Liquid yellow frothy feces in a child. The baby has foamy stools: causes and treatment

Often, foam in the stool in a child is nothing more than increased gas formation. Most often, this symptom appears in infants, since their digestive system is not yet completely perfect.

In older children, foaming, which began suddenly, indicates a malfunction in the digestive tract. Parents should observe the color of the discharge, its frequency, impurities in the stool and the presence of additional symptoms in the baby.

If the foam in the stool is accompanied by a high temperature, and the child looks sick, you should show it to the local pediatrician or call an ambulance.

Main reasons

Gas formation can disturb children of any age. Sometimes it is caused by the lack of a balanced diet. In some cases, this condition is caused by microorganisms or allergens.

Oddly enough, such a symptom is most dangerous in a child whose digestive system has long been debugged. In infants, diarrhea with foam is a more frequent and natural occurrence. But this does not mean at all that the child does not need to be shown to a specialist.

There are many reasons why gas bubbles can be observed in the stool.

In infants

The cause of diarrhea in a newborn baby depends on the type of feeding. If he feeds on mother's milk, foam can be observed at first, without being a pathology. This is the result of adaptation to certain substances of products that enter the child's stomach with milk. This is especially common if the mother ate stale or junk food.

What foods can cause foam in a baby's stool:

various multi-component salads (for example, olivier or vinaigrette) - all ingredients are gas-forming;
fast food;
allergens (chocolate, citrus fruits, red vegetables and fruits, cow's milk protein, gluten);
the use of yeast (baking, pastries, kvass or beer).

To prevent stomach problems in a baby, a nursing mother must adhere to a certain diet that excludes all forbidden foods. As a rule, after a few feedings, the baby's stool gradually improves.

Other causes of foamy diarrhea in a child:

lactase deficiency

It is a congenital anomaly of the child's body, which is expressed in the absence of an enzyme called lactase. Due to this, the baby's digestive system cannot absorb milk sugar.

If only the stool is disturbed, nutritional correction becomes sufficient for a full-fledged treatment. Rarely, foamy diarrhea is accompanied by frequent regurgitation, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Such symptoms require the use of drugs.

Dysbacteriosis

In the first minutes after birth, the body of a newborn child is completely sterile. Every minute, the baby begins to meet with new microbes that settle on his skin and get inside the body. The problem is solved by early attachment to the breast, due to which, along with colostrum, the necessary bacteria enter the digestive tract.

Very often, children who are bottle-fed from birth suffer from dysbacteriosis. In this case, the intestines are forced to colonize with beneficial microorganisms with the help of medicines.

food allergy

It can occur in infants on any type of feeding. Those babies who eat mother's milk receive allergens from her diet along with it. Formula-fed babies sometimes react with foamy stools to new formula.

This can manifest itself as an allergy to any medicines that were treated by a child or a nursing mother. Foaming is also very common during early feeding, especially with unsuitable foods.

Intestinal infection

The presence in the gastrointestinal tract of any pathogenic microorganisms necessarily affects the nature of the stool. Infectious diseases can be distinguished by a number of signs that are not manifested in other cases. The baby has a fever, he cries a lot, there is frequent vomiting.

If the stool appears more than 10 times a day and is accompanied by clots of mucus or blood, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Even if such a symptom is not accompanied by any additional manifestations, it is recommended to tell your doctor about it. Lack of treatment can lead to chronic disorders of the digestive system, which will not be easy to get rid of in the future.

In adult babies

Loose stools with foam in a child who is over 2-3 years old often indicates infectious diseases. As a rule, in older children, foam in the feces is not the only symptom in the presence of any pathologies.

Main reasons:

It is necessary to monitor the condition of the child when he begins to go to kindergarten. Sometimes there is a risk of infection with salmonella or staphylococcus aureus. Poisoning is manifested by diarrhea, vomiting, symptoms of general intoxication. With such signs, the baby is hospitalized in a hospital for examination and treatment.
Fermentative dyspepsia. This violation in the digestive tract develops due to excessive consumption of gas-producing foods (cabbage, soda, apples and pears, grapes, legumes). If foaming appeared precisely for this reason, the child's diet should be balanced, so that the problem will recede.

Adults should be attentive to the health of their child and not miss signs that may signal serious illnesses. Regardless of the root cause of the origin of gases in the intestines, experts recommend reconsidering the diet of the child and the nursing mother.

