Mucus in the feces of an infant

Any stool disorder and, in particular, mucus in the feces of an infant, often become a cause of worry for parents. Of course, both mom and dad always want their child to be healthy and active. So is it worth running to the pediatrician in the detection of mucus in the feces? First of all, it is necessary to determine whether this sign is a symptom of disease, or it is a natural physiological reaction.

Epidemiology

Digestive disorders are the most common problems in infants. Their prevalence exceeds 50% among all infants, regardless of gender and regional characteristics.

Increase in the incidence of digestive disorders is noted in the period of intensive functional restructuring in the child's body, against the background of natural improvement of organs and systems.

It is found that more than half of the detected cases of mucus in feces in infants are nothing but functional failures, corrected independently without the use of any treatment. At the same time, we can not exclude pathological cases associated with the constant exposure of the baby to unfavorable environmental factors. This explains the need for comprehensive and complex diagnostics in case of suspected gastroenterological disease.

Causes of the mucus in a baby's stool

Newborn babies may have mucousy feces during the first few weeks of life. The fact is that a newly born baby has a sterile digestive system. Together with the first food, various microorganisms enter the GI tract. As the microflora in the digestive tract is established, there is a process of adaptation, and over time the mucus in the feces of the infant disappears. But this is not always the case: sometimes the symptom lingers for a long time, which can be a consequence of such malfunctions:

• Non-compliance with the basic principles of nutrition of the mother during breastfeeding;
• unsterile breast milk;
• The predominance of pathogenic flora in children's intestines, dysbacteriosis;
• lactose intolerance;
• inappropriate type of formula (if the child is artificially fed);
• too abrupt change of feeding, early or incorrect introduction of complementary foods.

In children over 1 year of age, mucus in the feces is most often the result of these causes:

• sudden change of diet, unbalanced nutrition;
• Infectious diseases, including colds, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, and acute respiratory infections;
• intestinal parasites;
• digestive disorders, prolonged constipation;
• allergic processes in the body.

Rarer causes include autoimmune diseases, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis.

Risk factors

There are such factors predisposing to the appearance of mucus in feces in infants:

• nutritional disorders, introduction of complementary foods;
• non-compliance with the diet and quality of nutrition;
• Improper nutrition of a nursing mother (use of spicy, spicy, smoked food, eating dry food);
• insufficient exposure to fresh air;
• Nervous-psychic overload and prolonged negative emotions in the baby;
• an unsatisfactory family microclimate;
• unsatisfactory housing and living conditions, low economic status of the family;
• Previously artificial or mixed feeding;
• intestinal infections, worm infestations, giardiasis;
• infectious processes in the nasopharynx;
• hereditary aggravation of gastroenterological character on the part of parents.

Pathogenesis

The baby is born with a sterile digestive tract. After the first intake of food (whether it is mother's milk or formula), various bacteria settle inside the intestine, determining the initial microflora. Among these microorganisms are lacto and bifidobacteria, as well as opportunistic, saprophytic and pathogenic microbes.

During the first weeks of life in the digestive system of the infant is a real "battle" for survival between pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. After about a month, the microflora stabilizes - most often with a predominance of beneficial bacteria.

During the "battle" the baby has a so-called "transitional" feces, for which the presence of mucus is considered normal. Then the situation should normalize, and the mucus should disappear. However, in some cases, this period is delayed, and there may be many reasons for this.

• Intestinal dysbacteriosis occurs if the fight "wins" opportunistic and pathogenic flora, which begins to actively multiply and cause symptoms such as mucus in the feces of an infant, less often - liquid stools, malaise. To correct the condition of the baby is prescribed a course of drugs to restore beneficial intestinal microflora. [1]
• Acute infectious (microbial or viral) intestinal diseases are detected after a laboratory stool test. Among the most common infections in infants are dysentery, salmonellosis, intestinal flu, toxic infections, etc.
• Intestinal invaginitis is an acute painful condition in which a partial intestinal obstruction develops. At first, mucous discharge is detected in the feces, then the feces become less and more mucus. Severe vomiting and abdominal pain are noted. This condition requires emergency medical attention.
• Improper infant feeding, low fluid intake, abrupt changes in complementary feeding or abrupt change of formula - all these factors can cause mucus in the feces and other signs of dyspepsia. The problem is successfully solved by correction and normalization of the diet.
• Lactase deficiency is caused by insufficient production of the enzyme substance lactase, or its destruction in the digestive tract as a result of the powerful effect of pathogenic microflora. The disease is manifested by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, the appearance of mucus in the feces. The main treatment of the problem is diet and lactase preparations. [2]
• Allergic processes, atopy - this is not only external manifestations in the form of rashes, peeling on the skin. Often the reaction spreads to the digestive organs, which reveals itself as liquid stools and the appearance of mucus in the feces of an infant.
• Taking medications for colic - namely, drugs based on simethicone - can also be accompanied by the appearance of a small amount of mucus in the feces. This is how the drug is eliminated from the infant's body, which is normal.

