Dear readers, today you will learn what intestinal dysbiosis is, symptoms and treatment in children. In this article, we will also look at the reasons for which the disease can develop, what diagnostic methods exist, and how to do everything to prevent the development of pathogenic microflora.
The value of healthy intestinal microflora
Beneficial intestinal microflora
- Microorganisms actively take part in digestion.
- Promotes easy absorption of vitamin D and microelements.
- Synthesizes enzymes necessary for the digestion of food, as well as hormone-like substances
- Responsible for the synthesis of vitamins, in particular biotin, folic and ascorbic acid, vitamin B.
- Take an active part in metabolic mechanisms,
- Resists pathogenic microorganisms.
- Affect the normal movement of food masses and bowel movements.
- Responsible for neutralizing nitrates.
- Actively influence the formation of immunity.
Normal composition
In order for the intestinal microflora to cope with the assigned tasks, it is necessary that there is a constant ratio beneficial bacteria, namely:
- bifidobacteria should occupy 90%;
- up to 10% are enterococci, lactobacilli and E. coli, which are non-pathogenic;
- in very small quantities, less than a percent, are opportunistic bacteria, namely: Proteus, Enterobacter, yeast-like fungi, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, non-pathogenic Staphylococcus.
Causes
Late breastfeeding can cause the development of dysbiosis
The baby's intestines are filled with microorganisms only after birth. It is very important to put the baby to the mother’s breast already in the delivery room. This is necessary for the mother to pass on her flora to the newborn.
The reasons that disrupt the balance of microflora and cause the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the baby’s intestines include the following:
- poor nutrition of a nursing mother;
- taking antibiotics, both directly by the baby and with mother’s milk;
- delay in breastfeeding;
- introduction of complementary foods without taking into account the rules;
- abolition of breastfeeding;
- protein intolerance to dairy products;
- artificial type of feeding, especially if the types of formulas are often changed;
- recent intestinal infection;
Such factors can cause a diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis in a child under one year of age.
As for older children, in particular those who have not yet turned 3 years old, the following factors may be the causes of dysbiosis:
If we consider children who are approaching school age, as well as schoolchildren, then to the above reasons we can add the following:
- increased consumption of meat, sweets, products with preservatives, flavorings and flavorings;
- long-term treatment with hormonal drugs;
- state of immunodeficiency;
- frequent stress;
- surgery on the digestive system;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- bad ecology;
- hormonal changes.
Main features
Colic is a symptom of dysbiosis
If we consider intestinal dysbiosis and symptoms in children, the following signs should be highlighted:
- diarrhea;
- change in the nature of feces;
- painful sensations in the abdomen;
- , colic;
- dermatitis, dryness skin;
- metallic taste;
- decreased immunity, manifested by frequent colds;
- frequent bowel movements;
- Residues of food that have not been digested are detected in the stool.
Infants are characterized by:
- poor appetite;
- liquid consistency of stool, presence of a greenish tint.
It is also necessary to consider the symptoms of the disease depending on the stage of dysbiosis.
- First:
- there is still no noticeable decrease in beneficial microflora;
- the baby's appetite may worsen;
- arise, which is replaced by diarrhea, then constipation again;
- increased excitability is possible.
- Second. The growth of pathogenic microorganisms begins. The following symptoms are typical:
- flatulence;
- constipation or diarrhea with an acrid odor;
- Infants may experience frequent regurgitation and vomiting;
- bad dream in older children;
- pain and feeling of fullness in the abdomen;
- deterioration or complete loss of appetite;
- belching, heartburn, increased gas formation.
- Third. The following symptoms are present:
- chronic diarrhea;
- increased gas formation;
- constant colic;
- the child often gets colds;
- Infants under one year of age may exhibit symptoms of rickets;
- children lose their appetite;
- the growing body does not have enough nutrients and vitamins;
- there may be greens and mucus in the stool, and a sour smell;
- diarrhea alternates with constipation;
- plaque formation on the tongue;
- feeling incomplete emptying during defecation.
- Fourth. Characteristic:
- complete imbalance of microflora in the intestine;
- high risk of intestinal infection;
- the baby may experience a rise in temperature, headaches, fever or chills;
- Along with undigested food, toxic substances are released that can cause chronic poisoning.
Diagnostics
- Antibiotic therapy, now broad-spectrum drugs are prescribed.
- Instead of the previous one, another method can be used: increasing beneficial microflora. For this purpose, probiotics are prescribed. When they multiply, pathogenic microorganisms are forced out. They may prescribe Enterol, Bifiform. As a rule, these drugs are prescribed to children who are already 1 year old.
- Reception of bacteriophages. This drug is prescribed to destroy a specific type of microorganism.
- Replacement therapy to enhance beneficial microflora in the child’s intestines. Prebiotics are used.
- Useful microflora can also be obtained with proper nutrition:
- live microorganisms are contained in Biolact, Actimel or Activia;
- preference should be given to those fermented milk drinks that have a short shelf life;
- It is recommended to prepare the drink yourself using a bacterial starter;
- During the period of treatment, the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, coarse cereals, and fried foods is unacceptable;
- the child should eat dietary meat, enveloping cereals, baked apples can be given;
- in addition to fermented milk drinks, you can give tea, jelly, strained compote;
- You need to practically exclude whole milk, baked goods made from white flour, pasta, canned food and sweets from your baby’s diet.
My son had dysbacteriosis even before he was a year old. This happened after the use of antibiotics, when the doctor completely forgot 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 were unable to get rid of dysbiosis immediately; the course was repeated four times until the intestinal microflora was completely normalized.
Prevention
Now you know what treatment of intestinal dysbiosis in children is. Remember to comply simple rules to maintain a balance of beneficial microorganisms and prevent the growth of pathogenic ones. Do not forget, when the first symptoms of dysbiosis occur, immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and adequate therapy.
