Why do children have intestinal bacteria disorders?

The article was consulted with Specialist Doctor I, Resident Doctor Nguyen Hung Tien - Doctor of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

The intestinal microbiota has the largest number of bacteria compared to other areas of the body, so their balance has a great impact on human health. Disturbance of gut bacteria is a very common condition in children.

The intestinal microflora is formed after the baby is born, the bacteria in the gut play an important role in human health, they help synthesize essential nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin B12. and biotin; development and regulation of the child's immune system; support the development of gastrointestinal health... Normally, a healthy child's microbiome has 85% good bacteria and 15% harmful bacteria. If this balance is lost, the rate of harmful bacteria increases, the body will weaken in immunity, reduce resistance and be susceptible to a number of inflammatory diseases, especially digestive and respiratory diseases. mental health...

Intestinal bacteria disorder is a common condition in children, due to an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the digestive tract, usually the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, harmful bacteria increases, causing a condition. Intestinal infections with common symptoms in children such as loose stools, raw stools, possibly with mucus or a little blood, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of fullness and mild fever. In some cases, children with severe intestinal dysbiosis, without early detection and proper treatment, can experience severe dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, leading to prolonged exhaustion and malnutrition.
Intestinal dysbacteriosis can be caused by giving solid foods to babies too early (before 6 months of age) or having an unreasonable diet; malnourished children; Climate change creates favorable conditions for harmful bacteria in the gut to grow.
In addition, for children who use high-dose and prolonged antibiotics to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, pneumonia... accidentally destroy beneficial bacteria, affecting the balance of sugar bacteria. intestine .

Disturbances in intestinal microflora, the first sign is the occurrence of digestive system problems such as: digestive disorders, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome... and mental problems such as depression, anxiety, mental sluggishness, poor concentration.
Intestinal dysbacteriosis makes the body less able to absorb nutrients, anorexia leads to lack of nutrients, slow weight gain, underweight malnutrition and in the long run can lead to stunting malnutrition.
Reducing the percentage of beneficial bacteria in the intestines makes children less resistant to diseases such as cholera, dysentery, chronic colitis... Especially, when children have severe digestive disorders with diarrhea symptoms. Prolonged use will cause body weakness, kidney failure, coma, even life-threatening if the child is not treated with timely rehydration and electrolytes.

To help children regain the balance of intestinal bacteria, parents should:
Breastfeed your baby soon after birth, exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months, and only give complementary foods when the child is 6 months old. (Because children under 6 years old do not have enough enzymes to digest foods other than breast milk, leading to digestive disorders and damage to the baby's small intestine). Feed your child foods that provide a source of beneficial bacteria or support the growth of beneficial bacteria such as fermented foods (yogurt); foods high in fiber (eg, legumes, oats, bananas, or onions); cereals; tea; fruit drinks... When preparing food for children, it is necessary to ensure that the ingredients are fresh, cooked thoroughly and hygienically. Children should be taught to wash their hands with antibacterial soap before eating and after using the toilet. Do not allow children to suck their thumbs or put toys in their mouths. When children have signs of digestive disorders, it is necessary to take the child to the doctor and take medicine as prescribed by the doctor, do not arbitrarily give the child medicine because it can make the disease worse, causing many difficulties in the diagnosis process. and treatment.

In addition, to prevent gastrointestinal symptoms such as intestinal dysbacteriosis in children, parents should supplement children with supportive products containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, and selenium. , B vitamins. These essential vitamins support digestion very well and also help enhance nutrient absorption, improve anorexia, and help children eat well. Parents can simultaneously apply dietary supplements and functional foods derived from nature for easy absorption. Parents, please accompany your child throughout the development process and regularly visit the website vimec.com to update useful baby care information.