How to treat dysbiosis in a child

Dysbacteriosis (the second name is intestinal dysbiosis) is one of the most common intestinal pathologies in childhood. Dysbacteriosis is not an independent disease. This condition is characterized by an imbalance in the microbial balance in the intestine and arises as a consequence of certain diseases. gastrointestinal tract, non-observance of personal and intimate hygiene and some other factors that can affect the composition of the intestinal microflora. Officially, dysbiosis is considered a clinical and laboratory syndrome, which is determined when the quantitative or qualitative composition of the beneficial and pathogenic intestinal flora changes.

In children, pathology can occur at any age, but children from 3 to 7 years old and adolescents over 12 years old are most susceptible to it. In children of the first year of life who are breastfed, dysbiosis practically does not occur, since the child receives all the necessary bacteria and antibodies with breast milk. To diagnose dysbiosis, it is necessary to study feces, as well as the use of molecular biology methods (for example, a polymer chain reaction). If the diagnosis is confirmed, and the child is diagnosed with dysbiosis, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment, which will depend on the patient's age.

What is microflora and its role in the formation of immunity

Until recently, it was believed that a child is born with a sterile stomach and intestines, and settling microorganisms occurs already in the neonatal period, which lasts from the moment of birth to the twenty-eighth day life. Recent research by scientists from the UK refuted this statement: they managed to find traces of E. coli and some strains of lactobacilli that produce lactic acid. This discovery made it possible to conclude that the formation of intestinal microflora and immunity occurs during the period of intrauterine growth.

In total, the intestinal microflora of a child has more than 500 types of microorganisms. Bacteria live on the mucous membranes of the intestines, stomach, esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. Beneficial bacteria are involved not only in maintaining sufficient activity of immune cells, but also in the digestive processes, so when their number decreases, a person begins to experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen, bloating. Some children with chronic microbial imbalance suffer from stool disorder, which can present with both diarrhea and constipation.

The microflora of a child and an adult is represented by three groups of bacteria, which are listed in the table below.

The composition of the intestinal microflora in humans

Group of microorganisms	What are these bacteria?	What are these bacteria?
Obligate	Microorganisms that form the basis of the microflora of a healthy person and are necessary for normal digestion, strong immunity and the synthesis of vitamins and amino acids. These microorganisms make up more than 93.9% of microflora and ensure the functioning of the digestive tract: they regulate peristalsis of the intestinal walls, inhibit the growth of pathogenic flora, protect the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal path	Bifidobacteria Lactobacillus (lactic acid bacteria) Colibacillus Enterococci
Conditionally pathogenic	Bacteria that can be potentially hazardous to human health when conditions are created favorable for their reproduction (hypothermia, decreased immunity, poor hygiene, poor quality food, etc.). They are present in small amounts in the human microflora, but with proper functioning of the body they are in a "dormant" state	Staphylococci Klebsiella Enterobacteriaceae Streptococci Some types of yeasts and molds
Pathogenic (transit)	Microorganisms that cannot exist in the human body. Infection with pathogenic bacteria causes severe illness	Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Koch's bacillus) Salmonella Pasteurella (plague pathogens) Rickettsiae (cause typhus)

Important! If the number of beneficial microorganisms in the intestine decreases, they cannot cope with the activity of opportunistic flora, which begins to grow and multiply rapidly. This condition is called dysbiosis and can cause serious diseases: intestinal and colds infections, inflammatory processes in the stomach, organs of the respiratory system, mucous membranes of the genital organs.

The role of nutrition in the development of dysbiosis

The child's diet is of great importance for the prevention and treatment of dysbiosis. There are food groups that are natural sources of prebiotics that must be included in the diet on a regular basis in order to maintain a normal balance of microorganisms. If the child receives a balanced, healthy diet every day, the composition of the intestinal microflora can be adjusted without the use of drugs.

Dairy products with the addition of sourdough

The most useful product for children with disturbed intestinal microflora is kefir. Kefir mushroom contains several strains of useful lacto- and bifidobacteria and has a whole list of useful properties, for example:

• promotes the growth of its own beneficial intestinal microflora;
• normalizes stool (eliminates constipation);
• reduces the formation of gas in the intestines, helps fight flatulence and bloating;
• strengthens the immune system;
• removes toxins and allergens from the body.