Not always the cause of the appearance of mucus in the feces of an infant should be sought in the child's body. The "guilty" may be the mother, if the baby is breastfed. So, some products that the mother consumes, often do not suit the baby. In such a situation, it is recommended to conduct a special MAST-test, which will help to identify a possible allergen.

Symptoms of the mucus in a baby's stool

Doctors note that the unsystematic appearance of mucus in the feces of an infant in small amounts is considered normal. However, if the inclusions are noticeable in every act of defecation, if there is a clear unpleasant odor, if the baby shows restlessness, often regurgitates, poor weight gain, then you can suspect a number of problems with his health. The absence of additional symptoms, except for the appearance of mucus in the feces, allows you to hope for easier causes of malfunction.

Additional symptomatology occurs, depending on the type of pathology. Acute infectious processes are characterized by sharp or constant abdominal pain, sometimes depending on food intake. Often after eating there is nausea and vomiting, the infant's salivation increases (this is how the child's body reacts to digestive disorders). Mucus in feces can be accompanied by stool disorder, weakness, increased temperature.

Other symptoms may include:

• the infant's refusal to eat;
• tummy rumbling, bloating;
• Weight loss (or underweight);
• drowsiness;
• irritability, crankiness, tearfulness.

If such symptoms are present, you should immediately seek medical attention. A pediatrician, family doctor, pediatric infectious disease specialist or gastroenterologist can help in this situation.

Forms

Mucus in the feces of an infant is not always the same. It can be present in varying amounts, sometimes excreted in lumps, clots, masses, streaks, etc.

The most common types of mucus that parents find are:

• transparent;
• greenish;
• yellowish;
• white;
• red, pinkish, scarlet;
• brown, dark;
• cloudy, grayish.

By consistency, mucus in feces can be liquid, semi-liquid, viscous, tar-like, thick.

In addition, distinguish mucus in feces in infants who are on different types of feeding.

Mucus in the feces of a breastfed infant

Breastfeeding has a positive effect on the health of the child, because the mother's milk contains a lot of vitamin and mineral substances necessary for the body, as well as enzymes that allow the small body to digest food. A small amount of mucus in the feces of breastfed children is considered normal: it does not indicate the development of inflammation or other pathologies. Specially "fight" with this phenomenon is not necessary, but only if the infant is not bothered by anything, he eats normally and gains weight.

In some children, mucous flecks begin to appear with the introduction of complementary foods. This is caused by the restructuring of intestinal microflora, its adaptation to changes.

Do not seek treatment if the only sign of malfunction is only mucus in the feces. It is appropriate to seek medical help when accompanying symptoms are detected - for example, increased gas, skin rash, lack of weight gain in an infant over six months old.

Mucus in the feces of a breastfed infant

The appearance, the presence of flecks and other characteristics of feces in an infant largely depend on the type of baby food and the quantity and quality of complementary foods. In any case, defecation should not cause the baby pain.

As a rule, the appearance of small mucous lumps and curd clots is allowed, which is due to the incomplete and more difficult digestion of the mixture, unlike mother's milk.

Sometimes mucus appears when introducing new complementary foods, as well as after eating fruits and juices from them. The mother should be attentive to this, excluding for a while suspicious food and monitoring the further condition of the child. If over three days the amount of mucus has decreased, and the baby's condition has not been disturbed, then there is no reason to worry.

The appearance of yellow-green mucus against the background of stable nutrition without the introduction of new products may indicate the need to consult a doctor. Additional symptoms and deterioration of the baby's well-being should be of particular concern.

Mucus in the feces of a mixed-fed infant

Mixed feeding is often a forced measure that mothers resort to for one reason or another. In this situation, the nature of the infant's stools varies, depending on the percentage of formula and breast milk, the quality of the formula, the mother's nutrition and many other factors.