Violation of qualitative and quantitative composition intestinal microflora, in which opportunistic microorganisms begin to predominate. Dysbacteriosis in children early age manifested by regurgitation, low rates of weight gain, and stool disturbances; in older children – belching, loss of appetite, unstable stools, intestinal colic. Confirmation of dysbacteriosis in children is carried out using bacteriological examination of stool and coprogram analysis. Treatment of dysbiosis in children includes diet, phage therapy or antibacterial therapy, taking probiotics and prebiotics, immunoregulators, vitamins.
General information
Dysbacteriosis (dysbiosis) in children is characterized by persistent disruption of intestinal microbiocenosis, a change in the ratio of obligate and facultative intestinal microflora in favor of the latter. The problem of dysbiosis in children is the most pressing in pediatrics, since according to modern research, a violation of intestinal biocenosis is detected in 25-50% of healthy children infancy. Among children suffering from somatic and infectious diseases (intestinal infections, enteritis, colitis, allergic dermatitis, etc.), intestinal dysbiosis of varying severity is detected in almost 100% of cases.
The birth of a child is associated with its transition from a sterile intrauterine environment to the world, populated by a variety of different microorganisms. Almost immediately, the newborn’s body is exposed to microbial colonization. The child receives the main part of the obligate microflora from the mother (during movement along the birth canal, when breastfeeding), which is decisive for his subsequent health. Immune factors present in colostrum and breast milk (secretory IgA, lysozyme, lactoferrin, macrophages, bifidus factor, etc.) block colonization of the intestine by opportunistic flora. Therefore, to prevent dysbacteriosis in a child, early attachment to the mother’s breast is extremely important (in the first 30 minutes, but no later than 2 hours after birth).
During the first 3-5 days of life, the microbial landscape of the intestine becomes more diverse, and in it, along with beneficial bacteria, large quantities opportunistic microorganisms settle. As a result, in the first week newborns develop transient intestinal dysbiosis, manifested by regurgitation, unstable watery stools mixed with mucus, spastic pain. Transient dysbiosis in children usually ends in the second week of life, as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli displace other representatives of the intestinal microbiocenosis. However, in the presence of aggravating factors, normal microflora does not form, and transient dysbiosis in children becomes true.
Causes in children
In gastroenterology, all representatives of intestinal microflora are usually divided into 4 groups: obligate, facultative (opportunistic), transient and pathogenic flora. Transient flora is not typical for the human body, and is temporary, random in nature. Representatives of pathogenic intestinal flora are pathogens of infectious diseases (dysentery, salmonellosis, etc.), which are not normally present in the intestines.
Obligate flora (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, E. coli) regulates immunity; participates in the process of digestion, metabolism, synthesis of vitamins and enzymes; stimulates gastrointestinal motility. Facultative flora (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter, Proteus, Klebsiella, Clostridia, yeast fungi of the genus Candida) normally constitutes no more than 0.6% of total number microorganisms and in normal conditions immune system does not cause disease. However, with a decrease in the body's resistance, a change in the species and quantitative ratio of obligate and facultative microflora, dysbacteriosis develops in children.
The causes leading to dysbiosis in children are diverse and begin to act already in the prenatal period or soon after the birth of the child. Disruption of intestinal bacterial homeostasis may be associated with complicated pregnancy and childbirth, late breastfeeding, prematurity, or the presence of bacterial vaginosis in the mother.
The development of dysbiosis in infants may be due to poor nutrition nursing mother, the occurrence of mastitis, early transfer of the child to artificial feeding, frequent ARVI, diathesis.
Classification
Depending on the predominant opportunistic flora, Proteus, staphylococcal, candidiasis, and associated forms of intestinal dysbiosis in children are distinguished; according to the clinical course - latent, local and generalized variants.
The severity of dysbacteriosis in children is determined by the species and quantitative composition of the microflora:
- I degree- anaerobic microflora predominates; the number of bifidobacteria is at least 107-108; opportunistic pathogens no more than two types, 102-104 CFU per 1 g of feces.
- II degree- equal amount of anaerobic and aerobic flora; opportunistic microorganisms 106-107 CFU per 1 g of feces; ordinary Escherichia coli is replaced by hemolyzing and lactose-negative ones.
- III degree– aerobic flora predominates, up to the complete suppression of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli; the number of opportunistic microorganisms is significantly increased.
- IV degree– associated dysbacteriosis in children; absolute predominance of opportunistic microflora resistant to antibiotics.
According to clinical and bacteriological criteria, compensated, subcompensated and decompensated dysbacteriosis in children is distinguished.
Compensated dysbacteriosis in children occurs in a latent form and corresponds to degrees I-II of severity. Clinically, the child remains healthy, develops normally and gains weight; Appetite and stool are normal.
Subcompensated dysbacteriosis in children corresponds to the local variant, II-III degree of severity. There are moderately expressed clinical symptoms: lethargy, poor appetite, poor weight gain, dyspeptic disorders.
Decompensated dysbacteriosis in children can have a local or generalized course, III-IV severity. Significantly worsening general state child due to vomiting, frequent loose stools, intoxication. Against this background, acute intestinal infections, enterocolitis, bacteremia and sepsis easily occur.
The clinical picture of dysbiosis in children may be dominated by one or more characteristic syndromes: diarrheal, dyskinetic, digestive and absorption disorders (maldigestion and malabsorption), intoxication, asthenoneurotic, dermointestinal.
Symptoms of dysbiosis in children
In newborns and infants, dysbiosis is accompanied by regurgitation, vomiting, flatulence, rumbling and spasms along the intestines. The child does not gain enough weight, behaves restlessly, and sleeps poorly. The stool of a child with dysbacteriosis is usually liquid or mushy, copious, foamy with an admixture of lumps or mucus, of an unusual color (white, greenish), with a putrid or sour odor.