Kefir can be introduced into the child's diet from 7-8 months. For the nutrition of young children, it is better to use a special children's kefir sold in baby food departments. The norm for children from 8 months to 3 years old is 100-120 ml per day. After 3 years, the child can be given 150-180 ml of kefir before bedtime daily.

If the child refuses to drink kefir, you can replace it with natural yogurt, which does not contain flavoring and coloring additives. The shelf life of such a product should not exceed 7-10 days.

Important! Fermented milk products must be temporarily excluded from the children's diet if there is a suspicion of candidiasis (thrush) of any localization.

Fresh and vegetables fruits

Fruits and vegetables should be on the menu for children of all ages. They not only contain natural prebiotic cultures, but are also a valuable source of plant fiber, which removes all toxins and allergens from the intestines and creates optimal conditions for the growth of its own beneficial flora. In addition, fruits are the leaders in the content of vitamins necessary for maintaining healthy intestinal function and the formation of children's immunity.

The largest amounts of prebiotic fibers are found in the following fruits:

• oranges;
• lemons;
• a pineapple;
• bananas;
• tomatoes;
• avocado.

Infants need to add vegetables and fruits to the menu from 4-6 months. Up to a year they are given in the form of a homogenized (homogeneous) puree. The need for vegetables and fruits for older children is about 500 g per day.

Cereals

A large amount of prebiotics is found in some cereals: barley, rye, wheat, oats. Only whole grains are useful for the nutrition of children of any age: ready-made breakfast cereals, instant cereals practically free from dietary fiber and beneficial bacteria, and have no nutritional value for babies organism.

The ideal option for preparing cereals is milk porridge with the addition of pieces of fruit or honey.

Beekeeping products

Honey, bee bread, propolis, royal jelly - all these products are a real natural cure for intestinal dysbiosis. To restore bowel function, it is enough to eat 1 teaspoon of honey a day (for children from 3 to 5 years old, this norm is half a spoonful a day). Regular consumption of honey eliminates intestinal spasms, normalizes gastric and intestinal motility, suppresses the growth of pathogenic flora in the lumen of the large and small intestines.

In order for the consumption of honey to bring only benefits to the body, it is important to follow certain rules:

• the recommended daily dosage cannot be exceeded, since honey contains a lot of sugar and has a high calorie content;
• it is forbidden to give honey to children with diabetes mellitus and increased body weight;
• honey should be consumed fresh, washed down with tea, but without stirring it in the drink - high temperatures destroy vitamins and prebiotic fibers contained in the product.

note! Giving honey and other bee products to children under 3 years of age is not recommended due to the high risk of allergies.

Video - Why does dysbiosis occur and how to treat it?

Drug treatment

If the doctor believes that the child has severe dysbiosis, he may prescribe medications. Their choice depends on the age of the child, the degree of activity of the opportunistic flora and other factors. Probiotics and prebiotics can also be used to prevent intestinal dysbiosis when taking antibiotics, changing climatic conditions, poor diet or frequent stress, which can cause irritable intestines. Bifidopreparations are also used to stimulate immunity in weakened and often ill children.

"Normobakt"

"Normobact" is considered one of the most effective drugs in this group for the treatment of dysbiosis of any degree in children from 3 years of age. The drug is produced in a special form for children ("Normobact Junior") in the form of chewing figures with the taste of white chocolate. It is necessary to take "Normobact Junior" 1 tablet 1-2 times a day for 10 days.

The cost of a pack of 20 tablets is 366 rubles.

"Linex for children"

The product is available in the form of oral drops and powder and contains bifidobacteria from the probiotic group - B. animalis subsp. You can take Linex for Children from the first days of life, observing the recommended dosage regimen. For newborns, infants of the first year of life and children under 7 years of age, the drug is given in a dosage of 1 sachet per day. Older children and adolescents need 2 doses of the drug per day.

Linex can be mixed with baby food, cereals, juices, milk formula and drinks, but their temperature should not exceed 35 °. The interval between taking the drug and taking antibacterial drugs should be at least three hours. The duration of therapy is 1 month.

The average cost of the drug is 520 rubles.

Biovestin

Bifidopreparation in the form of a beige milk emulsion. The drug helps to quickly normalize the intestinal microflora, get rid of dyspeptic disorders, reduce bloating and intestinal colic, but in some cases, long-term use may be required - up to 4 weeks. The dosage depends on the age of the child.

