Mucus in the feces of newborns. Causes and treatment of mucous stools in infants

and in an adult has significant differences. This is due to the fact that in children the body is only being formed and therefore its intestines function somewhat differently. In addition, nutrition plays an important role. Baby feces can have a variety of characteristics in terms of color, smell, and consistency.

The fact that mucus is present in it in small quantities, according to pediatricians, is the norm and the parents of the child should not worry about this. If a lot of mucus appears, then this may indicate various diseases of the digestive system, and in this case, parents should consult a doctor in order to avoid possible complications in the child's health.

Mucus in the feces of the baby is normal.

The lining of the gastrointestinal tract is made up of a variety of cell types that perform different functions. The cells of the mucosa produce mucus - a substance that protects the walls of the intestines and stomach from influences of various nature.

The intestinal microflora consists of both beneficial bacteria and opportunistic pathogens. The former are involved in the process of digestion, the production of vitamins and amino acids, and the formation of the immune system. The latter occupy a neutral position and normally do neither harm nor benefit if the balance between beneficial and conditionally pathogenic intestinal microflora is in balance. When this balance is disturbed, digestive problems and sometimes intestinal infections occur.

Sometimes it happens that the process of formation of the intestinal microflora in a child is somewhat delayed. This usually happens with children who are bottle-fed. The body of children who are breastfed copes with the formation of microflora much faster. The type also affects the presence of mucus in the baby's feces: with artificial feeding, it is slightly less than with breastfeeding.

In the case of timely introduction of complementary foods - at the age of up to six months, the baby's stool changes in terms of color and consistency, and the amount of mucus in it increases. If at the same time the child develops normally and feels good, then this large amount of mucus is not something dangerous.

In the process of growth of the baby's body, his intestines get used to the digestion of food and other conditions of extrauterine existence, which causes an increase in the amount of mucus in his feces.

Why does a lot of mucus appear in the feces of a baby

Dysbacteriosis in infants can cause an increase in the amount of mucus in the feces.

The volume of mucus in the feces of the baby can increase for various reasons:

• dysbacteriosis
• acute form
• intestinal invaginitis
• nutritional errors
• lactase deficiency
• allergies
• taking certain medications

Dysbacteriosis. At the stage of formation of microflora, the child is most susceptible to a variety of diseases. At this time, dysbacteriosis can develop - one of the main intestinal problems in infants. It occurs if opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms begin to prevail over beneficial ones and cause disturbances in the child's stool. Mild forms of the disease are characterized by the appearance of a larger amount, the occurrence of flatulence and constipation.

For more severe forms, mucous and blood inclusions in the feces are characteristic. If the mucus in the baby's stool is red, then this indicates an ulcer of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Acute intestinal infections. Often, an increase in mucus in the stool of the baby indicates the development of an infectious disease. The list of these diseases is quite wide:

1. salmonellosis
2. intestinal flu
3. toxic infections
4. other diseases

These pathologies differ in that they can cause inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, as a result of which the amount of mucus in the feces increases. In order to distinguish an infectious disease from dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to pass special tests.

Detailed information about your baby's chair in the thematic video:

Intestinal invaginitis. This disease is considered one of the most dangerous. If you suspect it, you must immediately call an ambulance. As a result of intestinal invaginitis, partial intestinal obstruction occurs. The disease has symptoms such as severe pain and uncontrollable. At the same time, the child's stool becomes more liquid, has mucous and blood inclusions, and after a day it completely loses its normal appearance and is a kind of mixture of lumps of mucus with streaks of blood.

Nutritional errors. Improper diet is one of the possible causes of changes in the baby's stool. Insufficient amount of liquid, irrational introduction of complementary foods and very long breaks between are the reasons why the volume of mucus in the feces can increase. In addition to increasing the amount of mucus, the characteristics of the baby's feces also change.

lactase deficiency. Some children have a congenital deficiency of a special enzyme necessary for the assimilation of milk - lactase. As a result of its deficiency, fermentation processes begin, the child suffers from pain, flatulence, diarrhea, and lumps of milk and mucus appear in his stool.