When to See a Doctor

Parents are required to consult a doctor about all the changes that occur in the child's body. If the baby does not show signs of anxiety, and the symptoms are limited to gases in the stool, you can postpone the question until the next visit to the pediatrician. However, in some cases, it is still not worth delaying contacting a specialist.

What symptoms pose a danger to the health of the crumbs:

rise in temperature to high levels;
the presence of mucus or blood in the feces;
the stool is accompanied by a pungent odor;
lethargy, weakness and excessive drowsiness in infants;
refusal to eat;
sleep disturbance;
the child bends its legs to the stomach, screams;
numerous regurgitations of more than a tablespoon at a time (these can be considered vomiting).

If one or more symptoms are observed, it is better not to take risks and show the child to a competent specialist. The quality and duration of further treatment depends on the timely appeal for help.

What to do for parents

In order for parents to provide first aid, it is necessary to establish the cause of this condition of the child. A nursing mother should establish a diet that should exclude all foods that provoke gas formation. If the child is transferred to artificial feeding, it is worth delaying this, and also not introducing a sharply new mixture to replace the usual one.

What parents should remember:

It is forbidden to self-medicate, especially in cases where the baby is not 1 year old. The methods offered by traditional medicine can do even more harm. Also, you can not prescribe medications on your own.
Consult a pediatrician. This should be done in any case, even if the child's condition is satisfactory during the foamy stool.
Pass tests. The doctor will advise you to undergo an examination to exclude dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections and enzyme deficiency.
The importance of prevention. If a similar condition has already been observed before, parents should pay attention to the regular prevention of diarrhea in their child. A set of measures will prevent the development of many diseases, avoid complications.

As a rule, if there are no serious pathological changes in the child's digestive tract, the foamy stool passes on its own, without any serious medical measures, 6 months after birth.

Prevention

Prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract includes the correction of the nutrition of a nursing mother and baby. You should contact a gastroenterologist to help you choose the most appropriate menu in a particular case.

It is recommended to permanently process all objects with which the baby comes into contact. Teats, pacifiers and toys should be washed in hot water and unscented soap. A nursing mother should regularly carry out breast hygiene, but you should not overdo it with processing either, as constant washing of the mammary glands will provoke dry skin and the appearance of cracks in the nipples.

The health of newborns is determined by many indicators, but the most noticeable of them is stool. All mothers pay attention to the color, texture and number of bowel movements and, when comparing, they are guided by the “reference” norms described in various baby care guidelines. The slightest deviations from the described norms cause anxiety in many mothers, and such phenomena include foamy stools in an infant.

Variants of normal stool in an infant

Traditionally, mushy, sour-smelling yellow stools are considered evidence of the normal functioning of the intestines in infants (it may contain lumps), but this norm is relevant only for an artificial person. The constant composition of the formula used for feeding ensures stable stool characteristics, and the composition of breast milk undergoes changes associated with the mother's diet and lactation period.

Uninformed mothers are frightened by the color of the baby's first stool (meconium), but putty-like black-green stool for a newborn is the norm. This dark shade persists for the first few days of life. With properly organized feeding, after a few days, the feces acquire a green color and a more liquid consistency. After colostrum is replaced by milk, feces acquire various shades - yellow with artificial feeding and yellow-brown with breastfeeding.

Since the enzyme system of the baby has not yet fully formed, the baby's feces can be:

with little mucus
with yellow and white lumps
liquid or puree
with sour-milk flavor

In a month-old baby, the intestines are emptied at least 3 times a day, and as much as possible after each feeding. . After 1.5 months, stools can be observed after each feeding, and once a day. The absence of regular stools in newborns is not considered constipation if the stool does not change its consistency and the child does not experience discomfort. In this case, a rare bowel movement is associated with a good absorption of mother's milk.

Close attention should be paid to the child if:

stool contains a lot of mucus
there are pieces of undigested food or blood in the stool
the stool has become very light, black or green in color
baby has watery or frothy stools

The presence of mucus (especially white), blood, white and black feces requires consultation with a doctor if the baby feels worse or changes in behavior.

Foamy stools are frightening in their unusualness, but are rarely a sign of serious illness.