With malabsorption syndrome, diarrhea, steatorrhea, malnutrition, and polyhypovitaminosis develop. Endogenous intoxication due to dysbacteriosis in children is accompanied by polydeficiency anemia, delayed physical development, and decreased appetite. The processes of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines cause autoallergization and the development of dermointestinal syndrome (urticaria, atopic dermatitis). Manifestations of asthenoneurotic syndrome include irritability, weakness, and sleep disturbance.
At an older age, dysbiosis in children can occur with constipation, diarrhea, or their alternation; intestinal colic, belching, bad breath, feeling of fullness in the stomach after eating. Secondary extraintestinal manifestations of dysbacteriosis in children associated with hypovitaminosis, metabolic disorders, decreased immunity can be seizures in the corners of the mouth, stomatitis, furunculosis, acne, brittle hair and nails, etc.
Generalized dysbacteriosis usually develops in children with an immunodeficiency state and occurs as candidiasis with symptoms of thrush, glossitis, cheilitis, damage to smooth skin, vulvitis or balanoposthitis, visceral candidiasis.
Diagnostics
Establishing a diagnosis of dysbacteriosis is preceded by an examination of the child by a pediatrician and pediatric gastroenterologist, laboratory tests and additional instrumental studies. Using a physical examination of children, the condition of the skin and mucous membranes is assessed; Palpation of the abdomen reveals pain along the intestine.
Laboratory diagnosis usually includes bacteriological or biochemical examination of stool for dysbacteriosis. Microbiological criteria dysbacteriosis in children is a decrease in the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, a decrease or increase in the number of normal coli, as well as the appearance of their modified strains, the detection of gram-negative rods, an increase in the number of cocci, fungi, and clostridia. Biochemical analysis based on determining the level of volatile metabolites fatty acids(propionic, acetic, oil), produced by microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract.
To determine the cause of dysbiosis in children, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, gastroscopy, biochemical liver tests, stool analysis for Giardia and helminth eggs may be prescribed. The study of the coprogram allows us to identify the degree of disruption of the breakdown and absorption of food.
If dysbiosis is suspected in children, it is important to exclude nonspecific ulcerative colitis, acute intestinal infections, and malabsorption syndrome.
Treatment of dysbiosis in children
Therapy for dysbiosis in children begins with the selection of individual diet therapy. The diet of mixed-fed children includes: dairy products. In the diet of older children, sugars, carbohydrates, and animal proteins are limited; To restore normal intestinal microflora, lactic acid products enriched with biocultures and dietary fiber are recommended.
For intestinal dysbiosis in children, probiotics are prescribed - preparations containing monocultures or combinations of beneficial bacteria; prebiotics that promote the growth and reproduction of microbes of normal intestinal flora; symbiotics - combination drugs.
For the purpose of selective decontamination of the intestines in case of dysbacteriosis in children, bacteriophages are used that lyse pathogenic bacteria, and if ineffective, antibiotics (macrolides, cephalosporins) are used. Treatment of candidal dysbiosis in children is carried out with antifungal drugs (nystatin, fluconazole).
When pronounced violations enzymes are prescribed for digestion; in case of intoxication, the use of sorbents is indicated. Immunomodulatory therapy with adaptogens and vitamin therapy are recommended for frequently ill children.
Prevention
The key to the formation of normal intestinal microflora in a child is taking care of his health expectant mother: pregnancy planning, balanced diet during pregnancy, treatment bacterial vaginosis, adherence to daily routine and rest, avoidance of nervous shocks.
The very first measures to prevent dysbacteriosis should be early latching of the baby to the breast in the delivery room and continued breastfeeding of children for at least six months, and the gradual introduction of complementary foods. It is necessary to treat chronic diseases of the digestive system and prevent intestinal infections. To prevent the development of dysbiosis, antibiotic therapy in children should be carried out under the guise of probiotics or prebiotics.
Many parents, who zealously monitor the health of their children, immediately make an independent diagnosis of dysbacteriosis when their children develop restlessness and abdominal pain. Treatment for this pathology involves, as is believed in society, taking special medications. In this material we will tell you what to do if you suspect dysbiosis in a child, symptoms and other features the desired state will also be described in the article.
Many people are accustomed to considering such a common pathology as dysbiosis as a real scourge of the 21st century. According to popular belief, the desired state arises due to absolutely any negative impact to which the body has been exposed. People also say that if dysbiosis is not treated immediately, this can result in the most serious health consequences.
In this material we want to debunk some of the illusions of our readers before moving on to the essence of the issue. According to medical classifiers diseases (that is, lists containing a mention of every disease that actually exists), such a disease as dysbiosis actually does not exist.
The official diagnosis is called “dysbiosis”. It means the same thing as dysbacteriosis: a change in the ratio and composition of microorganisms populating one or another organ of our body, which are:
- useful for the organ;
- having a negative impact.
It must be said that in the field of pediatrics the desired diagnosis is found much more often than in other medical practice, since the child’s body is an unstable system, reacting more sensitively to various stimuli, external and internal changes.
You may not have known this, however, dysbiosis can occur not only in the intestines, as many people think, but also in the following body systems:
- urogenital;
- respiratory, etc.
However, in childhood, dysbiosis is diagnosed more often than any other subtype of the disease, which is why our article is devoted to it.
Intestinal dysbiosis: what is it?
What do pediatricians mean by the diagnosis of dysbiosis given to your baby? Here's what. Violation of the qualitative or quantitative composition of the intestinal microflora, leading to difficulty in digesting food and assimilating it.
Inside the gastrointestinal tract of every person whose health is considered satisfactory, there live about 500 species of bacteria, representing the dominant intestinal microflora. Among them:
- anaerobic bacteria;
- aerobic microorganisms.
