Time is always ruthless and silent, but growth is always so touching. Almost every baby has experienced diarrhea, especially younger babies. Parents are always worried when their baby has diarrhea, and some even rush to give them anti-diarrheal medicine. However, for some babies, their diarrhea does not improve and may even worsen. Let's take a look at the causes of baby diarrhea and how we should take care of them.
What is infant diarrhea?
Infant diarrhea (also known as indigestion) is a clinical syndrome caused by different factors. It mainly occurs in infants under 2 years old and can be classified into two types: mild and severe. Mild diarrhea: several times to over ten times a day, with stool resembling egg flower soup, occasional regurgitation and vomiting, slight abdominal distension, etc. Severe diarrhea: over ten times a day, up to dozens of times, watery stool, vomiting, fever, pale complexion, irritability, and in severe cases, coma, convulsions, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and other symptoms.
Causes of baby diarrhea
1. Physiological factors
This disease mainly occurs in infants and young children, with the following internal factors:
(1) Immature development of the gastrointestinal tract, lower enzyme activity, but relatively high nutritional needs, and a heavy burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
(2) Prone to rickets and malnutrition, leading to digestive disorders.
(3) Immature development of the nervous, endocrine, circulatory systems, liver, and kidney functions, and poor regulatory functions.
(4) Higher proportion of extracellular fluid, vigorous water metabolism, poor regulatory function, and more prone to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
(5) Immature immune function, prone to infections.
2. Infection factors
(1) Gastrointestinal infections:
Easily occurs in artificially fed infants.
Infection routes:
Pathogenic microorganisms enter the infant's gastrointestinal tract through contaminated food or water.
Viruses infect through the respiratory tract or water sources.
Contact with adults carrying bacteria or toxins.
(2) Extra-gastrointestinal infections:
Common in otitis media, pharyngitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections, etc., more common in younger children.
3. Imbalance of intestinal flora caused by excessive use of antibiotics:
Long-term and large-scale use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can directly stimulate the intestines or stimulate the vegetative nerves, causing increased intestinal motility, reduced glucose absorption, decreased disaccharidase activity, resulting in diarrhea, and even imbalances in the intestinal flora.
4. Digestive dysfunction
(1) Dietary factors;
(2) Carbohydrate intolerance;
(3) Food allergy;
(4) Medication effects;
Key points for family care of baby diarrhea
1. Small amounts and frequent intake, replenish fluids early.
During diarrhea, a lot of fluid and electrolytes are lost in the stool, so it is important to replenish fluids to prevent dehydration. Parents can choose one of the following methods to provide fluid replacement.
2. Proper feeding to prevent malnutrition.
If the baby's condition is not severe, fasting is generally not necessary, but it is important to follow the principle of small and frequent meals. Breastfed babies can continue to breastfeed, but the mother's diet should be low in fat to avoid worsening diarrhea.
3. Keep the baby's buttocks clean and dry.
When the baby has diarrhea, the frequency of bowel movements increases, which can irritate the skin. Therefore, it is important to clean the baby's bottom with warm water after each bowel movement and gently pat dry with a soft cloth to keep the area dry. If the baby's buttocks are already irritated, applying some oily substances can promote healing.
Mothers, do you now understand the causes of baby diarrhea? I wish all the babies a healthy growth.