If the baby suffers from allergies, then the first manifestations of such a deviation are various skin lesions. If an allergic reaction affects the functioning of the intestinal mucosa, then the amount of mucus increases in the child's feces.

Medications. Sometimes, an increase in the amount of mucus in the baby's feces does not mean that the child is sick. This phenomenon can be triggered by the intake of certain medications.

If the amount of mucus increases in the child's feces, and there are other signs of the development of any pathologies, you should definitely consult a doctor.

What to do if mucus appears in the baby's stool

With an increase in mucus in the feces of the baby, you need to contact a specialist for further examination.

The effective work of the body's defense system in many cases will provide the child with the opportunity to independently cope with many diseases, as a result of which changes occur in the baby's feces.

Parents should make sure that the child has suitable conditions in which his body will receive what he needs, and the immune system will be strengthened. It should also be remembered that in the first weeks of life, the stool of the baby is especially variable due to the formation of microflora.

The health status of an infant is difficult to control. Children of the first years of life do not say what worries them. Whims can occur if he is hungry, something interferes with him or hurts. It is important to understand in time what is happening with the baby. The chair, as an indicator, helps to assess its condition. Mucus in the feces of a baby is a fairly common find.

Why does mucus appear in the feces of a newborn?

The goblet cells of the gastrointestinal tract produce clear mucus. Spreading along the walls of the intestine, it protects it from damage and promotes the movement of the food bolus. In adults, it is completely mixed with feces and is not visible during bowel movements.

In an infant, the digestive organs are just beginning their work, they are not fully formed and cannot perform all physiological functions. Little food comes in, it is liquid, so a stool with mucus in an infant is a physiological norm, especially in the first 2 months of life. So the young organism adapts to the products coming from outside.

It is important to observe the quantity, color and frequency of the baby's bowel movements, as well as its general condition and the presence of high temperature.

If there is little mucus in the feces of the baby, he is calm, weight gain is normal, then you should not worry. The body of three-month-old children is very vulnerable, so even small flaws in the mother can lead to anxiety in the baby. Large intervals between feedings and a large amount of food contributes to fermentation in the intestinal lumen. What does the increase in the amount of mucus in the feces of the baby mean.

For sufficient saturation of the baby, feeding should be carried out alternately: from one breast to one feeding. Hindmilk contains lactase, which is necessary for the processing of dairy products. During teething, frothy green stools with mucus or green diarrhea may appear. This condition resolves on its own.

Breastfeeding Baby Chair

A significant influence on the nature of the stool of a month-old baby has its feeding. With HB, adaptation in the infant period is most favorable. The first three days after feeding with colostrum, newborns secrete dark green mucous meconium. Already by a week, the intestines are inhabited by beneficial microflora, the stool becomes mustard or yellow (rarely brown), and already directly depends on the composition of breast milk.

The nutrition of the mother is very important here. Consumption of dairy products, eggs, smoked meats, nuts, protein products, citrus fruits, vegetables and fruits harms the child. Highly allergenic foods can provoke intolerance to certain substances with the onset of allergic reactions. As a result, a yellow color and a lot of mucus appear in the feces of the baby.

Green stools in breastfed babies often occur only during the first days of life. With mixed feeding, such symptoms are less pronounced. What to do so that mucus does not appear in the stool? A nursing mother should strictly monitor the composition of the diet, excluding potentially harmful foods for a baby up to a year old.

The intake of medicines by the mother should be agreed with the doctor. The use of substances contraindicated during lactation is dangerous for the health of a one-year-old child.

Mucous stools in babies after feeding

The first complementary foods should take place within 6 months so that the fragile body does not experience unnecessary stressful conditions. In this case, the mucus in the feces of the child is observed in a moderate amount. A similar reaction in the first year of life is physiological. The body adapts to previously unknown substances.

It is unacceptable to start complementary foods with vegetable, fruit puree or juice, as these are strong fermentation stimulants.

If complementary foods are introduced ahead of time or the wrong foods are chosen, a large amount of mucus appears in the stool. This is a signal to cancel a new dish and consult with a competent specialist. After the introduction of complementary foods, it is necessary to observe the reaction of the baby and adjust his diet in time.

