Chronic diarrhea in infants that mothers must know & bull; hello healthy

Diarrhea is characterized by loose and watery stools. Common diarrhea can resolve within days if treated. However, symptoms can develop chronic if diarrhea is left unchecked. Chronic diarrhea that occurs in babies can be dangerous because it lasts longer than regular diarrhea.

There are several causes of diarrhea in babies and why they can develop chronic, and how to deal with them. Come on, see the explanation below.

These are the characteristics of chronic diarrhea in infants

One way to identify a baby with diarrhea is from the feces. Normal baby stool is usually yellowish, brown, to greenish in color. The shape is also soft, thick like a paste, and a variety of other forms.

Meanwhile, in babies who have diarrhea, the feces will have the following characteristics.

mushy, wet, watery
darker than normal in color
bad odor
there is blood or mucus

As for the common symptoms of chronic diarrhea in babies.

fussy endure pain in his stomach
nausea
gag
shivering
Bloody stools
fever
diet changes
swollen stomach
weight loss

Diarrhea can develop chronic when it lasts more than 2 weeks. Why does diarrhea last longer? There are several factors that cause it, such as infections, digestive system disorders, food allergies, to inflammatory bowel disease.

The causes of chronic diarrhea in infants can have an impact on malabsorption. Malabsorption occurs when the intestines are unable to absorb nutrients from food. In the future, babies do not get nutrients from the food that goes into their digestion, causing malnutrition.

Malnutrition can lead to the failure of a baby to grow and develop, so that the weight is considered lower than the normal weight for age. Overall, this will have an impact on brain growth and height of the child.

So that this negative impact does not happen to babies, of course there are ways to overcome the problem of chronic diarrhea.

How to deal with chronic diarrhea in babies

Babies who experience chronic diarrhea, their nutrient absorption is not optimal. The digestive system plays an important role in obtaining nutrients from food that enter the body for the growth and development of the baby in the future.

For that, here's how to deal with chronic diarrhea in babies.

1. Partial hydrolyzed milk feeding

Chronic diarrhea is one of the digestive disorders in babies. For babies who consume formula milk, they are still given milk intake. In the meantime, you can give partially hydrolyzed milk.

According to a study, partially hydrolyzed milk can be the first aid in digestive disorders, such as colic, vomiting, diarrhea with or without protein loss or bleeding.

Research in the journal Nutrients, states that partially hydolated milk can be a good source of protein. Especially when babies have diarrhea and nutrient absorption is not optimal.

If you want to give partial hydrolyzed milk to chronic babies, there's nothing wrong with consulting a pediatrician to find out the rules for consumption.

2. Consult a doctor

It is better for the mother to immediately check with the baby to the pediatrician if she finds symptoms of chronic diarrhea. The doctor will identify what is the cause of the baby's chronic diarrhea.

If diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will give you antibiotics or certain drugs. Chronic diarrhea can often lead to dehydration, so your doctor may give you additional fluids through an IV. That way, the symptoms of chronic infant diarrhea can be resolved appropriately.

3. Maintain food consumption

If your baby has received solid solids, try giving them such as mashed and strained bananas, mashed apples, and rice-based cereals. Give this food until the symptoms of chronic diarrhea in the baby subside, accompanied by dietary or drug recommendations from the doctor.

For children who still drink whole milk, you need to pay attention to the daily diet. For example, avoid greasy foods, foods high in fiber, dairy products, or sugary foods or drinks.