Baby poops foam: why does this happen and what should parents do?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Every parent has a feeling of anxiety if the child begins to poop foam. In fact, the appearance of such a chair indicates the presence of a malfunction in the work of the whole organism, which provokes fermentation inside the intestines. Pediatricians advise to take a closer look at the reasons why the baby poops foam, and pay attention to methods for eliminating the problem.

Improper lactation

This is the first of the reasons why a newborn baby poops foam. In most cases, a similar stool occurs in children who are not yet 1 year old. If the baby is doing well with the mood and he is active, then this indicates improper lactation.

Scientists have proven that foremilk contains a large amount of sugar, that is, lactose. Therefore, it has a watery texture. The process of its digestion is based on the use of an enzyme such as lactase. Milk, called hindmilk, is considered more fatty and nutritious. In a small child, the digestive system is not fully mature, so enzymes are secreted in small quantities. This means that bigthe volume of foremilk does not allow complete breakdown of glucose. It cannot be absorbed by the body and begins to come out with feces, which become more liquid after drinking water. As a result, parents see foam.

To eliminate the current situation, it is recommended to adjust the diet. Doctors advise to offer the child one breast at a time and completely empty it. If he does not eat enough and wants more milk, then another time should start with another. In addition, it is not recommended to take the breast after a short period of time, even if the baby seems to be suckling for too long.

Lactose deficiency

Another reason that a baby poops foam is considered lactose deficiency. The body does not produce enough enzymes, so the mother's milk is not fully absorbed. This is reflected in weight gain.

In some cases, this is associated with the development of dysbacteriosis. After the examination, the doctor prescribes probiotics, which allows you to normalize the situation in a short time. Of course, some babies have congenital lactose deficiency. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to check the feces for the amount of carbohydrates. The results obtained are analyzed by a specialist and, if necessary, prescribes certain enzymes, due to which milk will be digested. In extreme cases, you have to introduce a lactose-free mixture into the diet of the baby.

Gases

When it comes toa small child, frothy stools indicate increased gas formation. As soon as the digestive system completes its development, then everything will go back to normal. Such changes can be noticed 4 months after birth, that is, it is from this period that the baby practically gets rid of intestinal colic.

Allergic reactions

If the baby poops foam, this indicates the development of an allergic reaction and dysbacteriosis. Of course, there are a number of other reasons that provoke the appearance of such an unpleasant symptom. It happens to children at different times in life.

Quite often, such a reaction occurs when certain foods are intolerant. For example, if an infant is fed on mother's milk, then it is her diet that is to blame. It is important to remember everything that was eaten in the last day. Even the usual food can cause disruption in the functioning of the intestines, especially when it is in large quantities.

Medicines

Often, allergic reactions are associated with taking medications, not only for mothers, but also for babies. Among formula-fed children, loose stools with foam appear due to an improperly selected mixture. If the baby poops foam, then you should immediately consult a doctor and choose something else.

Dysbacteriosis

Children at different ages may experience symptoms of dysbacteriosis. Among newborns, thisthe problem is most common, since there are not so many bacteria inside the intestine yet. It takes time to correct the fact that the baby poops foam. Older children suffer from a violation of the microflora due to a number of diseases or when taking an antibiotic. To confirm the diagnosis, special tests are carried out, after which a probiotic is prescribed.

Intestinal infections

Young children often have foamy stools. But when adding other symptoms, parents should immediately seek medical help. We are talking about high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, in which there is blood and mucus. These signs indicate the presence of an intestinal infection.

Some pathogens pose a serious threat to he alth and require urgent attention. The appearance of a foamy stool indicates the need for careful monitoring of the further condition of the child. The occurrence of such a symptom may indicate the presence of worms in the body. With active reproduction, the products of their vital activity bring a lot of trouble and disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive tract. If desired, you can try a decoction of rice to save the child from diarrhea with foam. It is consumed several times a day.

Gastrointestinal diseases

Feces with foam may indicate the presence of a disease of the digestive system that can cause an inflammatory process. Without proper and timely treatment, it will become chronic.

Gluten intolerance

Another problem thatindicates such a feces, called celiac disease, that is, complete intolerance to gluten. If even a small dose of this substance enters the body, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa begins almost immediately. In order not to endanger your baby, it is recommended to make a strict gluten-free diet.

Wrong diet

Children also have problems with stools due to malnutrition. For example, if you give too fatty food at 1 year, then the unformed body will not be able to completely process it. It is not recommended to give your baby spicy foods or exotic fruits. If feces with foam appear, then you need to start by revising the diet.

Treatments

Even with a single occurrence of foamy stools, parents are advised to pay special attention to the child. With repeated repetition, it is important to take certain measures in a timely manner. It is easier to prevent the development of such a problem than to treat the baby later. This means that it is necessary to carry out prevention, that is:

• do not forget about personal hygiene;
• maintain an acceptable diet;
• eliminate all harmful foods;
• to breastfeed according to all the rules.

Never self-medicate. Before using any medications, you should consult a pediatrician. You should not take into account the opinion of neighboring mothers who were helped by this or that remedy. Each child may have their own reasons,that provoked the appearance of such a chair.

After treatment, the doctor gives a referral for various tests that will help identify the presence of lactose deficiency and other problems with the intestines. After establishing an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment will be prescribed. If there was only one loose stool with foam, then the specialist is limited to the choice of absorbent. Activated charcoal is usually prescribed for young children.

With prolonged diarrhea, it is recommended to give the baby plenty of fluids. Having an allergic reaction means taking an antihistamine. Intestinal infection and inflammatory disease requires the mandatory use of an antibiotic. After such medications, probiotics are always recommended, which allow you to quickly restore the microflora. During the period when the rehabilitation of the body will take place, it is important to remember some nutritional rules:

• Heavy food should not be on the menu. The most suitable dish is boiled rice without s alt.
• From fruits everything is allowed except bananas.
• So that the intestines do not disturb, it is important to return the previous menu very carefully.
• The child should be given plenty of fluids (linden tea or mineral water, but no gas).

The appearance of foamy stools should not be ignored, even if it happened only once. This can happen with certain foods. Frequent repetition indicates the presence of a serious problem in the body. Do not hesitate to contact a specialist, as in the future this will affect the duration and complexityprescribed treatment.