Constipation in infants with breastfeeding and artificial feeding
In the first 2 months of life, the child's body adapts to the external environment. The digestive system begins to function. Constipation in infants, as well as regurgitation and colic, can be both a variant of the norm in the framework of adaptation to a new type of nutrition, and a sign of disruption of the intestine.
To restore a normal chair, it is necessary, first of all, to adjust the ration of the nursing mother, the drinking and motor conditions of the baby. If these measures do not help, then the doctor can prescribe medications.
Symptoms of
Constipation in an infant is accompanied by a change in the consistency of the stool and a deterioration in overall well-being.
Symptoms include:
- a regularly occurring delay in the evacuation of stool for 1-2 days;
- sleep disorders, frequent nocturnal awakenings with crying;
- rejection of the breast or bottle, sucking snatches;
- no gas leakage;
- bloated tummy;
- partial emptying of the intestine;
- pulling the knees to the stomach;
- attacks of vomiting;
- frequent whims, crying;
- difficulties in the process of defecation or attempts to it - ineffectual straining, mimic expression of pain, screams, restless movements with pens and legs;
- feces are hard, in the form of peas, or the first portion of it looks like a cork, behind it is a gruel-like mass.
Detection of 1-2 signs from the above listed gives reason to suspect a child constipation. If the symptoms are more than 3-4, then without doubt there is a disruption of the intestine. In such cases it is necessary to seek the advice of a pediatrician.
If there is only a lack of stool for 1-2 days in infants with breastfeeding - this is not constipation. Mother's milk is fully absorbed, so the intestine just does not have time to fill. It is important to pay attention that at the same time the child does not give up breast, does not cry at bowel movement, the tummy is soft, gases leave normally.
Causes of Constipation
To learn , how to help a baby with constipation, you need to understand what it can be caused.
The most common reasons are as follows.
Lack of fluid .For this reason, there is often constipation in infants with artificial feeding. Especially high risk in the winter and summer periods, when the air is overdried. Some pediatricians believe that even children who are breastfeeding must be supplemented with water to avoid problems with the intestines.
Unbalanced mother's diet .If the women's menu is dominated by semi-finished products, confectionery, baked pastries, rice, rich soups, nuts, then the substances from these products come along with breast milk to the baby, and constipation develops. Also, the reason may be a lack of dietary fiber and other compounds that stimulate the work of the intestine, that is, an insufficient amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, prunes, sour-milk drinks, bran.
Incorrectly selected adapted mixture .Variants in which there is iron and no probiotics can cause constipation in infants.
Taking medication by mother or infant .Constipation as an adverse event can provoke antidepressants, antispasmodics, antibiotics, drugs with iron, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants. Before you start taking medications or cancel them, you need to consult a doctor.
Lack of breast milk - "hungry constipation."All the child's food intake is absorbed.
Introduction of complementary feeding, power supply change .The transition to a new type of food is a serious adaptive stress for the digestive system, which can be accompanied by a violation of the stool. According to moms, constipation in infants with lactation often comes from zucchini.
Psychological stress .Strong experiences, for example, when separated from the mother, can cause disruption of the bowel, as the reduction of its walls is regulated by the central nervous system. Cold or infection .
.Clotting and constipation may occur due to fever.
Inflammation of in the intestine with increased mucus secretion( "diarrhea", liquid constipation).Sometimes constipation is a symptom of the disease: diabetes, hypothyroidism, rickets, gastrointestinal or nervous system pathologies, food allergies, lactose insufficiency, hereditary predisposition, Hirschsprung disease, dolichosigma. In some children, it develops during teething. In such cases, complex treatment is necessary based on the established diagnosis.
Diagnosis
If there is a suspicion of constipation in the baby, then the first thing to do is go to the pediatrician. He will conduct a primary diagnosis, including a survey of disturbing symptoms, an anamnesis, a general examination of the child, palpation of his abdomen.
If necessary, will send mother and child to a narrow specialist: a children's gastroenterologist or proctologist.
Special diagnostic methods for constipation in infants:
- digital rectal examination;
- feces analysis for dysbacteriosis and helminth eggs, scatology;
- biochemical and general blood test;
- ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract;
- PHAGS;
- ultrasonography of the large intestine;
- X-ray examination.
The list of diagnostic procedures depends on the clinical picture of the disease. Sometimes it is enough to have a primary diagnosis in the pediatrician, in other cases, an instrumental and laboratory examination is required.
First aid
How to help with constipation infants? If a violation in the intestine is caused by a cause that is amenable to self-elimination, then help can be provided at home: change the mixture, adjust your diet, start dopaivat child. It is important to make sure that there is no intestinal obstruction, that is, the feces come out, though rarely, in small portions.
