinal microflora, balancing it and significantly reducing (up to complete destruction) pathogenic microorganisms. It is possible to cure with the help of Primadophilus not only dysbacteriosis, but also other childhood diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, constipation, IBS, colitis, and so on).

It also makes sense to give children the drug "Lactusan" from dysbacteriosis, which not only restores the normal intestinal microflora, but also helps to absorb food from the gastrointestinal tract. But remember, despite the fact that you can give such a drug for dysbacteriosis to children on your own, it is better for a pediatrician to do this.

Preparations for the treatment of childhood dysbacteriosis

Also treatment regimen includes the following tactics of managing children with dysbacteriosis:

  1. Correction of nutrition and correction of eating habits (ban on nightly meals for the baby, ban on the frequent use of fast food by the baby, and so on).
  2. Local treatment of individual symptoms of dysbiosis (rash, discomfort, fever, bad breath).
  3. For 3 degrees of dysbiosis, intestinal motility stimulants are prescribed.
  4. Antibiotics are prescribed for 4 degrees of dysbiosis (only a doctor can prescribe them!).
  5. Further, if after therapy and relief of dysbiosis there are consequences, they are eliminated.
  6. At the very end, prevention of the recurrence of the disease is carried out (only a pediatrician should do this!).

Diet for a baby with dysbacteriosis

Very often, from dysbacteriosis, children are prescribed a nutritional correction. In the vast majority of cases, if it is a 1-2 degree dysbiosis, it can be treated exclusively with a diet.

A diet includes a strict restriction on the consumption of certain foods. Moreover, the baby will have to adhere to it for about 2-3 months (with severe dysbiosis 2-5 years), in order to avoid a possible relapse of the disease in case of a cure.

The power supply system itself is simple. Parents need to start with the introduction of a fractional baby nutrition system. So he needs to give food 5-8 times a day in small portions. In terms of restrictions: you can not give the baby the following foods:

  • fatty meats, and for children under 5 years old and meat products;
  • chocolate and cocoa;
  • sausages and sausages;
  • any fast food;
  • fatty and fried foods;
  • spices;
  • fatty milk.

Feedback on the drug "Primadophilus" for the treatment of dysbiosis in children

We repeat that only 1-2 degrees of dysbiosis can be treated with a diet (only an analysis can determine the specific degree), in other cases, the diet is one of the components of the treatment regimen, but not an independent treatment.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis in children (video)

Prevention: how to avoid dysbacteriosis in a baby?

Prevention of the appearance of intestinal dysbiosis or its recurrence after successful treatment consists in proper nutrition of the baby and timely treatment all diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of the baby. It is necessary to treat even the most “banal” diseases, such as gastritis and colic.

Also, prevention consists in feeding the baby with natural food rich in cereals and vitamins. That is, simply put, children should be given more vegetables and fruits, cereals and dairy products (store-bought yogurts are ineffective in this regard).

Dysbacteriosis is a very common phenomenon for childhood, this is not a disease, but rather a condition of the body that reflects recent events - taking antibiotics, intestinal infection, continuous malnutrition, stress, as a result of which the number of beneficial lactobacteria and bifidobacteria in the intestines decreased and the reproduction of harmful, pathogenic bacteria increased. All this leads to an unpleasant clinic, a lack of vitamins, especially group B, and a deterioration in the condition of the skin, hair and nails. How less baby, the more often he has dysbacteriosis.

Symptoms of dysbacteriosis in children by age

Neonatal period. More often with bacteriosis, infants born by the method caesarean section(because in the first days of life they receive a mixture, antibiotics), and children who are bottle-fed.

The manifestations of dysbacteriosis in them are:

  • Anxiety and screams.
  • Bloating of the abdomen, accompanied by colic.
  • Heterogeneous stool, often liquid, with mucus, greenery. The stool can be unstable in consistency - there are alternations of normal and liquid, there may be constipation.