Causes of foamy stools in babies

If there are no changes in the general condition of the child, the baby is active and cheerful, the causes of foamy stools should be sought in the nutrition of the baby and mother. This consistency may be due to:

Mom or baby using a new product. In this case, a green tint and an admixture of mucus are often observed. If the child shows anxiety, and this reaction persists for several days, the product should be excluded from the diet.
Early introduction of complementary foods. Not all mothers know why it is not necessary to accustom the baby to adult food very early, and mistakes in the introduction of complementary foods disrupt the functioning of the intestines. An enzyme system that allows you to digest new foods is formed in a baby by about six months. Breast milk containing enzymes has an important influence on its formation, and any types of complementary foods up to 5.5 months interfere with the maturation of the child's own enzymes.
Taking medications (for example, Plantex often affects the intestines - a drug for the treatment and prevention of colic).
Imbalance of "front" (accumulates between feedings) and "hind" milk. The lactose-rich, translucent blue foremilk is low in fat but contains proteins and water-soluble minerals, while the yellowish-white hindmilk contains a lactose-splitting enzyme and high amounts of fat. "Forward" milk is almost not absorbed, so the stool becomes frothy, watery and dark. The yellow color and texture of the puree is due to the highly digestible hind milk. Since there is no clear boundary between “front” and “hind” milk, it is recommended to wait until the baby has completely emptied one breast when feeding, and only then apply it to the second breast.

In the cases listed above, the problem is eliminated by correcting nutrition and breastfeeding.

When does foamy stool require a doctor's consultation?

Lactase deficiency

Sour-smelling liquid or watery frothy stools and frequent defecation may be due to lactase deficiency. To clarify the diagnosis in this case, it is necessary to take a stool test (determines the amount of carbohydrates) and consult a specialist, since these symptoms may be indicators of an allergic reaction to a new food (cow's milk proteins, etc.) or a lack of other enzymes. An allergic reaction is often accompanied by the appearance of rashes and requires the elimination of the allergen.

If the baby is gaining weight and developing normally, no specific treatment is required - the problem with lactase deficiency will disappear by itself by about 2 months.

Does not gain or lose weight, shows anxiety during or after feeding, suffers from bloating, it is necessary to add lactase to the expressed “front” milk during breastfeeding (the dose should be selected by the doctor), and then the baby should be supplemented from the breast with “hind” milk . Artificers are assigned low-lactose mixtures.

Other cases

The causes of foamy stools can be more serious. In such cases, stool changes are accompanied by other symptoms.

A green tint of feces can appear with an intestinal infection. Defecation will be frequent (up to 12 times during the day), and the stool will be frothy and liquid. Blood impurities are possible. The body temperature will be elevated, weakness, lack of appetite and vomiting may occur. Seeing a doctor in this case is mandatory, as babies become dehydrated very quickly.
A frothy white stool is an indicator of a violation of the outflow of bile, affecting the color of stool. For diagnosis, it is necessary to do a biochemical blood test, an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pass a stool test.
Foamy stools are often considered a symptom of dysbacteriosis, although many doctors deny the existence of such a disease (it is not in the international classification of diseases either). In a newborn, the sterile intestine is gradually populated with microflora, but there is no single “correct” ratio of microorganisms in the intestine, since the microflora depends on many factors. In addition, the prescribed tests for dysbacteriosis do not carry any useful information - the number and ratio of microorganisms in the feces does not correspond to their number in the intestine.
Often, mothers with green and frothy stools take tests of the baby's feces and worry about why they identified staphylococcus aureus and how to treat it. If the child as a whole feels well, it is not necessary to treat staphylococcus aureus - this microorganism lives in different parts of the body and, in the presence of other microflora, does no harm.

A child's stool is one of the main indicators of children's health, in appearance and chemical composition of which one can evaluate the work of the digestive organs. It is especially important to observe the stool in the first year of a baby's life, when the formation of intestinal microflora occurs and the production of digestive enzymes is being established. This process usually takes about 3-6 months, but in some children the digestive tract is not fully formed until 8-10 months.

Until this time, the child's feces can often change their texture, smell, and appearance. One of the changes that can occur at any age is the appearance of foam in the feces. This symptom does not always indicate pathologies in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, but in some cases it may require careful diagnosis and treatment, so the parents of infants need to know why the baby may have a stool with foam, and what to do in this case.

Feces of a child in the first days after birth looks like an unformed, viscous, sticky mass of predominantly black color. This feces is called meconium (original feces). Meconium is organic in nature and consists of epithelial cells, bile components, hair, which fall from the body of the child and are digested by his intestines during fetal development. The composition of meconium also contains a significant part of the water and amniotic fluid, mucus, and mineral salts. The original stool of a healthy newborn is odorless and passes completely within 1-3 days after birth.

On the fourth day of life, the child's feces acquire a light yellow, yellow or light brown color, the consistency of gruel, and may contain particles of undigested milk. If this does not happen, and impurities are found in the feces that are not characteristic of a healthy baby's stool (foam, a large amount of mucus, blood), the mother and child can be left in the maternity hospital or transferred to a children's hospital for a comprehensive examination.