Most likely, the names listed in the list above do not mean anything to you, because in advertising of drugs against dysbiosis we are accustomed to hearing more specific names of microorganisms:
- bifidobacteria;
- non-pathogenic E. coli;
- lactobacilli;
- eubacteria;
- clostridia and the like.
All of these microorganisms, as well as many others, are an integral part of our digestive system. They actually help process food and metabolize it, living through its entire life. life cycle in the form of colonies inside our intestines.
According to the data available to doctors today, the overwhelming percentage of intestinal microflora (about 95%) consists of microorganisms that can live without oxygen.
You should also find out what part of the desired organ is populated by microbes. There are two main segments of the intestine:
- thick;
- thin.
Among the listed segments of the organ, the first is densely populated with microorganisms, while the second is practically sterile.
It is impossible to say exactly what percentage a specific microbe occupies inside the intestines of a particular person, since the microflora is formed in infancy, and in each person it is represented by a different quantitative combination of bacteria.
In what processes does intestinal microflora take part?
Each person can answer the question “what is the microflora in the intestines for?” Most often, after voicing a point of interest to us, citizens answer the following: bacteria in the intestines are needed to digest food.
If we summarize all the beneficial functions of bacteria, this answer will be correct, but in fact the desired process is formed by microorganisms through the performance of many different functions:
- production of vitamins, for example: substances of group B, K, etc.;
- production of various acids, for example: folic and nicotinic;
- assisting in the body’s production of various amino acids, as well as assistance in the metabolism of other acids, for example: uric, bile, fatty acids;
- maintaining normal level gas exchange inside the intestine;
- providing assistance in replacing old or damaged cells the intestinal mucous layer to new ones, its renewal;
- stimulation of the functioning of lymphoid cells of an organ populated by bacteria;
- taking part in the production of immunoglobulins;
- increasing the active functioning of intestinal enzymes;
- digestion of food entering the organ;
- functioning as an antagonist towards microbes that cause various diseases and pathologies;
- regulation of intestinal muscle motility.
The processes listed above do not represent the entire list of “to-dos”, the responsibility for which lies with the beneficial bacteria that have populated the intestines.
Why does the intestinal microflora become disrupted?
- taking antibiotics;
- eating predominantly carbohydrate foods;
- immune disorders;
- lack of coarse fiber intake;
- spread of intestinal infection, etc.
Note. Many people think the most terrible reason abdominal pain; entry of pathogenic microflora into the intestines. In their opinion, it can easily displace the normal one, which will ultimately lead to almost death. This idea is completely misleading.
Dysbacteriosis: imaginary or real danger
Advertising of products that fight dysbiosis accompanies us not only when watching television programs, but also when visiting doctors. Even doctors who treat diseases of the adult population sometimes recommend using so-called probiotics when symptoms of dysbiosis appear - medicines containing bacteria that have a beneficial effect on intestinal function.
However, this is nothing more than imposing medications that do not work at all, since the real danger of this pathology is seriously exaggerated, and here’s why.
1. First of all, it must be said that the total mass of beneficial microbes living inside the intestines of an adult is approximately 3-4 kilograms. If you compare this amount with the units of bacteria that have a beneficial effect on digestion contained in a tiny probiotic tablet, it immediately becomes clear that real impact this remedy on your digestive system is overly exaggerated.
2. The second important fact to be aware of is this: the rate of reproduction of the bacterial population of the intestines is so high that even long-term use antimicrobials(which, as is known, destroy not only pathogenic bacteria, but also microorganisms beneficial to the body) will not be able to cause such damage to the flora of the organ that it could not on its own. as soon as possible recover.
3. Bacteria received orally in the form of a probiotic tablet can actually colonize the intestines and bring even minimal benefit, however, they will stay inside in any case for no more than 10-20 days, and can never actually become part of the native microflora of the organ. This will never happen, since your bacteria will perceive new “good” microbes in the same way as they would perceive pest microorganisms - they will rush to defeat them and absorb the “newcomers”.
4. In reality, to date, the effect of probiotics on the human body, which ultimately brings obvious benefits, has not been proven. Just as the danger of temporary changes in the microflora, called dysbacteriosis, leading to:
- bowel cancer;
- deterioration of organ peristalsis;
- education;
- development peptic ulcer etc.
Disturbance of intestinal microflora is a temporary and completely natural condition for humans, but it is difficult for young children to survive it without medication.
All the facts that connect the above serious illnesses digestive system and dysbiosis are false, therefore, the danger of the condition we are considering is exaggerated.
Moreover, in some cases, taking probiotics is not only indicated with caution, but is not recommended at all (taking into account the fact that in almost 100% of cases it does not give the expected effect). We are talking about the following patient conditions in which caution must be exercised:
- pregnancy;
- immunodeficiency;
- neutropenia;
- young age, etc.
5. According to research, diarrhea, which usually accompanies so-called dysbiosis, disappears at the same time:
- without taking additional medications, on their own;
- at additional intake antibiotics.
This fact once again demonstrates the most natural and non-stressful course of dysbiosis for the body, and indicates the absence of the need to stimulate the healing process in any way.
In view of the reasons listed above, we can conclude that a temporary disturbance of the intestinal microflora is absolutely safe for an adult and does not require intervention, except symptomatic (for example, taking an antidiarrheal drug).
However, an exception can be found to every rule. In relation to the topic of our discussion, the exception will be a specific age category citizens for whose representatives dysbiosis or dysbacteriosis may pose a danger: small children.
As is known, the baby’s body only becomes resistant to the effects of external environment. Immunity develops gradually, as does the bacterial population of the intestine. That is why even minor troubles associated with a violation of the intestinal microflora can play a significant role for young children.
To avoid serious consequences, it is necessary to understand how to timely identify the disorder of interest to us in a young child who:
- not yet able to properly describe what he feels;
- or cannot speak at all.
Symptoms will help determine dysbiosis in a child. We’ll look at which ones specifically later in the article.