In children of preschool and primary school age the clinic of dysbacteriosis usually occurs in the second half of the day and is manifested by the following symptoms:

  • A rumbling that can be easily heard by an outsider at a distance.
  • Spasmodic pains over the entire surface of the abdomen, the child cannot point to a specific area of ​​pain.
  • Dyspeptic phenomena: loss of appetite, belching.
  • From common symptoms: the temperature may rise intermittently to low numbers (37.0–37.2), irritability, drowsiness and insomnia, children gain weight worse, there may be a tendency to anemia.
  • Changes in the stool to liquid, the appearance of mucus, the alternation of normal and liquid stool are manifestations of more severe forms dysbacteriosis.

In children adolescence all the same symptoms are noted, but less pronounced, they usually seek help due to instability of the stool and general fatigue.

If untreated dysbacteriosis drags on, then symptoms of vitamin deficiency appear: red tongue, increased saliva, dry skin and visible mucous membranes. Children become lethargic and tired. Food allergies may occur.

On a note! Fecal analysis may not confirm the condition of the intestine - dysbacteriosis, since feces must be examined in a warm fresh. But even when correct technique collection of analysis is a false negative result, because more often feces reflect the state of the intestinal flora in the lumen, but are not able to fully reflect the state in the intestinal wall.

Diet for dysbacteriosis

The most suitable food for an infant suffering from dysbacteriosis is mother's milk.

Children infancy should be strictly breastfed, if the mother has already completely interrupted breastfeeding, then the mixture should be chosen adapted. The most favorable for the intestinal microflora are Nutrilon Omneo, Frisovoy, Laktofidus, NAN with bifidobacteria, NAN Sour-milk, Humana, Baby acidophilus and other mixtures with the addition of probiotics; the nucleotides added to the mixture positively affect the intestinal flora.

For children older than six months, it is necessary to use subsequent mixtures with pre-, probiotics, from 8 months - dairy products based on adapted milk mixtures. Prepare gluten-free dairy-free cereals, introduce vegetable purees, juices into complementary foods.

In children under one year of age, intestinal dysbacteriosis often develops. The microflora of the baby is formed thanks to the mother. Orphans who are bottle-fed are at risk. The process ends at 2 years, when the composition of the biocenosis strongly resembles the biota of adults. Therefore, the treatment of a child aged 6 years is approached similarly to that of an adult. The only difference is that a small patient often cannot clearly describe the symptoms.

For these reasons, it is logical to divide the reported cases into two global categories: before 1 year of age and after one year of age. There is an additional nuance mentioned in the review on infants. Differences in the microflora are observed depending on the method of feeding (artificial or natural). At one year old baby who was fed with milk mixtures, there is an opportunistic flora that is not observed in breastfed infants. The reason is the content of harmful strains in external food (except for women's milk).

Conduct a simple experiment, try to gently push the stomach along the colon (a form of the Greek Omega). The presence of pain is already recognized as a symptom of dysbacteriosis. Doctors say that 90% of the population suffers from the disease. Only one in ten in the family gets a chance to be healthy.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis is accompanied by a decrease in the protective functions of the microflora when a pathogenic strain is added. Due to what happened, the obligate part of the microflora ceases to perform the following functions:

  1. Vitamin production.
  2. They act as a catalyst for the absorption of calcium, iron, vitamin D.
  3. Participants in the water-salt exchange.
  4. Absorption of toxins.
  5. Production of immunoglobulins.
  6. Deactivation of food enzymes.
  7. Finish the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, RNA, DNA, fats.

Obligate microflora ceases to perform these actions. The most prominent is function number 3. Disturbance of electrolyte metabolism causes diarrhea. Against the background of diarrhea, a lack of vitamins appears, causing a bunch of new symptoms. Signs that are easy to see:

  1. Anemia (especially fingers, lips).
  2. Peeling of the skin on the face.
  3. Bad mood, with swings.
  4. Fatigue, weakness due to lack of calcium.

Violation of the mechanism of production of immunoglobulins undermines the body's defenses. No wonder it was noted that taking bifidobacteria accelerates recovery after colds. Finally, the body begins to become infected with toxins. In addition to the deterioration of absorption in the colon, peristalsis is weakly expressed. feces stagnate, poisoning the body. Malakhov gives startling figures: some stones from excrement rot for years, and the time spent in the large intestine is measured in decades.

It is easy to imagine how many problems are manifested against the background of such unfavorable conditions. Today it is believed that dysbacteriosis provokes cancer. The above symptoms are not the only ones. Let us describe in addition three isolated states, which, due to their peculiarities, have received their own names.