Milk sugar intolerance

Lactose is a disaccharide found in dairy products, whole milk and breast milk (milk sugar). Lactose intolerance in most cases is associated with lactase deficiency. Lactase is a group of digestive enzymes needed to break down milk sugar into galactose and glucose molecules. In healthy children, lactase is synthesized by intestinal cells and is located on the surface of the membrane membranes of the small intestine, in which all nutrients, vitamins and mineral salts are absorbed.

In infants, lactase deficiency is quite common, since until the age of six months the body is not able to produce the necessary amount of enzymes to ensure comfortable digestion. Signs of lactase deficiency may include:

frothy, offensive, yellow or brown stools;
profuse regurgitation after feeding (the released masses contain undigested lumps of milk, resembling sour cottage cheese);
anxiety during feeding (the baby lets go of the breast 1-2 minutes after the start of feeding, knocks with its legs).

Children with lactase deficiency may lag behind in weight and height, while physiological development usually remains within the age norm.

Important! True lactase deficiency occurs in only 3-5% of babies, so do not worry if a child under 6 months old shows signs of lactose intolerance. For correction, the child may be prescribed enzyme preparations (for example, "Lactase Baby"). If the child is breastfed, the use of adapted milk mixtures is indicated.

Allergy to mother's milk

A very rare form of allergy, with a prevalence of less than 3.8%. Allergy to breast milk is not associated with the diet of a nursing mother and is most often caused by intolerance to lactoglobulins, which are found in large quantities in mother's milk. Symptoms of a true breast milk allergy may include:

loose stools with foam and a pungent odor;
skin rash, itching, diathesis, occurring mainly after feeding;
tension in the abdominal muscles (the child is crying, twitching his legs restlessly, vomiting is possible).

To confirm allergies, special tests and samples are carried out. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the infant must be transferred to feeding with hypoallergenic mixtures. If the signs of an allergy become too pronounced, an antihistamine can be given as first aid to the child. Children older than 1 month are allowed drops "Fenistil". The dosage for children of the first year of life is given in the table below.

Dosing regimen "Fenistil" for children under 12 months

You need to give the drug 3 times a day.

meconium ileus

This is a rare pathology that is detected on the first or second day of a child's life. Meconium ileus (meconium ileus) is an acute surgical pathology in which the original feces have an increased viscosity and get stuck in the intestine, forming a blockage of its lumen. A dark, odorless foam may come out of the child's anus, which may contain mucus and blood streaks.

Treatment of the disease is always prompt and is carried out immediately after the diagnosis of the pathology.

Note! In 90% of cases, meconium ileus occurs against the background of cystic fibrosis of varying severity - a genetic disease in which the endocrine glands are affected with severe respiratory dysfunction.

Common Causes

Foamy stool in a child, not associated with pathological factors, can occur for a number of reasons, some of which do not require any treatment and correction.

Improper attachment to the breast

It is taught to properly attach the baby to the breast even in the maternity hospital, but, as practice shows, many mothers have difficulties with organizing feeding for several weeks after arriving home. Incorrect attachment not only increases the likelihood of intestinal colic (due to copious swallowing of air), but also contributes to digestive disorders. If the baby only latch on to the nipple, he will only be able to draw out the foremilk, which is 95% water. The hindmilk, which is rich in fats and has a higher nutritional value, enters the milk ducts when the baby squeezes the areola intensely.

If a child receives a large amount of foremilk for a long time, fermentation processes are intensified in him, which leads to the appearance of abundant foamy stools. The urge to defecate can become painful, so the baby may be restless, cry and act up. Almost always, fermentation processes are accompanied by bloating and increased formation of gases, the movement of which causes painful intestinal colic.

To avoid this, it is important to properly organize the feeding process. The scheme of correct attachment to the chest is shown in the figure below.

Taking antibiotics

The baby's gut continues to colonize with beneficial bacteria for 4 to 8 months after birth, which can lead to stool changes and digestive upset. If an infant was prescribed antibacterial or antimicrobial agents, a few colonies of beneficial microorganisms die under the influence of active substances. Intestinal dysbacteriosis may be accompanied by frothy loose stools with a fetid odor, abdominal pain, vomiting and regurgitation.

