Intestinal infection in the newborn

Intestinal infection in children under one year is the most common disease.

Bacteria and viruses penetrate the child's body through dirty hands, objects, toys, which he pulls into his mouth.

There are many kinds of bacteria that cause various diseases, but the symptoms are in most cases similar, so laboratory tests are required to identify the pathogen.

Among all intestinal infections, small children are most often affected by rotavirus infection (intestinal flu), salmonella, enterovirus, dysentery.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

Causes of intestinal infection in a newborn

Infection with intestinal infection occurs always by oral-fecal route, i.e. Bacteria from the bowel with feces fall on the hands, then on various objects. As you know, children from the first months of life try to tighten into the mouth any object that fell into their hands, this is part of self-development, but at the same time, it threatens with serious consequences.

In the body of newborns, bacteria penetrate usually because of non-compliance by parents with simple hygienic requirements for caring for the child, for example, an infection can occur due to a poorly washed bottle, a fallen nipple (especially on the street), unwashed hands, etc.

In addition, infection can occur through the mother's body, which can be a carrier of dangerous bacteria or catch infection during pregnancy. Infection of the child can occur in the womb of the mother (with swallowing amniotic fluid, through the general bloodstream with the mother) or at the time of birth, while passing through the birth canal.

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Symptoms of intestinal infection in a newborn

Even after normal delivery, the child's condition may deteriorate after a few weeks. Lethargy, frequent regurgitation, poor appetite, and insignificant weight gain are the first symptoms of disorders in the child's body.

Almost every intestinal infection is manifested by pain in the abdomen, high fever, diarrhea (color often depends on the disease), vomiting.

All these symptoms can appear immediately, or separately.

It should be noted that vomiting does not always occur with intestinal infection, while diarrhea is considered the main symptom of infection.

With any intestinal infection, dehydration of the body occurs, which can be determined by dry mouth, poor appetite, weight loss, decreased urine volume when urinating. For children, this condition is the most dangerous and requires immediate treatment.

In severe cases, when dehydrating, the fontanel begins to sink, the child becomes drowsy, weakened, and on the eyes and skin there are signs of dryness.

The most common infection in young children is rotavirus, in which, in addition to general symptoms, reddening of the palate, sore throat.

Diagnosis of intestinal infection in a newborn

Intestinal infection in newborns often becomes a cause of death, therefore at the first signs of the disease (weakness, diarrhea, temperature) it is necessary to consult a doctor.

To establish the diagnosis, the specialist conducts an examination, fixes complaints and, if necessary, assigns additional studies.

To identify the pathogen requires analysis of stool, which will also establish the sensitivity of pathogenic microflora to a particular group of antibiotics, which is important when choosing a treatment.

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Treatment of intestinal infection in a newborn

It is worth noting that children who are breastfed intestinal infections suffer much more easily than children who have already been weaned or artificial. Mother's milk helps to strengthen the immunity of the baby and increases the body's resistance.

When intestinal infection treatment is primarily aimed at the destruction of pathogens, reducing intoxication and dehydration, restoring the normal balance of bacteria in the intestine.

At the appearance of the first signs of the disease should stop feeding for 12-18 hours (during this period the child can be given only pure boiled water or tea).

Also during this period it is necessary to give the child sorbents for the removal of toxins and preparations for the restoration of the water-electrolyte balance.

When vomiting, the doctor can prescribe a gastric lavage, even if after such a procedure the child does not stop tearing, an artificial introduction of nutrients through the dropper is prescribed. In severe cases (for example, with staphylococcal infection) antibacterial agents of a wide spectrum of action can be used.

Mandatory funds are assigned to restore the intestinal microflora.

Breasts are usually prescribed Smecta, Enterosgel, which not only absorbs toxins, but also reduces the intoxication of the body, Regidron to restore the water-electrolyte balance.

To restore the intestinal microflora, Bifidum, Trilact, Acipol, etc. Can be used.

Prevention of intestinal infection in a newborn

Intestinal infection in a newborn can occur for several reasons, experts identify factors that increase the risk of developing the disease in infants:

• refusal of breastfeeding
• hot years (high temperatures are a good breeding ground for most bacteria)
• introduction to the baby's diet of thermally unprocessed foods
• weak immunity of the child

Also, children born before the due date are more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses.

Preventive measures will help to prevent the risk of infection:

• control the quality of water (not only for drinking, but also for cooking), products used in the diet of the child, especially dairy.
• careful washing vegetables, fruits, berries
• do wet cleaning of premises (at least once a week)
• if an intestinal infection is suspected from someone close (older children, parents, grandmothers, etc.), protect them from any contact with the child.

Prognosis of intestinal infection in a newborn

Intestinal infection in the newborn has favorable predictions if the disease is detected at an early stage and all necessary measures are taken to prevent dehydration and strong intoxication of the body.

Dehydration is one of the main problems with intestinal infection, as the infant organism loses fluid faster than an adult and severe dehydration, especially with frequent vomiting and diarrhea, can begin as early as the first hours of the disease. This condition leads to disruption of the urinary, respiratory, central nervous system, heart.

Symptoms in newborns develop very quickly and the main thing is not to miss the moment and start acting in time and seek qualified help, otherwise, intestinal infection can cause the death of the baby.

Intestinal infection in newborns is the most common disease, as the child's immune system is not formed, and the digestive system device has some features. The child's organism produces less hydrochloric acid, reduces the work of the pancreas, which facilitates the penetration and development of pathogenic microflora.