Dysbacteriosis in a child: symptoms, causes, treatment, prevention

Many parents who zealously monitor the health of their children, when babies develop anxiety and pain in the abdomen, immediately make an independent diagnosis - dysbiosis. Treatment for this pathology implies, as it is believed in society, the intake of special drugs. In this material, we will tell you what to do if you suspect dysbiosis in a child, the symptoms and other distinguishing signs of the desired condition will also be described in the article.

Does dysbiosis really exist?

Many people are accustomed to consider 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 that the body has undergone. Also, people say that if you do not start immediate treatment of dysbiosis, this can result in the most serious health consequences.

In this article, we want to debunk some of the illusions of our readers, before getting to the heart of the matter. According to the medical classifiers of diseases (that is, lists containing a reference to every real disease), such a disease as dysbiosis does not actually exist.

The official diagnosis is called dysbiosis. It means the same thing as under dysbiosis: a change in the attitude and composition of microorganisms that populate one or another organ of our body, which are:

• beneficial to the body;
• 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, more sensitive to various stimuli, external and internal changes.

Perhaps you did not know this, however, dysbiosis can occur not only in the intestines, as many think, but also in the following body systems:

• urogenital;
• respiratory, etc.

However, in childhood, dysbiosis is diagnosed more often than any other subspecies of the disease, which is why our article is devoted to it.

Intestinal dysbiosis: what is it

What do pediatricians mean by your baby's diagnosis of dysbiosis? 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 condition is considered satisfactory, is home to about 500 species of bacteria, representing the dominant intestinal microflora. Among them:

• anaerobic bacteria;
• aerobic microorganisms.

Most likely, the names listed above do not tell you anything, because in advertising of drugs against dysbiosis, we are used to hearing more specific names of microorganisms:

• bifidobacteria;
• Escherichia coli of a non-pathogenic type;
• 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 us process and metabolize food, living their entire life cycle as colonies inside our intestines.

According to the data available today among physicians, the overwhelming percentage of intestinal microflora (about 95%) are microorganisms that can live without oxygen.

You should also find out what part of the target organ is inhabited by microbes. There are two main segments of the intestine:

• thick;
• thin.

The first is densely populated with microorganisms among the listed organ segments, while the second is practically sterile.

It is impossible to say for sure what percentage a specific microbe occupies inside the intestines of a certain person, since microflora is formed in infancy, and each is represented by a different quantitative combination bacteria.

What processes does the intestinal microflora take part in?

Each person can answer the question "what is the microflora in the intestine for?" Most often, after voicing the moment of interest to us, citizens answer the following: bacteria in the intestines are needed to digest food.

If we summarize all the useful 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 .;
• the production of various acids, for example: folic and nicotinic;
• assistance in the production of various amino acids by the body, as well as assistance in the exchange of other acids, for example: urinary, bile, fatty;
• maintaining a normal level of gas exchange within the intestine;
• assisting in the replacement of old or damaged cells of the intestinal mucosa with new ones, its renewal;
• stimulating the functioning of the lymphoid cells of the organ inhabited by bacteria;
• taking part in the production of immunoglobulins;
• increasing the active work of intestinal enzymes;
• digestion of food entering the organ;
• functioning as an antagonist in relation to microbes that cause various diseases and pathologies;
• regulation of intestinal musculature motility.

The processes listed above did not represent the entire list of "cases", the responsibility for the implementation of which lies with the beneficial bacteria that have populated the intestines.

Why is there a violation of the intestinal microflora

It is generally accepted that the main causes of dysbiosis or dysbiosis are:

• taking antibiotics;
• the use of predominantly carbohydrate foods;
• immune disorders;
• lack of intake of coarse fiber;
• spread of intestinal infection, etc.

Note. Many people consider the entry of pathogenic microflora into the intestines to be the worst cause of abdominal pain. In their opinion, it can easily displace the normal one, which will ultimately lead to almost death. This view is one hundred percent misconception.

Dysbacteriosis: imaginary or real danger

Advertising of drugs fighting dysbiosis accompanies us not only when watching television, but also when visiting doctors. Even doctors treating diseases of the adult population sometimes recommend using it when symptoms of dysbiosis are manifested. so-called probiotics - medicines containing bacteria that have a beneficial effect on work intestines.