Pathological feces with mucus

In addition to physiological and nutritional factors that affect the presence of mucus in the feces, there are serious pathologies. Loose stools with mucus and blood (like raspberry jelly) can be found with intussusception of the intestine. Bowel loops, even at 1 year old, are still very mobile. Strong peristalsis can cause the intestine to turn inward. The clinical picture is complemented by excruciating abdominal pain and vomiting. This child needs emergency care in a hospital setting.

Infectious and inflammatory bowel diseases are common. Dysentery, salmonella, rotavirus infections are manifested by a number of symptoms:

• clots of mucus;
• watery stools (possibly frothy);
• pronounced intoxication syndrome;
• lack of appetite and weight loss;
• dehydration to dehydration.

The appearance of even one of these symptoms requires urgent clarification of the diagnosis and the necessary tests. Changes in the general and biochemical analysis of blood and in the coprogram are possible. One of the most important: bacteriological and biochemical analysis of feces.

Causes of dysbacteriosis: violation of the ratio of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. At the same time, the digestive function suffers, frequent foamy diarrhea appears in the baby with mucus and streaks of blood in the feces. Also characterized by abdominal pain, flatulence, white lumps in the feces.

Celiac disease is a serious metabolic disease characterized by gluten intolerance. Undigested residues with a moderate amount of mucus appear in the stool, diarrhea may occur. Foamy diarrhea with mucus in a child is also formed with lactase deficiency.

Why is this happening? Foam is formed due to a large amount of liquid and increased gas formation. It becomes green due to the accelerated movement of the food bolus through the intestines. Mucus in the feces of a one-year-old baby appears due to irritation of the intestinal walls. And the more products with lactose come in, the more abundant the mucus is secreted.

Changes in feces on artificial feeding

Unfortunately, not every mother can breastfeed. On IV, the stool is even more variable and unstable. Several feedings of infant formula, and a child of the 1st year of life develops grayish stools. In a couple of days it will be back to normal. With the wrong choice of mixture, allergies often occur. Formula-fed babies have thicker, darker stools. Incomprehensible white lumps in the feces are explained by the insufficiently good quality of the mixture.

The composition of artificial nutrition is as close as possible to natural, but the flora and some elements are individual and irreplaceable. Therefore, if breastfeeding is possible, this should not be neglected. The consistency of excrement in infants at the age of two months is unstable. Up to 3 months, it will be watery. From 4 months she acquires a mushy state. At 5 months, stools may become loose again if complementary foods are started or formulas are introduced. At 10 months the stool is more formed, dark and stable.

What does mucus look like with different pathologies?

The mucus that appears in the child's stool may differ in color and quantity. So during inflammatory processes in the body, it becomes more, in proportion to the severity of inflammation. Causes of clear mucus: inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and enterovirus infections. With a runny nose, most of the discharged mucus is swallowed and then passed out as part of the stool. If its color is yellow or greenish, then a bacterial infection is most likely developing.

The main task of parents is to prevent the deterioration of the child's health, regardless of age. How to get rid of mucus in lumps, eliminate foamy feces? It is necessary to strictly observe the feeding regimen. Correctly apply the baby to the breast. Carefully monitor his reaction to the new food.

With celiac disease, everything that contains gluten must be excluded from the menu. Widespread lactase deficiency should be diagnosed in time. An analysis of the content of carbohydrates in the feces and consultation with a pediatrician will help to cope with this. Mom should exclude dairy products, and children are transferred to low-lactose mixtures.

Mucus in the feces of a baby is a fairly common symptom that worries parents. The presence of mucus indicates the normal functioning of the digestive system of a healthy person. However, its increase always indicates some kind of malfunction in the body. The reasons for these failures can be different.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the fetus can be considered sterile. The child's body is first colonized by bacteria and microbes when the baby passes through the birth canal. In the first months of life, the digestive system of the baby adapts to new conditions. In the gastrointestinal tract of an infant, a “battle” begins between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. It takes time for the beneficial microflora in the intestines to naturally establish itself. This period is called the transition period. The stool of the baby at this time can be of different colors, textures, frequencies, contain mucus, foam, and the remains of undigested food. Mucus in the feces of a newborn is a physiological norm.