In mixed feeding, mucus in the feces may be present, and in the absence of other negative symptoms, this should not alarm parents.

To normalize stools with a mixed diet of the baby is necessary:

• Choose the right formula based on the baby's response;
• give the baby enough fluids (the higher the percentage of formula in the diet, the more water is needed for "supplementation");
• Eliminate overeating and abrupt changes in blend options.

If there are no other pathologic signs besides mucus, no treatment is needed.

Green mucus in the feces of an infant

The presence of green mucus in the feces sometimes indicates an increased multiplication of pathogenic flora inside the intestine. However, if the amount of such mucus is insignificant, and this volume does not increase, it is not worth worrying about. If the infant refuses to eat, restless and little sleep, poor weight gain, often cranky and crying, it is necessary to visit a pediatrician - perhaps the child developed colitis - an inflammatory process of microbial etiology. The more intense the color of mucus in the feces, the more intense the inflammation may be. [3]

When green flecks are the only unpleasant sign, and the infant in general feels normal and does not show anxiety, then you can think about more harmless causes of such a phenomenon:

• The child's consumption of large amounts of vegetables and greens;
• Consumption of large amounts of vegetables by a nursing mother.

In such situations, no treatment is required.

Mucus with blood in the feces of an infant

The presence of red blood cells in stool mucus indicates the presence of bleeding. Blood can be excreted in different volumes: in the form of veins, clots, or in extremely small amounts. In the latter case, erythrocytes are detected by conducting a fecal occult blood test. Depending on the results of the analysis, the color of the fecal masses can often be suspected in which part of the digestive tract there is bleeding, and how pronounced it is.

The black color of feces in an infant indicates that the blood has been exposed to stomach acid, so it has darkened significantly. The problem must therefore be found in the stomach.

If the bleeding occurs in the large intestine or rectum, blood will be secreted along with mucus with little or no change.

Leukocytes in fecal mucus in an infant

Detection of leukocytes and mucus in feces is possible in an inflammatory reaction in any part of the stomach or intestines. The higher the number of leukocytes - the brighter the inflammatory process.

Severe infectious or autoimmune diseases are accompanied by the appearance of a large number of leukocytes - in the form of pus and mucous discharge, often with blood. The presence of leukocytes can not be considered a specific indicator, because only by this sign can not determine the source and zone of inflammation. Nevertheless, leukocytes and mucus in feces is considered an important diagnostic symptom, largely determining the further scheme of therapy.

About the norm can be said if a small number of leukocytes and mucus is found in an infant up to one year of age. However, this is possible only if the baby's general well-being is adequate, normal weight gain, the absence of other painful symptoms.

White mucus in the feces of an infant

When pieces of mucus in the feces are clearly visible, it is necessary to pay attention to their color - often it helps to navigate the situation and suspect one or another malfunction.

If the mucus in the feces of an infant is whitish-transparent, then its appearance is usually due to nutritional disorders or too much strain on the digestive organs. For example, often white mucus can be found if the nursing mother consumed some unusual food for the baby. In infants who are on artificial feeding, mucus can be a peculiar reaction to a new infant formula.

Light mucus in the feces indicates some irritation of the intraintestinal walls, as a result of which there is a detachment of the epithelium. The root cause of irritation is often allergic processes, lactose intolerance, diathesis (atopic dermatitis). Only a doctor can indicate the exact cause.

Yellow feces with mucus in an infant

Stool in infants can have different colors - from yellow to brown, which is considered normal. Yellow-green tint is often observed in the process of formation of intestinal function and cleaning the intestine from particles of meconium - such stool is also called transitional, it is characterized by a mushy structure and sour smell. This period usually lasts several days. After the normalization of the woman's lactation process, the baby fully meets its nutritional needs with breast milk. At this time, he is adjusting mature stool: a one-month-old infant on natural feeding feces may have a yellowish color with a small amount of mucus in the form of lumps or whitish particles. After a few months, the mucus disappears and the stool becomes darker, which is especially noticeable with the introduction of complementary foods into the baby's diet.

Black mucus in the feces of an infant

The appearance of black and tar-like mucus in the feces in the worst case indicates damage (bleeding) in the upper segments of the digestive system.