Dysbacteriosis in a child: symptoms
The clinical picture that accompanies the occurrence of dysbiosis in a child can be supplemented by various symptomatic manifestations.
Causes of pathology in children
Before we look at characteristic symptoms diseases that occur in young children, we will consider the most common causes of microflora disorders for the age category under consideration.
1. The first reason in the list we presented is the immaturity of the baby’s digestive system. This cause most often manifests itself in children under one month of age from birth. The fact is that at this age the microflora of the mucous membranes is not yet fully formed:
- stomach;
- intestines.
The work of the gastrointestinal tract of a recently born baby is just beginning to improve, and beneficial bacteria gradually create colonies necessary for the absorption of food, multiplying quickly. Until their quantity reaches the required level, the child may experience various problems with the abdomen.
2. Meals that are inappropriate for age or an unstructured menu are another possible reason, contributing to the appearance of dysbiosis in young children. Under improper feeding, combining the nuances listed above, implies:
- constant transition from one mixture to another;
- complementary feeding introduced too early;
- feeding the caller allergic reactions food (for example, cottage cheese for lactose intolerance).
At a young age, incoming food not only performs the function of replenishing the energy in the body necessary for its work, but also helps to form the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, the work of the muscles of the organs that digest food, etc.
3. Disorders of the intestinal microflora in infants and older children involve the penetration of infections into the body of various etiologies which have a detrimental effect on the intestines. Most often, dysbiosis becomes a consequence of:
- salmonellosis;
- rotavirus;
- dysentery, etc.
The most commonly sought infections penetrate into the child’s body due to:
- poor food hygiene;
- learning about the world through licking surrounding objects, etc.
Of course, this has a certain negative impact on the baby’s well-being.
5. The environmental situation in the child’s place of residence can also affect the state of his intestinal microflora. This is largely due to the use of:
- contaminated drinking water;
- chemical poisoning;
- other similar factors.
Symptomatic manifestations
Even before turning to a doctor, the baby’s parents usually roughly understand what caused the deterioration in their offspring’s well-being, since dysbiosis is accompanied by a number of quite characteristic symptoms. We will consider which ones in the list below.
1. First of all, abdominal pain occurs. If your baby can already speak, he will describe a pressing feeling (heaviness) in his tummy. In addition, there are other very characteristic signals that are obvious even without the child’s detailed story:
- bloating;
- flatulence.
2. Various manifestations of dyspeptic disorders are very characteristic of an imbalance in the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, namely:
This symptom is also difficult to miss, even if the child is at that age when he simply cannot point to the place where it hurts, since he will cry, and the mother will be able to track that her baby has not gone to the toilet for a long time or is experiencing suffering. Or that he often defecates too liquid stool.
3. If you are concerned that your child has developed the pathology you are looking for, consider the feces left behind in the potty or diaper. It is worth worrying if there are various kinds of inclusions in the masses, for example:
- poorly digested food;
- various grains, etc.
4. Manifestations of dysbiosis in children can make themselves felt not only in the form of stool disorders and pain in the peritoneal area. Often, when the desired pathology occurs, the child:
- regurgitates frequently and profusely;
- burps air frequently;
- feels nauseous;
- vomits the contents of the stomach.
5. Biological fluids and digested or digested gastrointestinal contents are not the only indicators of the development of dysbiosis. Others are also possible external manifestations, for example, the reaction of the skin, namely:
- manifestation of peeling;
- redness of the skin;
- dermatitis;
- other rashes.
In children in infancy and a little older, gums may bleed and hair may fall out.
6. When dysbiosis occurs in children, bad smell from the oral cavity, the tongue is covered with a coating of the following colors:
- grey.
In addition, the teeth are also covered with plaque, only in this case the “spraying” has a dark tint.
7. The most frustrating symptom for parents, in the form of decreased appetite, is quite difficult to identify and associate with dysbiosis, however, an attentive parent will understand what’s what. Poor appetite This does not mean that the child will completely refuse to eat, however, he may well reduce the amount of food consumed, or, for example, eat his favorite dishes without pleasure.
As you can understand by reading the above lists, usually the clinical picture of the disease manifests itself in children with quite obvious symptoms, which are very unpleasant for both the baby and his parents. However, there is also a compensated form of dysbiosis, in which the symptoms will be different. Let's see how in the table below.
Table 1. Differences clinical pictures standard and compensated forms of dysbiosis
| Manifestations during the standard course of the disease | Symptoms in a compensated form of pathology |
|---|---|
| In the compensated form of the disease, only one symptom usually appears:
|
Stages of development of dysbiosis
According to the available classifications, there are four phases in the development of dysbiosis.
1. The first phase is characterized by non-obvious manifestations. The intestinal microflora loses about 20% of microorganisms of the following groups:
- lactobacilli;
- bifidobacteria;
- coli.
Other indicators remain unchanged. By the way, at this stage it is impossible to track any external changes in the child’s condition, since the body’s reaction cannot be caused by such minor changes.
Representatives of opportunistic microflora at this stage are also present inside the intestine in small quantities.
2. The second phase of dysbiosis progression is accompanied by disorders that are more serious. Occur simultaneously:
- deficits various groups anaerobic and aerobic bacteria;
- decreased acid-forming activity;
- violation of the ratio of qualitative and quantitative indicators of E. coli.
The manifestations of dysbiosis listed above lead to disruption protective functions the gastrointestinal tract organ of interest to us, as a result a favorable environment is formed for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms:
- staphylococci;
- fungus "Candida";
- microbes "Proteus".
The second stage is also accompanied functional disorders in the functioning of the digestive system, which, however, do not manifest themselves clearly. Thus, children often suffer during this phase:
- the occurrence of green diarrhea, accompanied by an unpleasant putrefactive odor;
- development of long-lasting constipation;
- nausea and even vomiting.