Mucus characteristic

Mucus in the stool in a child is always present, however, as in adults. It mixes with the contents of the large intestine, so it cannot be seen. If some kind of inflammatory process begins, the amount of mucus increases, it can be observed not only during tests, but also visually. What can the color and amount of mucus indicate?

Why does mucus appear

Stool with mucus in a child can be the cause of malnutrition and various diseases. Some of them can be dangerous for the health of the baby.

• Banal runny nose. If the baby has a viral infection with a runny nose, part of the mucus from the nasal cavity is swallowed, enters the intestines and goes out along with the feces. The mucus in this case is transparent, there is very little of it.
• Feeding mode. Large intervals between meals, as well as large portions, can lead to fermentation processes in the intestines and the formation of mucus.
• Wrong mixture. The child may develop a food allergy to artificial nutrition. To choose the right mixture, you need to consult a pediatrician.
• Improper attachment to the breast. The baby must stay longer at one breast in order to suck out not only the fore milk, but also the hind milk. If the baby receives only foremilk, he will not be satiated. Also, the baby may have green stools with mucus. When sucking hind milk, the baby can receive an important and necessary enzyme for the digestion of milk food - lactase.
• Early and incorrect introduction of complementary foods. Pediatricians recommend introducing complementary foods no earlier than 6 months. You can not start with vegetable and fruit purees, especially freshly squeezed juices, because they will provoke fermentation processes in the intestines. The stool is an indicator by which you can determine whether some products are suitable for the baby or whether it is worth delaying their introduction. If only mom sees changes in the stool, you need to pause and give up "suspicious" dishes.
• breastfeeding mom diet. If gas-forming foods are present in a woman's diet, this leads to flatulence, colic, irritation of the intestinal walls and mucous stools in infants. You can not abuse seasonal fruits and vegetables, you need to eat them little by little and be sure to look at the reaction of the baby. It is useful to keep a diary of a nursing mother.
• Atopic dermatitis. In addition to redness, irritation, peeling, itching of the skin, you can observe mucous discharge during bowel movements.
• Reaction to drugs. It is possible in a baby when breastfeeding, if the mother takes some medications. It is clear that you need to carefully read the instructions, be aware of contraindications and consult your doctor first. If colic babies are given drugs based on simethicone (a substance that reduces the formation of gases in the intestines and promotes their excretion), adverse reactions may occur in the form of mucus in the stool. After the end of therapy, these signs disappear.
• Intestinal obstruction. In medicine, this dangerous disease is called intussusception. It occurs as a result of squeezing sections of the intestine. Symptoms of intestinal obstruction: severe pain in the abdomen, vomiting, watery stools with impurities of blood and mucus. The child needs urgent hospitalization.
• Acute intestinal infections. Caused by bacteria, fungi, germs and viruses. These include: dysentery, salmonellosis, amoebiasis, "intestinal flu" (rotavirus infection). Infants are difficult to tolerate these diseases. They are accompanied by clots of mucus, the child often has diarrhea. The following symptoms are also characteristic: fever, vomiting, lethargy, refusal to eat, severe dehydration. At the slightest suspicion of an intestinal infection, you should seek medical help. In severe forms of the disease, the doctor will suggest hospitalization. It should not be neglected, especially if the child quickly lost weight and a lot of fluid.
• gluten deficiency. In medical language, this disorder sounds like celiac disease. The problem is that the body of the baby, due to a deficiency of the necessary enzyme, does not digest food containing gluten. Most often, celiac disease manifests itself with the introduction of complementary foods. All foods containing gluten are excluded from the diet: semolina, barley, wheat groats, pasta, bread, rolls, sweet pastries, etc.
• Dysbacteriosis. Quantitative and qualitative disorders in the intestinal microflora can manifest themselves to varying degrees. In mild forms of dysbacteriosis, colic, bloating, a small amount of mucus, and constipation occur. If the changes in the microflora are significant, the growth of pathogenic bacteria increases, and beneficial bifidumbacteria are suppressed, there is a lot of mucus in the stool, diarrhea, streaks of blood, and the remains of curdled milk. The formation of beneficial intestinal microflora is a delicate and lengthy process. Some doctors prefer not to treat dysbacteriosis in infants, because the baby has a natural process of colonization of the intestines with microflora and the formation of immunity. Any intervention can disrupt the natural balance and "spoil" the intestines, which must independently "deal" with beneficial and pathogenic bacteria.