However, this is nothing more than the imposition of absolutely non-working medicines, since the real danger of this pathology is seriously exaggerated, and that'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 beneficial bacteria affecting the digestion, enclosed in a tiny tablet probiotic, it immediately becomes clear that the real effect of this agent on the work of your digestive system is too much exaggerated.

2. The second important fact to be aware of is the following: the rate of reproduction of the bacterial population of the intestine is so is great that even long-term use of antimicrobial drugs (which, as you know, destroy not only pathogenic bacteria, but also microorganisms favorable for the body) will not be able to inflict such damage on the flora of the organ, from which it alone would not be able in the shortest time frame to bounce back.

3. Bacteria obtained orally in the form of a probiotic tablet, in reality, can colonize the intestines, and bring at least a meager, but benefit, however, they will linger inside in any case no more than 10-20 days, and can never really become part of the native microflora organ. This will never happen, because your bacteria will perceive new "good" microbes in the same way as how they perceived microorganisms-pests - they will strive to gain victory over them and absorption "Newbies".

4. In reality, to date, the effect of probiotics on the human body, which ultimately brings obvious benefits, has not been proven. As the danger of temporary changes in the microflora, called dysbiosis, leading to:

• bowel cancer;
• deterioration of organ peristalsis;
• education polyposis;
• the development of peptic ulcer disease, etc.

All the facts connecting the above-listed serious diseases of the digestive system and dysbiosis are false, therefore, the danger of the considered by us is exaggerated states.

Moreover, in some cases, taking probiotics is shown not only with caution, but not at all recommended (considering also the fact that in almost 100% of cases it does not give the expected effect). We are talking about the following conditions of patients in which care must be taken:

• pregnancy;
• immunodeficiency;
• neutropenia;
• young age, etc.

5. According to studies, diarrhea, usually accompanying the so-called dysbiosis, go away at the same time:

• without taking additional drugs, by themselves;
• with additional antibiotics.

This fact once again testifies to the most natural and non-stressful course of dysbiosis. for the body, and speaks of the absence of the need to stimulate the process in any way recovery.

In view of the reasons listed above in the text, it can be concluded that a temporary violation of the intestinal microflora for an adult is absolutely safe, and does not require intervention, except perhaps symptomatic (for example, taking an antidiarrheal funds).

However, there is an exception to every rule. With regard to the topic of our discussion, an exception will be a specific age category of citizens, for whose representatives dysbiosis or dysbiosis can be dangerous: small children.

As you know, the body of babies for several years from the moment of birth only acquires resistance to the effects of the external environment. Immunity develops gradually, like the bacterial population of the intestine. That is why even a minor trouble 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 small child who:

• is not yet able to describe properly what he is feeling;
• or cannot speak at all.

Symptoms will help determine dysbiosis in a child. Which ones, we will consider later in the article.

Dysbacteriosis in a child: symptoms

The clinical picture accompanying the onset of dysbiosis in a child can be supplemented by various symptomatic manifestations.

Causes of the manifestation of pathology in children

Before proceeding to consider the characteristic symptoms of the disease that occur in young children, consider the most common causes of microflora disorders for the considered age categories.

1. The first reason on our list is the immaturity of the baby's digestive system. This cause most often manifests itself in children under one month of age from the moment of birth. The fact is that at this age the microflora of the mucous membranes itself is not yet fully formed:

• stomach;
• intestines.

The work of the gastrointestinal tract of a newly born baby is just beginning to improve, and beneficial bacteria gradually create colonies necessary for assimilation of food, multiplying rapidly. Until their number reaches the required level, the child may have various abdominal problems.

2. Nutrition that is not age-appropriate or an unformed menu is another possible cause of dysbiosis in young children. Improper feeding, which combines the above nuances, means:

• constant transition from one mixture to another;
• too early introduced complementary foods;
• Feeding food that causes allergic reactions (for example, cottage cheese for lactose intolerance).

At a young age, incoming food not only fulfills the function of replenishing the energy in the body necessary for it work, but also helps to form the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, the work of the muscles of the digestive organs etc.