Dyspepsia

In the literature, dyspepsia is described as a complex of unpleasant symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract. Obvious signs:

  1. Heartburn.
  2. Nausea, vomiting.
  3. Belching.
  4. Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
  5. Constipation or diarrhea.
  6. Flatulence.

Feces of unusual consistency, liquid, reminiscent of sheep's droppings. Often has an unpleasant or sour smell. The color is different, there may be impurities of blood, mucus. Appearance feces depends on the causative agent of the disease. In the case of associated dysbacteriosis, stools are frequent (up to 12 times per day), watery, often accompanied by vomiting.

When infected with Proteus, the stool is relatively rare (up to 8 times), it foams, the color is shifted to green. There is an unpleasant odor. The growth of staphylococcus aureus causes blood impurities. The stool is foamy, mucus is present. The difference between the symptoms caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is in the presence of a similar shade of pus (bluish).

anorectal syndrome

Most commonly provoked by antibiotics. It is characterized by burning and itching around the anus, in the rectum, discharge of blood and mucus, false urge to defecate, dull pain. Signs resemble hemorrhoids. The temperature often rises.

Intestinal malabsorption

Typical signs of beriberi develop (B, PP, K, D) and calcium deficiency. Numb lips, fingers, toes. Flaw nicotinic acid causes depression, apathy, mood swings, increased flow of saliva, red and inflamed tongue. The presence of fatty masses in the stool. Calcium deficiency caused by low intake of phylloquinone leads to general weakness.

Lack of thiamine disrupts sleep, causing neuritis. Riboflavin deficiency worsens the condition of the skin, stomatitis develops. Along with malabsorption, vitamin deficiency can develop independently, since bifidobacteria are involved in the production of PP, K and group B. The symptoms, at first glance, are similar, but the reasons that gave rise to them are different.

Bacteriological background

The causes of the disease lie in the composition of the intestinal microflora. First of all, the pathology is caused by a number of external and internal factors. Dysbacteriosis of children is usually divided into 3 degrees of severity:

  1. A slight decrease or constancy of the anaerobic flora, a change in the size of the Escherichia population. Conditionally pathogenic strains in the amount of 2 species show a maximum population density in the region of 1 million units. This form is called light, corresponds to the first degree.
  2. The number of anaerobes can be sharply reduced, compared with the total number aerobic bacteria. Appear atypical forms coli, the quantitative growth in the number of opportunistic strains continues. The form is called moderate, doctors consider it clinical (you need to see a doctor).
  3. In a severe form, the population of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria suffers damage, disappearing completely. Among Escherichia coli, atypical forms predominate, the density of opportunistic flora is increased to 10 million units.

Before the manifestation of symptoms of dysbacteriosis in children in a pronounced form, the attending physician is able to see the bacteriological picture based on the results of the tests, voicing part of the recommendations. The first step is to find out which antibiotics the pathogenic flora is sensitive to by identifying effective method fight. If there are two or more pathogens (associated form), one antibiotic may not be able to cope. Then the treatment regimen is complicated.

A broad-spectrum antibiotic is not suitable for treatment. It will kill the already weakened beneficial flora along with the pathogen. It is easier to cure dysbacteriosis in a child with the help of a point, directed effect. This method is considered to be gentle. Especially if the trouble happened to a child at the age of one.

Doctors testify that the signs of dysbacteriosis in children do not correspond to the severity, depend on individual characteristics. Therefore, focus on external signs not worth it. You can not link the symptoms and treatment, often not the same.

The reasons

Causes by nature are divided into endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external). The group of external criteria includes:

  • Ecology.
  • Climate.
  • The quality of products in stores and gardens.
  • Hygiene.

External causes are as follows:

  • Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract of the child, including those of a viral and bacterial nature (dysentery, cholera).
  • Reasons for admission medicines. Predominantly bactericidal, hormones and antibiotics. Preparations based on salicylic acid favor the reproduction of atypical species of Escherichia coli.
  • Hereditary pathologies that violate intestinal absorption.
  • Wrong daily routine, stress, imbalance in the composition of nutrition in proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
  • Weakened immunity.