3. In the third phase of pathology progression, a proliferation of pathogenic microflora occurs, which beneficial bacteria are temporarily unable to resist, for example:
- Staphylococcus aureus;
- bacteria of the genus Citrobacter;
- microorganisms of the genus “Enterobacter”;
- Escherichia;
- representatives of opportunistic intestinal microflora of the genus “Klebisella”;
- hemolytic enterococci, etc.
During the development of the desired phase of the disease, obvious disorders usually appear:
- intestinal peristalsis;
- secretion of various enzymes;
- absorption of substances.
4. The last phase of the development of dysbiosis is characterized by a serious imbalance between beneficial and harmful microorganisms, inhabiting the intestines. At the same time, toxic products that are the result of the body’s metabolic process can accumulate inside the organ. The child’s body weight may temporarily change (downwards), and the appetite becomes even less pronounced. The urge to defecate becomes more frequent.
The characteristics of feces at this stage are as follows:
- it has a liquid consistency;
- you can find mucus or pieces of food in it;
- the smell of feces is putrid and even more unpleasant than under normal circumstances.
Treatment of the disease
As we already mentioned above in the article, the diagnosis of dysbiosis does not exist in nature, since it is not included in the classification of diseases and health-related problem conditions. The required classification is compiled and published by the World Health Organization, therefore, there can be no doubt about the authenticity of the information contained in it.
Since a disturbance in the composition of the intestinal microflora is not in fact a disease, doctors often do not recommend influencing its course in any way at all. The child’s body can easily cope with this condition on its own, unless, of course, it is at the age of a newborn or infant. By independently recovering from the disorders that interest us, the child’s intestines and the overall health of your offspring will only become stronger.
However, it is better to treat dysbiosis if your offspring is in the following age stages:
- newborn;
- baby
Note. A preventive measure to prevent the occurrence of dysbiosis in newborns is early breastfeeding and breastfeeding. Even if you, as a modern mother, do not want to breastfeed your baby, we advise you to express milk into a bottle for some time after birth and feed the baby that way. After some time, your offspring's intestinal microflora will become stronger, and you will be able to switch to formula feeding, as you wanted.
If a doctor has diagnosed your child with “intestinal dysbiosis”, and the child’s age requires any treatment, most likely the drug regimen will be as follows.
1. First of all, the baby will be prescribed bacteriophages, which will destroy all microorganisms representing the flora inside the baby’s gastrointestinal tract:
- opportunistic;
- pathogenic.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that bacteriophages do not destroy beneficial microorganisms. In fact, it is an intestinal antiseptic that removes all the dirt accumulated in the organ.
2. To remove toxins from the child’s body that are waste products harmful microbes, he is prescribed the use of enterosorbents, which are indicated and safe at his age.
3. To help digestive system to cope with the functions assigned to it, children are given enzymes.
4. In some cases, children are prescribed specialized medications - probiotics, since the microflora in the in this case Outside help wouldn't hurt. In the case of young children, it is very important to get them out of a depressed state as quickly as possible.
Dear readers! We draw your attention to the fact that self-medication, even in the case of intestinal dysbiosis in a child, can be irreparably destructive, since the desired process itself is most often a consequence of some other disease.
In addition, sometimes seemingly obvious dysbiosis in reality after medical examinations turns out to be irritable bowel syndrome or another disorder that has nothing to do with changes in the composition of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract organ we are considering.
Let's sum it up
Curing dysbiosis and its root cause in a child is not so easy. This process should involve not only children suffering from pathology, but also their parents, who support the child and scrupulously follow the doctor’s instructions.
Self-discipline in this case is the key to success. Remember, you need to support your child and achieve success. In the end, dysbiosis is an unpleasant disease, but not fatal, and it is not difficult to overcome.
Video - Dysbacteriosis, symptoms in a child
Dysbacteriosis is not a disease. This is a clinical and laboratory syndrome associated primarily with metabolic and immune disorders, with the possibility of further development intestinal problems.
This is a state of reduced bacteria counts. Each person lives from 2 to 5 kg of beneficial bacteria. For the first time a person receives them at the moment of birth, when passing birth canal mother, he is contaminated with a certain amount of maternal microflora and subsequently lives with this. If a child does not receive these bacteria for various reasons, a deficiency of beneficial microorganisms develops - dysbacteriosis.
Children who were favorable in the neonatal period: were immediately placed on the mother's chest, were breastfed, arrived together with their mother, and were discharged home after the maternity hospital. In such newborns, intestinal contamination and the most acute period, which is called catarrh, went well and the intestines are populated with normal parental bacteria, which are safe for the child. But if this process is disrupted, then various changes occur in the intestines.
It happens that the child was not immediately released to his mother, he was given resuscitation measures, and he was in the incubator for a long time separately from the mother. The baby is born with a sterile intestine, and it was not the mother’s native microflora that populated it, but the hospital flora and, naturally, not so favorable. And such a newborn begins to have problems: watery stool, mucus, greens in the stool, fermentation processes, abdominal pain, frequent regurgitation.
In some children, as they mature, this process is stopped, but in others it is not. Intestinal dysbiosis is also associated with factors such as:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- use of antibiotics;
- immune depressants, steroids;
- X-ray therapy;
- surgical operations.
Antibiotics reduce not only pathogenic microflora, but also the growth of normal microflora in the colon, this gives rise to the proliferation of microbes from environment and endogenous species resistant to drug therapy, such as staphylococcus, proteus, yeast-like fungi, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Unbalanced nutrition and dietary deficiencies necessary components, the presence of various chemicals entering the baby’s body from the outside also helps suppress the growth of normal microflora. A failure in the diet or a sudden change in its character can lead to dysbiosis. There are also such external factors that weaken the body:
- infectious diseases;
- ionizing radiation.