Lactase deficiency and mucus in stools

If the baby poops mucus, lactase deficiency may be a possible cause. This diagnosis appeared in pediatrics relatively recently. Perhaps ever since low-lactose mixtures appeared on the domestic market. What are the symptoms of lactase deficiency and should it be treated?

• What is lactase deficiency? Infants often experience lactase deficiency, that is, they do not produce the enzyme lactase in the required amount, which is necessary for the breakdown of lactose, the main carbohydrate in milk.
• What is she like? Most newborns have transient lactase deficiency. This means that over time it will pass. In rare cases, congenital lactase deficiency occurs when the newborn does not produce the enzyme at all. The baby has loose stools with mucus, lumps of undigested food, the child suffers from colic and gas. Also, lactase deficiency can be acquired: it occurs after intestinal infections and food allergies. During illness, the ability of the small intestine to produce the necessary enzyme is disrupted, which leads to malfunctions in the digestive system.
• What happens when there is too much lactose in the colon? The stool becomes liquid due to the large amount of water, foamy due to the formation of gases, green due to the rapid passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract, mucous due to irritation of the intestinal walls. The more unsplit lactose, the more feces with mucus in the baby.

The question arises, how to treat lactase deficiency? First of all, it must be correctly diagnosed. To do this, you need to contact a pediatric gastroenterologist, who will prescribe tests for the presence of carbohydrates in the feces. The principle of treatment is minimal interference in the independent process of enzyme production in infants. A lactose-free diet is recommended for a nursing mother, a low-lactose mixture and a lactase enzyme are recommended for formula-fed babies.

Green or yellow stools with mucus: 3 important points

The green color of the stool in children under one year old is considered a physiological norm. A milk diet gives just such a color to the stool. In addition, the rapid passage and digestion of food leads to green stools (the greener it is, the faster the food is digested). If a child has green stools with mucus, should I be worried?

1. Make sure it's not diarrhea. Diarrhea is often accompanied by green stools, foam and mucus. A number of bright signs are added to these symptoms: the baby's anxiety, refusal to eat, weight loss, frequent stools, sudden emptying with cotton and gas, vomiting, high temperature.
2. Green mucus in the stool of a baby. May indicate irritation of the colon. Nothing wrong with that. If the baby feels well and is gaining weight normally, enzyme therapy or treatment of dysbacteriosis is not needed. Some modern pediatricians believe that these appointments do not make sense. Abroad, it is generally not customary to prescribe any beneficial bacteria to children under two years of age: it is believed that they are not absorbed in the intestines and pass in transit. With a bacterial infection, green mucus acquires a fetid odor, the baby loses its appetite, there may be fever, vomiting. But these are already serious reasons for seeking medical help.
3. Yellow stool with mucus in the baby. In a child up to a year, the yellow color of the stool and its different shades are considered the norm. It is especially characteristic of artificial children. If the baby is transferred to another mixture, a color change towards yellowness is also observed. A small part of the mucus with a good health of the child should not disturb the parents. If there is a lot of mucus, the baby behaves restlessly, gains weight poorly, these symptoms should not be ignored.

If a child has green diarrhea with mucus, you should immediately consult a doctor. The danger of diarrhea in infancy is the rapid dehydration of the body, which can be life threatening.

A stool with mucus in a child should not alert parents. The condition of the baby who has this symptom should be alarming. The most important indicator of health for children in their first year of life is weight gain, good sleep, and showing interest in the world around them. If the baby enjoys life, you should not be overshadowed by mucus in his stool.

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A happy, cheerful, and most importantly healthy child is the key to parental peace of mind, so the occurrence of suspicious symptoms is always alarming and serves as a reason for a visit to the pediatrician. The appearance of transparent mucus in the feces of a child, regardless of age and accompanied by additional symptoms, is no exception, because the well-coordinated work of the digestive organs is a guarantee of good health and good health.

