Constipation in the baby | Bowel movement in the baby

Constipation in the baby

Constipation is a common problem in infants and children. There are several possible causes. The most harmless cause is a so-called functional disorder.

No organic cause can be identified. Functional disorders can be treated with confidence using the means and methods already mentioned. Also harmless are constipation caused by wrong eating habits: too little liquid; too little fiber, if already fed.

Here the habits should be adapted. Changes in diet can also lead to constipation. This can be when changing from breast milk to formula food or when starting to feed in addition to the formula.

There are also secondary causes: inflammation of the anus, rhagades or fissures, i.e. tears, can cause the baby to not lactate due to pain. If the baby is already taking medication, especially for epilepsy, these can also lead to constipation. In rare cases, organic causes can be the cause. Diseases such as Hirschsprung’s disease or other neurological disorders can make intestinal passage difficult and obstruct it. Metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism and congenital malformations can also cause constipation.

Diarrhea in the baby

Infants very often have particularly soft stool; this should not be confused with diarrhea, which is liquid and increased in frequency. The stool can take on different colors and even swell out of the diaper. However, it is important to pay attention to blood and mucus.

In these cases the pediatrician should be consulted. Allergic reactions or food intolerances can also lead to diarrhoea. If the infant has tried something new or eaten something suspicious, this should be checked.

Allergic reactions can also cause skin pruritus and itching, which are considered an indication. Infectious diarrhea in infants is caused by a viral infection in 70% of cases. This means that the treatment is symptomatic.

Antibiotics are ineffective in this case. It is important to ensure that the infant continues to receive sufficient fluid and, if possible, also eats some food, although this may be more difficult in the case of diarrhea with vomiting. If the infant becomes increasingly flabby and sleepy, a pediatrician or, if necessary, a pediatric clinic must be consulted.

Bloody diarrhea with mucus suggests a bacterial diarrhea. In this case, a pediatrician or a clinic should be consulted quite quickly in order to be able to combine antibiotic and symptomatic therapy. If the diarrhea is mild and the child is in good condition without bloody-mucus diarrhea, you can wait about 2 days to see if the diarrhea improves.

If the diarrhea improves or even disappears, it is not absolutely necessary to see a doctor. If diarrhoea persists for a longer period of time (more than 3 weeks), organ and metabolic diseases should also be considered; a visit to a doctor should be carried out in any case.