Under the guise of dysbacteriosis, infectious diseases such as salmonellosis and shigellosis can be hidden.
Functions of microflora
First function What bacteria do is create immunity and maintain it. The normal microflora that determines the human microbiocenosis is most concentrated in the following locations:
- gastrointestinal tract;
- external genitalia;
- leather;
- upper respiratory tract.
Second function- this is participation in metabolic processes: the breakdown of food using the juices of the stomach and pancreas. If these conditions are disturbed: immunity is reduced, metabolic processes are weakened, then this is followed by the colonization of pathogenic bacteria and the disease develops.
So, for example, if staphylococcus is colonized, diseases associated with staphylococcal flora develop, these are, first of all:
- diseases of the ENT organs: sinusitis, otitis;
- skin lesions: from pustular rashes to furunculosis;
- pyelonephritis;
- colpitis.
Fungi of the genus Candida cause allergic reactions, skin damage: from dry peeling to atopic, psoriasis, damage to the genital organs: candidiasis (thrush), urethritis, prostatitis.
Symptoms of dysbiosis
It is worth remembering that dysbiosis does not have strictly specific symptoms.
In infants, regurgitation (or vomiting), bloating, anxiety, pulling the legs towards the stomach 1.5 - 2 hours after eating appear and become more frequent; sleep disturbances and poor weight gain are also noted.
Older children notice unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth. Loose stools and alternate. The feces smell unpleasant, and an admixture of mucus and undigested food appears in the feces.
There is an increase in the urge to defecate - a symptom of “food slipping”: after a short period, after the child has eaten, he sits on the potty or runs to the toilet. The stool becomes watery, mucous with undigested food debris.
Allergic reactions may appear in the form of various rashes, dermatitis, and peeling. Vitamin deficiency also develops, which manifests itself in the form of bleeding gums, brittle nails and hair.
With dysbacteriosis, protective forces decrease child's body, this leads to frequent colds, viral and other infectious diseases. This further aggravates the manifestations of dysbiosis.
The child’s behavior changes: tearfulness, poor sleep, and irritability appear. In severe cases, the temperature may rise to 37.5 degrees.
Methods of research for dysbacteriosis
A common research method is stool culture for dysbacteriosis. But it does not give a general picture of the state of the intestinal microbiota, since this analysis shows only those microbes that are located in the final section of the colon. In addition, this examination is performed within 5 - 7 days, and during this time the composition of the intestinal flora may change.
There are about 10 thousand species of bacteria, this is comparable to the flora of the ocean, while the bacteriological conclusion consists of 15 - 20 species of bacteria; Modern molecular genetic methods make it possible to identify only up to 40 species of bacteria. Accordingly, evaluating an analysis is the same as looking through a keyhole at the flora of the world's oceans. It is even more strange to treat a child based on the results of this analysis alone.
Analysis results may vary during the day for the same person, since the flora is changeable. And you should not rely only on this analysis.
Diagnosis of dysbiosis at the moment is a difficult task, the reason for this is the conditionality of laboratory data, the lack real knowledge about the normal intestinal microflora, and, as a result, detection of pathology by laboratories even with a temporary deviation.
To make a final clinical and laboratory conclusion about the condition of the intestines, tests alone are not enough; it is necessary to carefully examine the child to identify the causes of dysbiosis.
The second test you will be asked to take is a coprocytogram. It is advisable to conduct this study if there are any gastrointestinal diseases. It reflects the overall functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, its enzymes, the degree of decomposition of fats, carbohydrates, proteins and is reliable. It also shows the presence of flora, bacteria, mucus, but does not show the imbalance of microorganisms itself.
Treatment of dysbiosis
The term probiotics is the opposite of antibiotics. Antibiotics are the enemies of life, probiotics are the allies of life. Today there is a clear definition of what a probiotic is - it is live bacteria, an inhabitant of the normal intestinal microflora. These are bacteria with proven positive effects on human health when consumed in sufficient quantities.
To say more in simple words- These are bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, thermophilic streptococci. In addition to the fact that they must have a proven positive effect, probiotics, especially those used in children's practice, are subject to serious safety monitoring.
Do these bacteria remain in our gastrointestinal tract, acquired either through drugs or through food? Today it is believed that no. This is due to the existence in our intestines of parietal microflora, permanent inhabitants who do not want to let foreign bacteria in there.
But, nevertheless, the positive effect of probiotics is associated with their passage through the gastrointestinal tract and participation in the processes of digestion, metabolism, and acidification internal environment intestines and thereby preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria. They generally manifest themselves as antagonists to pathogenic bacteria and affect the immune system, this implies the obvious benefits of probiotics.
What are prebiotics? This is food for probiotics, for our protective microflora. Prebiotics mainly consist of medium-chain carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, dietary fiber, plant fiber. People do not digest them, but our microflora digests them. Prebiotics form part of breast milk, so babies receiving breast milk, have a larger amount of bifid flora in the intestines. This is why you will find prebiotics in medicinal mixtures, food products, in.
There are also medications containing prebiotics - Hilak forte, Duphalac, Lactulose.
Adults and older children receive prebiotics from vegetables and fruits. In addition to the natural content of pre- and probiotics in food or their special addition there, there are probiotic preparations (for example, Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin, Linex, Bifiform, Acipol, Maxilak and others), which can be taken in cases where you cannot take advantage of any -reasons: fermented milk products containing probiotics. For example, after a course of antibiotics, during illness, when moving, when a child goes to the seaside, when there is a change in climate, water, or food.
Prevention of dysbacteriosis
- Examination of the mother before and during pregnancy to study the microflora of the genital tract.
- Putting the baby to the breast immediately after birth.
- Compliance with the diet of nursing women.
- Maintenance up to 1 year.
- Introduction of complementary foods according to age.