Why does mucus appear in the stool

Mucus is a viscous substance produced by the cells of the epithelial tissue of the mucous membranes. The antiseptics and immunoglobulins contained in the mucus perform a protective function in the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Mucus helps in the promotion of food, protects the mucous membranes from bile, acid, alkali.

A little clear mucus coming out with feces is a natural phenomenon that you will not find in a child's pot, but an excessive amount of it, noticeable to the naked eye, indicates a malfunction in the intestines.

The appearance in the body of inflammation, pathogenic microbes, force the cells to produce a secret in large quantities in order to resist the disease.

Dr. Komarovsky about intestinal infections, video:

Mucus in the stool of a newborn baby

If a newborn baby poops mucus, then a nursing mother should reconsider her diet, it is possible that forbidden foods were consumed during breastfeeding: high-calorie, fatty, spicy dishes. If a nursing mother, without violating the rules, eats properly, it is advisable to check the sterility of breast milk.

For artificial children, a milk formula is selected that is maximally adapted to the composition of natural nutrition, dishes for feeding are properly sterilized and boiled.

An allergic reaction to lactose can also cause mucus in the feces of a child, in this case, a "lactose-free" mixture is selected for the children, and the nursing mother switches to a dairy-free diet.

In general, mucus in the feces of infants (from 0 to 3 months) is a normal phenomenon, the child's digestive organs begin to adapt to a new diet, proper functioning.

Starting from 6-7 months, the child is introduced to the first complementary foods in the form of vegetable and fruit purees, so the reaction of the intestines in the form of feces with mucus should not frighten the parents, over time the child's stomach will get used to the new food.

Mucus stool in a 1 year old

Often the cause of mucus in the stool in a 12-month-old baby and older is a runny nose and a cold. The baby cannot blow his nose on his own, mucus from the nasal passages and sputum from coughing enters the stomach and, in an undigested form, comes out with feces.

The reasons for the mucus that appeared in the feces in older children (3-4 years) are easier to identify, the baby can already complain, describe what and how it hurts.

Pathologies accompanied by the appearance of mucus in the feces

The presence of a small amount of mucus in the feces of a child who feels well should not disturb the parents. Another thing is when there is a lot of it and the appearance is accompanied by the following symptoms: fever, nausea and vomiting, with a smell not characteristic of normal feces, cutting, stabbing pains in the abdomen. There is no need to hesitate, you need to ask for help, because The combination of these symptoms can be a sign of gastrointestinal diseases, including:

• Food poisoning, drug poisoning - ingestion of poisons, toxins disrupts the vital activity of the body.

The first symptoms of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea with mucus, and abdominal pain. While waiting for the ambulance to be called, provide the child with plenty of fluids, give activated charcoal, and induce vomiting if there is none.

The disease affects children of all ages.

Frequent symptoms can be skin rashes, lethargy, weight loss with abundant nutrition, decreased vital and physical energy, feces contain mucus, and helminthic invasions.

• - The main reason is non-compliance with hygiene standards and rules.

The causative agents of intestinal infections are: salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, dysentery bacillus, some viruses. Bacteria can affect individual organs of the gastrointestinal tract, bringing the following diseases for treatment:, etc. Immediately seek help in case of incessant vomiting, lack of urine for more than 5 hours, if the child goes to the toilet liquidly and there is blood in the feces, pink mucus.

• Surgical diseases - violation of intestinal patency (,), requiring surgical intervention in complicated cases.

Manifested by severe bloating, vomit, sharp pains in the abdomen, small excretion of feces with impurities of mucus, blood.

Treatment

Before treating the occurrence of mucus in the feces, you need to find the true cause of this phenomenon. A specialist can make a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment based on the accompanying symptoms. The doctor will tell you which test to take (general, dysbacteriosis) and how to treat a child of a particular age.

Do not self-medicate, taking even a harmless drug should be discussed with the pediatrician over the phone. Do not take medication for prevention purposes.

The only medicines that can be used without consulting a doctor are activated charcoal and solutions for rehydration of the body.

The best prevention of intestinal diseases will be a balanced diet with quality products, personal hygiene.