But not always black mucus indicates pathological processes. Its appearance can be associated with the use of activated charcoal tablets, iron preparations, antibiotics and some other drugs.

Of course, the stool of an infant often reflects the state of his gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is important to timely notice any changes in color, density of stool, the appearance of unpleasant odors. Early referral to a pediatrician helps to quickly identify and eliminate the problem, not allowing it to develop and worsen.

Brown mucus in the feces of an infant

Detection of brown mucus in the feces often indicates insufficient function of the pancreas. There is nothing to worry about, because the digestive system of the infant is still undergoing the stage of adaptation to the processes of digestion. Over time, the function of the gastrointestinal tract will improve, and the problem will disappear.

If brown mucus is present against the background of liquid stools, then you can suspect dysbacteriosis: in this situation, you should consult with a pediatric gastroenterologist.

Not always such mucus indicates a malfunction. Do not worry if the cause is a runny nose: mucous secretion from the nasal cavity in children enters the digestive system, so it can easily be detected in feces. This also happens with allergic rhinitis, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections.

Red mucus in the feces of an infant

The cause of red mucus in the feces of an infant can be a lesion of the stomach or small intestine, or colon or rectum, anal sphincter. As a rule, admixtures of scarlet mucus indicates damage to the lower parts of the digestive system. In the case of damage to the upper parts (e.g., stomach), dark or brown mucus is noted.

However, the cause is not always pathology and bleeding. Often the mucus in the feces is colored red when consuming certain foods and products - for example, beet juice, red dyes (for example, jelly), or certain medications.

Mucus and foam in the feces of an infant

Foaming feces with mucus is not uncommon and is also related to the adjustment of intestinal function. However, in some cases, foam and mucus may appear in response to the introduction of new foods in the complementary food or maternal diet. In this situation, it means that such food is not suitable for the infant.

In addition to food intolerance, foam with mucus in the feces can appear under the influence of such causes:

• taking medications (these may be medicines for the baby (e.g., Espumizan, etc.) or medicines for the breastfeeding mother);
• intestinal dysbacteriosis in the baby (can be caused by both immaturity of the child's digestive system and other disorders);
• inadequate intake of food and nutrients to the infant (malnutrition);
• excessive gas formation (may occur due to improper nutrition of a nursing mother);
• Intestinal infectious diseases (staphylococcal, rotovirus, enterovirus, giardiasis, etc.).

Infectious lesions, in addition to frothy feces with mucus, may be accompanied by vomiting, fever, weakness, loss of appetite, etc.

Complications and consequences

Mucus in the feces of an infant, caused by physiological reasons, does not lead to the development of complications and safely disappears independently as the digestive process is established.

If mucous discharge occurs due to intestinal infections, then in such cases urgent medical intervention is required. Infections are most dangerous for infants, as their immunity is not yet strong enough.

Intestinal infections in infants show intense clinical symptoms and may take a more severe course than in adults. The lesion is accompanied by signs of intoxication of the body (general weakness, fever, deterioration of appetite).

To avoid negative consequences, you need to urgently contact doctors if the infant has such symptoms:

• tummy aches;
• vomiting;
• frequent defecation of liquid feces;
• a rise in temperature;
• marked dryness of the skin, thirst;
• tear production;
• dryness and discoloration of the tongue;
• infrequent urine output in a small volume;
• seizures;
• impaired consciousness.

If you do not seek medical attention in time, it is possible to develop such serious complications:

• general dehydration;
• infectious-toxic shock;
• pneumonia;
• acute renal failure.

In order to prevent unfavorable developments, it is important, when suspicious symptoms appear, to consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will prescribe the necessary treatment.

Diagnostics of the mucus in a baby's stool

Whether mucus in the feces of an infant is a disease, or not, should be decided by a doctor. He will examine the baby, study the symptoms, clarify the necessary points from the parents. If necessary, may refer the child to specialists of narrow profile - for example, a pediatric gastroenterologist, proctologist and so on.

Next, you will have to do some research and take some tests:

• coprogram;
• test for the presence of intestinal parasite eggs;
• tests for opisthorchiasis, amoebiasis, strongyloidiasis (if necessary);
• blood tests for viral infections;
• CBC, blood chemistry.

After studying the diagnostic results, the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe an appropriate treatment regimen tailored specifically for the baby.