Conclusion
It is worth remembering that dysbiosis is our price for an industrial lifestyle. Errors in diet and uncontrolled use of antibiotics lead to dysbiosis. Prevention of this disease lies in proper treatment concomitant diseases, healthy diet and diet.
Dysbacteriosis is a very common phenomenon for childhood, this is not a disease, but rather a state of the body that reflects recent events - taking antibiotics, intestinal infection, prolonged poor nutrition, stress, as a result of which the number of beneficial lacto- and bifidobacteria in the intestines has decreased and the proliferation of harmful, pathogenic ones has increased. All this leads to an unpleasant clinic, a lack of vitamins, especially deterioration of the condition of the skin, hair and nails. How smaller child, the more often dysbacteriosis occurs.
Newborn period. More often, infants born using the method encounter bacteriosis. caesarean section(since in the first days of life they receive formula and antibiotics), and children who are on.
Manifestations of dysbacteriosis in them are:
- Anxiety and screaming.
- Bloating, which is accompanied by.
- Heterogeneous stools, often liquid, with mucus and greens. The consistency of the stool may be inconsistent - there are alternations of normal and liquid, there may be.
In preschool and younger children school age The clinic of dysbacteriosis usually occurs in the second half of the day and is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Rumbling that can be easily audible by a prying ear on distance.
- Spasmodic pain over the entire surface of the abdomen; the child cannot point to a specific area of pain.
- Dyspeptic symptoms: loss of appetite, belching.
- From common symptoms: Temperature may rise intermittently to low numbers(37.0–37.2), irritability, drowsiness and insomnia, children, there may be a tendency to anemia.
- Changes in stool to liquid, the appearance of mucus, alternation of normal and liquid stool are manifestations of more severe forms of dysbacteriosis.
In children adolescence all the same symptoms are observed, but less pronounced; they usually seek help due to stool instability and general fatigue.
If untreated dysbiosis is prolonged, then symptoms of vitamin deficiency appear: red tongue, increased amount saliva, dry skin and visible mucous membranes. Children become apathetic and tired. It may appear.
On a note! A stool analysis may not confirm the condition of the intestines - dysbiosis, since the stool must be examined in a warm, fresh state. But even with correct technique When collecting an analysis, a false negative result may occur, since more often stool reflects the state of the intestinal flora in the lumen, but is not able to fully reflect the state in the intestinal wall.
Diet for dysbiosis
The most suitable food for a baby suffering from dysbiosis is mother's milk.
Infants should be strictly breastfed; if the mother has already completely interrupted breastfeeding, then an adapted formula should be chosen. The most favorable for intestinal microflora are “Nutrilon Omneo”, “Frisov”, “Lactofidus”, “NAN with bifidobacteria”, “Humana”, “Malyutka acidophilus” and other mixtures with the addition of probiotics; Nucleotides added to the mixture have a positive effect on the intestinal flora.
For children older than six months, it is necessary to use subsequent formulas with pre- and probiotics; from 8 months, fermented milk products based on adapted milk formulas. Prepare, introduce into complementary foods, juices.
Children who eat from a common table do not need any restrictive or strict diet; they are recommended to:
- Reduce consumption of spicy and.
- Prepare vegetable salads every day with the addition of, be sure to eat fruits, except grapes and pears.
- It is recommended to eat dietary bread and cookies with the addition of wheat. You can give crackers for tea. bran is a nutritional substrate for healthy intestinal flora.
- It becomes a mandatory attribute - at least 0.5 liters per day, or it is worth doubling the amount usual for the child. From 10 months, children can be given “live” yoghurts. For children from 1 to 1.5 years old, fermented milk products made from whole milk should be used - bicillin, children's kefir, whey-based drinks. Children over 1.5 years old can additionally be offered fermented milk products with prebiotics (lactulose) and probiotics - kefir, curdled milk, yogurt.
- Breakfast should consist of easily digestible food. You can add fiber to porridge and muesli. You should use whole grain cereals and cook them in water. Oatmeal has a good enveloping effect.
- You should not force the child to eat during this period - it intensifies putrefactive processes, and this should not be allowed during treatment.
- Preferred cooking methods are steaming, boiling, baking, you can cook healthy food in a slow cooker.
On a note! Plants that reduce the manifestations of dysbiosis and promote the growth of normal intestinal flora:
- , lingonberries, strawberries, raspberries, currants, barberries - can be eaten fresh, cooked in compotes, or eaten dried.
- Apricot, apple,
- Horseradish, onion, radish, dill, caraway seeds, pepper, cinnamon.
Interesting to know! In Omsk, in 15 kindergartens, children are given ice cream with the addition of lacto- and bifidobacteria, which was created by Tomsk doctors medical university. Ice cream is included in the diet in courses of 30 days, the main goal of the experiment is the prevention of dysbiosis. The study showed positive results. This bio-ice cream won first place in an international innovation competition.
Supplements for dysbiosis
Regardless of the degree of dysbiosis, all children, especially newborns, are prescribed probiotics (preparations containing live bacteria): Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin, Acylact, Linex, Bifiform, Bifiliz, Acipol. Acipol is allowed for children over three months old, all others are allowed from birth, the course of taking any of these probiotics is 2 weeks. Also when severe forms dysbacteriosis, you can consult your pediatrician about the need to use bacterial preparations Hilak forte, lactulose, which restore intestinal cells. After taking a course of one of the drugs, it is advisable to take a stool test and check with a pediatrician to determine further actions.
The use of Smecta is completely justified.
The intestinal flora is especially well seeded when the child is given infusions medicinal plants with effects on the gastrointestinal tract and gastroenterological herbal teas. They can be used no earlier than six years of age. Basically, the course lasts from 2 weeks to two months, longer use with breaks is possible.
And finally: in order for the treatment of dysbiosis to give quick and high-quality results, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of its occurrence.
The program “Doctor Komarovsky’s School” talks about the treatment of dysbiosis in children:
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