3. Violation of the intestinal microflora in infants and older children consists in the penetration of infections of various etiologies into the body, which have a detrimental effect on the intestines. The most common consequence of dysbiosis is:

• salmonellosis;
• rotavirus;
• dysentery, etc.

Most often, the sought infections penetrate into the child's body due to:

• non-observance of food hygiene;
• cognition of the world through licking surrounding objects, etc.

Disease-causing microbes quickly multiply inside the body, causing the baby to suffer, and damaging the beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. It is not always possible to overcome them without consequences for adults, let alone kids.

4. When a child becomes infected with any gastrointestinal infection, antibiotics are prescribed to destroy the pathogenic microflora. It is a pity, but these drugs are not equipped with artificial intelligence, and their destructive effects equally apply to:

• harmful microorganisms;
• beneficial bacteria.

Of course, this has a certain negative effect on the well-being of the baby.

5. The ecological situation in the place of residence of the child can also affect the state of the microflora of his intestines. This is largely due to the use of:

• contaminated drinking water;
• poisoning with chemicals;
• other similar factors.

Symptomatic manifestations

Even before contacting a doctor, the parents of the baby usually understand approximately what caused deterioration in the well-being of their offspring, since dysbiosis is accompanied by a number of rather characteristic symptoms. Which ones, we will consider in the following list.

1. First of all, there is soreness in the abdomen. If your toddler can already speak, he will describe the occurrence of a pressing feeling (heaviness) in the tummy. In addition, there are other very characteristic signals that are obvious even without a detailed story of the child:

• bloating;
• flatulence.

2. Various manifestations of dyspeptic disorders are very characteristic of the imbalance in the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, namely:

• constipation;
• loose stools.

This symptom is also difficult to miss, even if the child is at an age when he simply cannot point to the place where it hurts, as 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 with too thin feces.

3. If you are worried that your baby is having the pathology you are looking for, consider the leftover feces in the pot or diaper. It is worth worrying if there are various kinds of inclusions in the masses, for example:

• poorly digested food;
• slime;
• various grains, etc.

4. Manifestations of dysbiosis in babies can make themselves felt not only in the form of stool disorders and pain in the peritoneal region. Often, when the desired pathology occurs, the child:

• spits up often and regurgitates profusely;
• often regurgitates air;
• Feels nauseous
• vomits stomach contents.

5. Biological fluids and digestible or digested contents of the GI tract are not the only indicators of the development of dysbiosis. Other external manifestations are also possible, for example, a reaction of the skin, namely:

• the manifestation of peeling;
• redness of the skin;
• dermatitis;
• other rashes.

In children in infancy and a little older age, gums may bleed, hairs fall out.

6. With dysbiosis, babies have an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity, the tongue covers the plaque of the following colors:

• White;
• Gray.

In addition, the teeth are covered with plaque, only in this case, the "dusting" has a dark shade.

7. The most upsetting symptom for parents in the form of decreased appetite is difficult to identify and associate with dysbiosis, however, an attentive parent will understand what's what. Poor appetite does not mean that the child will completely refuse meals, however, he may well reduce the amount of food consumed, or, for example, eat his favorite foods without pleasure.

As you could understand by reading the above lists, usually the clinic of the disease manifests itself in children with rather obvious symptoms, very unpleasant for both the baby and his parents. However, there is also a compensated form of dysbiosis in which symptoms will differ. How, let's see in the following table.

Table 1. Differences in clinical pictures of standard and compensated forms of dysbiosis

Manifestations in the standard course of the disease	Symptoms for a compensated form of pathology
loose stools; constipation; vomit; belching; flatulence and bloating; nausea; allergy; dermatitis; skin peeling; decreased appetite; plaque of segments of the oral cavity and bleeding of the gums; mucous blotches or undigested food in the stool; pain in the peritoneal region.	With a compensated form of the disease, only one symptom usually appears: recurrent diarrhea. The rest of the symptoms do not manifest themselves, from which the parents suffer for a long time from the fact that they cannot help the child, because the cause of the disorders is unknown to them.

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;
• Escherichia coli.

