Problems with digestion - the most common cause of anxiety and anxiety of all parents of the world. Manifestations of disorders of the stomach and intestine can be observed already in the first days after birth, depriving the crumb and parents of peace and sleep.
In this article, we will look at the reasons for the appearance of a stool with mucus in a child, talk about why a child croaks or farts mucus, how to prevent feces in a child with mucus and what to do to avoid it.
Types of mucous discharge
It should be noted immediately that not every appearance of mucus in the feces of a child is a sign of pathology or developing disease. Isolation of light watery or jelly-like mucus in moderate amounts does not indicate a disease and is normal. Mucus is always in the stomach and intestines - it protects against acids, alkalis and other aggressive substances. In the process of digestion, mucus is mixed with feces and becomes invisible. Only sometimes, in the case of a sudden change in diet or diet, in stressful situations, etc. It is possible the appearance of separate particles of mucus that stand out against the background of feces. If such a case is single and there is no change in the behavior or condition of the child (the crumb is calm, normally eats and sleeps), there is probably nothing to worry about.
The reason for the alarm are:
- regular appearance of mucus in stool;
- nervousness of the child, sleep and appetite disturbances in the baby;
- a sharp smell of mucus;
- bloody inclusions in mucus and feces;
- the child has diarrhea with mucus;
- too frequent spitting up of food;
- insufficient weight.
In case of manifestation of these symptoms do not delay treatment to the pediatrician - serious health problems of your baby are not ruled out.
The causes of the appearance of mucus
The following factors can contribute to the appearance of mucus in a feces in a child:
- non-sterile breast milk (or milk formula);
- lactose insufficiency;
- digestive disorders due to dysbiosis. In this case, it is required to pass an analysis on the state of the intestinal flora and begin treatment as soon as possible (the drug, dosage, methods, and timing of treatment are prescribed only by the doctor, self-medication is strictly prohibited);
- malnutrition of the nursing mother. In order to monitor the relationship of the mother's nutrition and the behavior of the baby, it is useful to keep an eating diary in which all the foods consumed by the mother are noted;
- bronchitis;
- a sharp introduction of new complementary foods (most often such a reaction in children is observed after the introduction of a new vegetable purée);
- transient dysbiosis;
- a runny nose (in this case the child can swallow the mucus particles, which are subsequently seen in the stool);
- as a reaction to the taking of certain medications.
How to avoid the appearance of mucus?
To reduce the incidence of mucus secretion to a minimum:
- Provide a nursing mother with a full and varied diet, reduce the number of potential food allergens in the diet, avoid harmful foods, etc. The child who is on artificial feeding should be provided with modern and high-quality baby food - an adapted milk formula.
- Maintain a diary of mother and child nutrition. In it, daily mark the amount and type of eaten, as well as the reaction of the baby to this type of food.
- Regularly observed at the pediatrician, follow the doctor's recommendations for caring for the baby.
- Regularly take all necessary tests.
Normal feces of an infant (regardless of the type of feeding) should be yellowish-brownish, golden in color with a slight sour smell, in consistence resemble thick sour cream. If the appearance or smell of the feces of the child is not in accordance with the norm - contact the pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment (if necessary).