Everyone can name well-known bad habits. It is extremely rare to find children's dysbacteriosis caused by alcoholism, otherwise the causes of the disease are similar to those of the adult population. Try to reduce the use of food containing preservatives - homemade pickles do not count.

Treatment

Treatment of dysbacteriosis in children is complex.

  1. First of all, the patient's menu is checked. The diet is adjusted towards the content of useful components for cultivation normal microflora.
  2. Bacteriophages or antibiotics are prescribed to suppress the causative agent of the disease. The reason is a representative of conditionally pathogenic flora, overgrown. How to treat (name of the drug), the doctor decides based on the results of the analysis for the sensitivity of the strain.
  3. intestines in children is impossible without the use of prebiotics (a nutrient medium for bacteria) and probiotics (strains of live beneficial microflora). Permission to use general recommendations or be guided by analysis (composition of microflora). Usually, the emphasis is on the cultivation of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, Escherichia coli (Esherichia) grows without outside help.
  4. Detoxification is required periodically. Feces poison the body, it would be useful to take sorbents, offer the child activated charcoal.
  5. Reception of immunoglobulins increases immunity. This is an indispensable step, the body “knows” which bacteria are superfluous, but cannot overcome it. Help Wanted.
  6. Enzymes help to break down undigested substances (proteins, fats, carbohydrates).
  7. Vitamins are used against the background of shortage. Emphasis is placed on groups A and B, vitamins PP.

Preparations

Consideration of 6 drugs is enough to create an idea about the prescription of drugs.

Bifidumbacterin

In powder form, it is used to restore the population of bifidobacteria. Sold in ampoules, vials, appointed in a similar way:

  1. 1 year and younger - 2 doses daily during the working week (5 days).
  2. Up to 3 years - it is allowed to give already three times.
  3. At an older age, the treatment period, if necessary, doubles.

Bifidobacteria are part of the obligate flora, the functions of which are described in detail above. This type of bacteria forms desired level pH factor that prevents the reproduction of pathogenic strains, providing an acceptable level of health. Participate in the formation of vitamins, eliminating characteristic symptoms deficit.

The task is to deliver the strain to the intestines. The lion's share of bacteria is destroyed in the stomach by digestive juice. Too high acidity of the environment kills most of the microorganisms. The survivors will be able to reproduce.

Lactobacterin

The same can be said about the preparation as about the previous one. With the exception of information about the attempt to restore the population of lactobacilli. Sold in ampoules, vials. To treat dysbacteriosis in a child, dilute with water, drink half an hour before meals. Reception scheme:

  1. Children under 1 year - twice a day, for three days.
  2. At an older age - the treatment course increases to 5 days.

Bifikol

It is a mixture of Escherichia coli and bifidocultures. The name comes from the Latin name Escherichia Coli and Bifidobacterium. The purpose is quite clear. Ampoules restore populations of bifidobacteria and E. coli.

Hilak-forte

One of the purposes of a prebiotic is the prevention of dysbacteriosis. It consists of many metabolites of normal flora (lactobacilli, streptococcus, E. coli), reaching the intestine without changes. It is intended to create an environment conducive to the reproduction of normal microflora, suppressing the growth of pathogenic and putrefactive strains. Suitable for infants.

Lactulose

In nature, this disaccharide (fructose + galactose) does not occur, the gastrointestinal tract is not digested. But bacteria are happy to use the substance as food. In medicine, it is used as a laxative, improves intestinal motility (antispasmodic).

Nifuroxazide

Local antiseptic that inhibits the vital activity of gram-negative and gram-positive microbes. The doctor chooses an antibiotic depending on the manifestations of dysbacteriosis in children. It is quite possible to prescribe nifuroxazide, if pathogens enter the spectrum of the drug.

We emphasize that the choice of antiseptic is made according to the results of the tests. It is not uncommon for mothers to give children Nifuroxazide as a panacea, surprised that the child's dysbacteriosis does not go away, the symptoms intensify. Remember, the main task complex treatment is to correct the imbalance. Ill-conceived reception medicines exacerbates the situation.

The analysis reveals a pathogenic strain, laboratory assistants determine the degree of sensitivity of the population to many known antibiotics, which allows the doctor to prescribe treatment.