Dosage regimen "Biovestin" for the treatment of dysbiosis in children

Child's age	Daily dosage
Newborn	0.5 ml
1 to 12 months	1 ml
1 to 6 years old	1 ml for each year of life
6 to 12 years old	6 ml
Over 12 years old	12 ml

Important! Biovestin is contraindicated in case of milk intolerance or lactase deficiency.

"Bion 3"

One of the best drugs for eliminating the symptoms of dysbiosis, but it can only be used to treat older adolescents. 14 years, since the drug is available in the form of tablets and contains dosages of active ingredients adapted for an adult person.

"Bion 3" is not just a prebiotic, but a multivitamin, combined complex containing 12 vitamins, 9 minerals and 3 types of probiotic cultures. The drug helps to restore the intestinal microflora, eliminate the consequences of irregular and malnutrition, stress, and prevent hypovitaminosis. "Bion 3" has a positive effect on the child's immune system and can be used as part of the complex treatment of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

You need to take pills 1 piece 1 time per day for 30 days.

The cost of 1 package of 30 tablets is 718 rubles.

"Bifidum" (concentrate)

Liquid concentrate "Bifidum" contains prebiotics and probiotic cultures and is used to treat intestinal dysbiosis, as well as to correct immunodeficiency states. The tool can be used both for internal use and for local use in the form of microclysters (for diseases of the large intestine), applications, oral baths.

Inside, the product must be taken in pure form (dilution with a small amount of water is allowed). The dosage regimen for uncomplicated dysbiosis is as follows:

• up to 1 year - 20 drops per day;
• from 1 to 3 years - up to 40 drops per day;
• from 3 to 7 years - up to 60 drops per day.

For children over 7 years old, the remedy is given in an adult dosage - 60-100 drops per day (must be divided into several doses). The duration of treatment can be from 1 to 3 months. It is not recommended to apply the product locally for more than 10-12 days.

Video - How to treat dysbiosis

Folk remedies

Intestinal dysbiosis is not considered a dangerous pathology and does not require emergency medication, therefore, you can try to cope with this condition at home with the help of assistants funds.

Kefir drink with dried fruits

This is a very effective home remedy for dysbiosis, which can be used to treat children from 1 year old. Kefir drink with dried fruits is excellent not only for normalizing intestinal function, but also for increasing the general resistance of the body to viral and bacterial infections.

To prepare a medicine from kefir, you must:

• 1-2 pieces of figs, dried apricots and prunes each pour hot water, cover and leave for 1 hour to swell the dried fruits;
• finely chop the fruits and pour them with kefir;
• to stir thoroughly.

If the child is still small and does not chew the pieces well, you can grind the dried fruit in a blender or meat grinder. The drink should be given once a day, 1 glass for two weeks (in the morning).

Elderberry and rosehip decoction

Rosehip contains a large amount of prebiotic fibers and ascorbic acid, which is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis and the formation of immunity. Elderberry berries have an astringent effect and protect the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract from exposure to conditionally pathogenic flora, the number of which can increase against the background of a violation of microbial balance.

It is very simple to prepare the broth:

• Rinse 200 g of dried berry mixture and put in a container;
• pour 600 ml of boiling water and put on low heat for 20 minutes;
• strain the broth.

It is necessary to take half a glass 3 times a day 3 minutes before meals. The duration of therapy is three weeks. The recipe is suitable for the treatment of children over 4 years of age.

Honey banana gruel

Combining honey with bananas is an excellent natural remedy to restore the optimal balance of intestinal microflora. The course of treatment with this method also has a positive effect on the work of the digestive tract, the state of the child's nervous system, and the protective functions of the body. Honey strengthens blood vessels and improves the rheological properties of blood, therefore you can use this remedy for children at risk for the development of cardiovascular pathologies.

To prepare a home remedy, mash half a peeled banana with a fork and mix with a teaspoon of honey. This gruel is best served for breakfast. With good tolerance, treatment can be continued for up to 4 weeks.

Intestinal dysbiosis is a condition that requires an integrated approach and treatment. If pathology is diagnosed in a child, treatment can be started by adjusting the diet and using home remedies. If these methods are ineffective, medication is indicated.