The rest of the indicators remain unchanged. By the way, it is impossible to track any external changes in the child's condition at this stage, since the reaction of the body cannot be caused by such insignificant changes.

Representatives of opportunistic microflora at this stage are also present inside the intestine in a small amount.

2. The second phase of the progression of dysbiosis is accompanied by disorders of a more serious nature. Occur at the same time:

• deficiencies of various groups of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria;
• a decrease in the activity of an acid-forming nature;
• violation of the ratio of the qualitative and quantitative indicator of Escherichia coli.

The manifestations of dysbiosis listed above lead to a violation of the protective functions of the organ of the gastrointestinal tract of interest to us, as a result, a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms is formed:

• staphylococci;
• fungus "Candida";
• microbes "Proteus".

The second stage is also accompanied by functional disorders in the work of the digestive system, which, nevertheless, do not manifest themselves clearly. So, children often suffer in this phase:

• the appearance of green diarrhea, accompanied by an unpleasant putrid odor;
• the development of long-lasting constipation;
• we feel nauseous and even vomit.

3. In the third phase of the progression of the pathology, an overgrowth 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";
• escherichy;
• representatives of conditionally pathogenic intestinal microflora of the genus "Klebisella";
• hemolytic enterococci, etc.

During the development of the desired phase of the disease, obvious violations usually appear:

• intestinal motility;
• isolation 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 that inhabit the intestines. At the same time, toxic products can accumulate inside the organ as a result of the body's metabolic process. The child's body weight may temporarily change (downward), 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 slime or pieces of food in it;
• the smell of stool is putrid and even more unpleasant than under normal circumstances.

Treatment of the disease

As we mentioned above in the article, the diagnosis of dysbiosis does not exist in nature, since it does not appear in the classification of diseases and health-related problem conditions. The sought classification is drawn up and published by the World Health Organization, therefore, there can be no doubt about the authenticity of the information indicated in it.

Since a violation in the composition of the intestinal microflora is in fact not a disease, doctors often do not recommend to influence its course in any way. The child's body may well cope with this condition on its own, if it is not, of course, at the age of a newborn and a baby. Having independently recovered from the disorders of interest to us, the child's intestines and the general health of your offspring will only become stronger.

However, treatment for dysbiosis is best done if your offspring is in the following age stages:

• newborn;
• baby.

Note. A preventive measure to prevent the onset of dysbiosis in newborns is early attachment to the breast and breastfeeding. Even if you, as a modern mother, do not want to breastfeed your baby, we advise you to express milk in a bottle for some time after his birth and thus feed the baby. After a while, the intestinal microflora of your offspring will get stronger, and you can switch to feeding with mixtures, as you wanted.

If the doctor diagnosed your child with intestinal dysbiosis, and the child's age requires the appointment of any treatment, most likely the drug treatment regimen will be as follows.

1. First of all, the baby will be prescribed bacteriophages, which will destroy all microorganisms-representatives of 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, which are the waste products of harmful microbes, he is prescribed the use of enterosorbents, shown and safe at his age.

3. To help the digestive system cope with the functions assigned to it, enzymes are soldered to babies.

4. In some cases, children are prescribed specialized drugs - probiotics, since an insufficiently formed microflora in this case will not interfere with outside help. It is very important in the case of young children to get them out of their depression as quickly as possible.

Dear Readers! We draw your attention to the fact that self-medication, even in the case of intestinal dysbiosis, the child may have irreparably destructive, since the sought process itself is most often a consequence of some other diseases.

In addition, sometimes a seemingly obvious dysbiosis in reality after medical examinations turns out to be irritable syndrome. intestine or other disorder that has nothing to do with a change in the composition of the microflora of the organ of the gastrointestinal path.

Let's summarize

It is not so easy to cure dysbiosis and its root cause in a child. In this process, not only children suffering from pathology should participate, but also their parents, who support the child and scrupulously follow the doctor's prescriptions.

Self-discipline in this case is the key to success. Remember, you need to support your child and be successful. After all, dysbiosis is an unpleasant disease, but not fatal, and it is not difficult to overcome it.

Video - Dysbacteriosis, symptoms in a child