Dr. Komarovsky about dysbacteriosis, video:

Children's first aid kit for all occasions

A children's first aid kit should be equipped “from A to Z”: antipyretics, dressings, special tools (enemas, aspirators, tweezers, scissors) and much more. Here we will touch upon the availability of medicines for providing primary care for poisoning, diarrhea, constipation, diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract.

Stool problems are one of the most common concerns for parents. Often, infants have mucous stools. Such a phenomenon should at least alert the mother and be stricter about her diet and feeding the baby. If there are streaks of blood in the feces, it has a greenish color, it smells sharp, then you should visit a pediatrician for a consultation. It is also necessary to pay attention to the general condition of the child, his appetite, sleep and mood.

Causes of mucous stools in babies

The causes of mucous stools in an infant can be very diverse, from nutritional errors to all kinds of diseases. The most common of these are:

1. Incorrect feeding regimen. If a lot of time passes between meals, and the child eats a large amount of food at a time, then fermentation processes can begin in the intestines and mucus can form.
2. Runny nose. With viral infections in a child, mucus is actively produced in the nasal cavity, which enters the digestive system and is excreted along with feces. In this case, the amount of mucus is small.
3. Too early or incorrect introduction of complementary foods. In case of violation of the mode of introduction of complementary foods, too early feeding, non-compliance with the order of introduction of products, mucus may appear in the feces. In such cases, it is better to refuse the introduced products for some time, you can resume their introduction after the normalization of the stool.
4. Inappropriate mix.
5. Errors in the nutrition of a nursing woman. Especially often, the appearance of a mucous stool leads to the use of foods that increase gas formation, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits in large quantities.
6. Incorrect attachment of the baby to the breast. If the baby is at the breast for a short period of time, then he manages to suck out only the liquid front milk. Namely, hind milk contains the lactase enzyme necessary for the child, in addition, it is this milk that gives a feeling of fullness.
7. Taking certain medications. Mucous stools may be a reaction to the use of certain drugs. So, for example, the body of babies often reacts to taking simethicone-based products, which are used to alleviate children's colic.
8. Intestinal infections of various nature. It can be dysentery, amoebiasis, rotavirus, salmonellosis and others. In this case, in addition to mucus in the stool, there are other symptoms of the disease.
9. Atopic dermatitis.
10. Intestinal obstruction.
11. Gluten deficiency.
12. Dysbacteriosis. This reason is considered one of the most common factors causing the appearance of mucous stools in infants.

Type of mucous stool in infants

Greenish or yellow stools and a small amount of mucus in infants is considered a normal variant. However, in some cases, such coloring of feces indicates the presence of pathologies. So, when a green or yellow liquid mucous stool appears, parents should call a doctor, especially if the baby refuses to eat, becomes restless, has a fever or weight loss.

The appearance of green mucus in the stool may indicate irritation of the large intestine. In such cases, it is worth paying attention to the general condition of the child, if he is gaining weight well, his appetite is not disturbed, then there is no reason to worry. But liquid green mucous feces with a sharp unpleasant odor, accompanied by fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, is most likely a symptom of an intestinal infection. Mucous stools that are yellow in color are considered normal. This coloring of the feces can take on when changing the mixture.

The causes of liquid mucous stools in infants can lie not only in infections, but also in malnutrition or dysbacteriosis. When it appears, it is better to visit a doctor and find out the reasons for this phenomenon. However, you should not panic, especially if the general condition of the child is good. In this case, it is worth reviewing his diet and the nutrition of the nursing mother. In case of dysbacteriosis, you should consult a specialist and, on his recommendation, start a course of bifido drugs.

Mucous stool in the baby, what to do?

The appearance of a mucous stool in a baby should be the reason to take a closer look at the baby, pay attention to the presence of other signs of pathology. It is advisable to visit a doctor and find out the reasons for this condition. If you suspect dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections and other diseases, you should undergo examinations and take tests.

Urgent medical attention should be sought in the following cases:

• the child has vomiting and diarrhea;
• elevated temperature;
• there is an admixture of blood in the feces;
• the baby's stool is watery, observed 10-12 times a day and more often;
• the amount of urination decreases, and the urine acquires a sharp unpleasant odor.