It is known that constipation in infants in most cases can be eliminated if you do a tummy massage and special gymnastics. First, you need to perform a gentle palm rubbing clockwise, then along the colon. All movements are performed in the form of the letter "P": from the right iliac region, to the right, and then to the left hypochondrium and to the left ileal region( projection of the rectum).
You can do rubbing with finger pads, vibrating and jerky movements. In the end, raise the legs of the baby and easily press them with the knees to the tummy. Repeat several times. If all these measures do not help, then before the visit to the doctor, you can put the kid rectal glycerin candle. But it is not a remedy, but only temporarily removes the symptom.
Treatment of constipation in infants
What should I give babies with constipation? More liquid: mother's milk, water, apple juice. If age allows, you can give the baby a little twisted prune or baby puree from it - with constipation this is one of the most effective and proven means. More on how to eat prunes in case of constipation →
Traditional methods
Traditional treatment of constipation in infants includes:
- selection of adapted mixtures with probiotics;
- change in the mother's diet if constipation has appeared in a newborn breast-feeding;
- restoration of drinking regime - dopaivanie child with water or juices;
- belly massage;
- warm compresses on the stomach - heated towel, applying to the body of the mother, bath;
- prebiotics, probiotics( Hilak forte, Acipol, etc.);
- glycerin suppositories for infants are used as a symptomatic agent for atonic constipation, no more than 3 times in a row( dosage for a newborn is 1/3 of the suppository);
- mechanical irritation of the anus with a cotton swab, lubricated with a baby cream, it needs to be placed shallowly into the anus, turn several times.
The last two methods are used in emergency situations, when others are ineffective. It is worth remembering that glycerin suppositories can cause burning and discomfort in the rectum area and strengthen the baby's crying. When using a cotton bud, there is a risk of damage to the epithelium.
Folk methods
Methods of traditional medicine for constipation in infants are based on optimizing the drinking regime. In addition to children's teas, juices and water, the child from constipation during breastfeeding can give a light broth of crimson leaves, compote of fig fruits.
With a pronounced delay in the defecation process, you can prepare a slimy infusion of flax seeds. It restores the walls of the intestine and facilitates the slipping of stool. For the preparation of infusion in half a glass of boiling water you need to pour 1 tsp. Seeds and mix. After 15 minutes strain. Give the child a half teaspoonful 3 times a day, diluting with water or juice.
Another means of constipation for babies - is a thymine infusion. It is necessary to prepare a mixture of equal parts of chamomile flowers, dill seeds and caraway seeds. In a thermos pour 1 tbsp. L.Collection and pour it 2 tbsp. Boiling water. After 2 hours strain and put into the refrigerator. Give the child 1 tsp.3 times a day before meals.
What can not be done?
Parents need to know that if the baby has constipation, there are procedures that are strictly forbidden.
Can not be used:
- use laxatives for oral administration;
- put enemas;
- use soap and other products as rectal suppositories, only pharmacy glycerol suppositories are allowed;
- perform mechanical irritation of the rectum with hard, sharp, dirty objects - only a cotton swab with baby cream is allowed and only in extreme cases;
- use enterosorbents( Smecta);
- self-medicate if constipation does not last longer than 1-2 days.
Complications
The main complication of constipation is a general intoxication of the child's body. Harmful substances accumulate in the intestines and are absorbed into the blood. This is accompanied by the appearance of lethargy, weakness, headache. The skin of the baby acquires a pale, painful shade, is scaly. Toxins contribute to the development of infectious diseases, purulent accumulations, reduce immunity.
In the absence of treatment, constipation can lead to intestinal obstruction. The condition is very dangerous, in severe cases it threatens to rupture the body wall and the development of sepsis.
Prevention
Prevention of constipation in infants is breastfeeding, abdominal massage and special gymnastics, compliance with drinking regimen, gradual and competent introduction of complementary foods. It is important that the mother's diet consisted of a sufficient number of fresh vegetables, cereals, cereals.
An effective measure to prevent constipation is the regular visit to the pediatrician and compliance with his recommendations regarding nutrition, day regimen. It is also necessary to timely identify and treat diseases that cause constipation.
Constipation in babies can be caused by both eating habits and diseases. If after correcting the diet and drinking regimen normal work of the intestine for 1-2 days is not restored, you need to turn to the pediatrician. From medicamental agents, glycerin suppositories can be used. Laxatives of systemic action and enemas at this age are prohibited.
Author: Olga Khanova, doctor,
specially for Moizhivot.ru