Differential diagnosis

When mucus appears in the feces of infants - transparent, brown, yellowish or greenish - should be differential diagnosis with such diseases:

• intestinal dysbiosis;
• infectious and inflammatory lesions of the intestine;
• colitis;
• Crohn's disease;
• gluten intolerance, lactose deficiency;
• worm infestation;
• allergic processes;
• neoplasms in the intestines;
• temporary digestive disturbances.

Treatment of the mucus in a baby's stool

With the detection of mucus in the feces of infants, treatment measures are not always started, but only when the diagnosis of pathology is confirmed. Treatment, depending on the detected disease, may include:

• treatment of the cause of the disease (antibiotics, antiparasitic agents);
• medication inhibition of the inflammatory process;
• normalization of digestive processes;
• stabilizing the intestinal microflora;
• Strengthening immune defenses;
• Ensuring a normal diet (both the baby and the nursing mother).

Autoimmune pathologies utilize high-tech techniques that block autoimmune inflammatory processes.

Medications

Drug therapy is prescribed, depending on the cause of pathological mucus in feces. Dosage is set individually, taking into account the age, weight of the baby, features of pathology.

• Detoxification treatment involves oral administration of glucose-salt solutions (Rehydron, Glucosalan, Citroglucosalan) at 30-50 ml/kg/day. Additionally administer sorbing drugs - to eliminate toxic substances from the body (Smecta, Polifepan, activated charcoal). Smecta is given three times a day, after diluting one sachet of the drug in 50 ml of liquid.
• Intestinal antiseptics are given to kill pathogenic microorganisms. Intestopan, Enterosidiv, Intetrix are suitable. Intestopan is prescribed a quarter of a tablet per 1 kg of weight of the child per day, for 3-4 receptions. The tablet can be diluted in water or milk.
• Antidiarrheal agents, such as Enterosgel, are prescribed 1 tsp (5 g) twice a day. Excessive dosage may cause constipation in the child.
• Probiotics are prescribed to restore quality microflora. The preparations Linex (1 capsule three times a day), Acipol, Acilac are suitable.
• Prebiotics are also necessary to normalize the balance of microflora. For example, the drug Hilak is given to children under 2 years old with water (not milk) three times a day, 15-30 drops. After improvement, Hilak is given for some more time, reducing the dosage by about half.

If necessary, the doctor prescribes enzyme preparations, antibiotics. The treatment regimen is always selected individually.

Prevention

Prevention of the appearance of mucus in feces in an infant is to generally minimize the risk of intestinal diseases. The main recommendation is to follow the principles of proper feeding of the baby and the introduction of complementary foods. Here's what this means:

• Breastfeeding until 2 years of age is preferred;
• The replacement of mixtures and the introduction of new products should be gradual;
• the baby should not be undernourished as well as overnourished.

It is important to strengthen the body of the baby, because a good immune defense will be able to resist the bulk of intestinal infections. To strengthen immunity should often walk with the child in the fresh air, avoid stress and negative emotions, regularly ventilate the room, give the baby sun and air baths, to ensure the intake of all nutrients in the body.

It is equally important to prevent the development of helminth infections, take preventive tests.

If mucus in the feces of an infant is already detected, then parents should carefully observe his behavior: it is important the quality of sleep and appetite, the absence of unreasonable crankiness, tearfulness, etc. If there is no diarrhea, vomiting, fever and other painful signs, it is not necessary to go to the doctor. In the opposite situation, delay with a visit to the pediatrician should not be delayed, as well as to conduct independent treatment without a doctor's prescription.

Forecast

Mucus in feces is a natural secretion in the intestine that acts as a protective layer and helps the food clump move through the digestive system. Normally, mucus is not identified in the feces as a separate structure, but is completely mixed in them.

If the production of mucus increases, it is identified in the feces in the form of veins, flecks of light colors, and the prognosis of this phenomenon depends on the causes that caused the violation. Thus, with dysbacteriosis and poor nutrition, the prognosis is more favorable than with intestinal infections or tumor processes in the intestine.

Mucus in the feces of an infant up to one year of age can be considered normal, because during this time the child's intestines continue to adapt to the difficult work of the digestive system. Increased volume of mucus indicates a violation of microflora, the introduction of new foods to which the intestines of the child is not yet ready. Panic in advance should not be panicked: it is important to see a pediatrician in time, undergo the necessary diagnostics and follow all the recommendations of your doctor.