To prevent pathology, it is recommended to start taking bifidopreparations from the first day of treatment with antibacterial agents, maintaining an hourly interval between their intake. Children of the first year of life can be given the following drugs:

"Bifidumbacterin" (contraindicated in lactase deficiency);
"Bifiform Baby";
"Linex" in powder;
"Acipol" (mix the contents of the capsule with the liquid).

It is necessary to take probiotics within 7-10 days. In some cases, the doctor may recommend a longer use - about 20-30 days.

Errors in the scheme of introduction of complementary foods

Many mothers try to introduce new foods and tastes to the baby as soon as possible and begin to introduce complementary foods at 3-4 months. This is a big mistake, since the baby's digestive tract is not ready to cope with such a load and reacts to it with a change in stool. The stool may become thin, frothy, watery, and may have an unpleasant odor.

In order for the introduction of complementary foods to be comfortable for the child, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules.

Breastfed babies do not need additional foods and drinks until the age of six months (provided that the mother has enough milk and her diet consists of healthy and varied foods).
Children receiving milk substitutes can be introduced complementary foods from 5 months.
Despite the fact that the labeling on some ready-made baby foods allows consumption from 3-4 months, they should be introduced at this age only on the recommendation of a pediatrician.
You should start your acquaintance with new tastes with hypoallergenic fruits and vegetables (green apples, pears, zucchini). To prepare the first cereals, it is better to use buckwheat or oatmeal.

A chair with foam can be provoked not only by the early introduction of complementary foods, but also by the abundant content in the menu of products that cause flatulence and fermentation processes. One of these products is zucchini. The norm of its consumption in the first weeks of complementary foods is no more than 40-50 g per day. The same picture can be observed when a child eats too much prunes - you can enter it into the menu no more than 1-2 times a week in the amount of 30-40 g.

Foam Stools - When Should You Worry?

In some cases, frothy stools can be a warning sign that indicates a serious medical condition. To differentiate the norm with a possible pathology, it is necessary to assess the condition of the child and observe his well-being.

Infectious inflammation of the intestine

Intestinal infections in children of the first year of life are quite common. In most cases, acute infection occurs in children older than 6 months who receive complementary foods. The causative agent of infection can be found in poorly processed and stale meat, fish, eggs, cottage cheese. Non-compliance with hand and toy hygiene can also provoke infection in the child's digestive tract, so it is important to regularly wet clean and disinfect the surrounding area.

It is especially necessary to closely monitor the cleanliness of objects that the child constantly pulls into his mouth: nipples, pacifiers, rodents, teethers. They must be washed with soap and hot water after each use, and it is best to store them in a plastic bag (teethers and teethers can be put in the refrigerator).

The main symptom of any intestinal infection is diarrhea. Stool with diarrhea may be watery or frothy. Foamy feces are more often observed with salmonellosis and dysentery. Some viral infections caused by rotaviruses and enteroviruses can also present with loose, foamy stools. Feces have a fetid, pungent odor, may contain streaks of mucus, drops of blood and particles of undigested food. In addition, the child has other signs:

vomiting (more often - profuse, repeated, not bringing relief);
refusal to eat;
pale skin;
dryness of the lips and mucous membranes of the mouth (caused by dehydration);
high temperature (can rise to 40 °).

Important! Treatment of intestinal infections in children of the first year of life should be carried out in a hospital, as children of this age group are at increased risk of mortality. At home, the child needs plenty of fluids (1 teaspoon every 10 minutes), food rest (fasting). Before the doctors arrive, you can give the baby any enterosorbent (Smektu, Polysorb, Enterosgel). With severe vomiting, you can give Motilium syrup - its dosage is determined by the weight of the child and is measured using the dosing syringe included in the package.

Infection with worms

Helminthiases in infants are quite common. The main cause of infection with worms is non-observance of personal hygiene and the rules of sanitization of the surrounding space. If there are pets in the house, they can also be a source of helminthiasis, so treatment with anthelmintic drugs must be carried out at least 2 times a year. It is important to monitor the child's behavior on the street: many worms live in contaminated soil, sand, and water. There are especially many worms in puddles, in which children of any age like to play.

Acute helminthiasis is manifested by quite characteristic signs, among which may be:

thick, frothy stools with a strong odor;
irritation in the anus (especially common in enterobiasis);
vomiting and profuse regurgitation;
temperature increase within subfebrile condition;
pale skin;
skin rash.

If the disease becomes chronic, the symptoms are "erased", and the only manifestations of the pathology may be abdominal pain, intestinal colic, spasms, accompanied by tension in the abdominal muscles. Almost always, chronic helminthiasis is accompanied by a violation of the stool: feces can be liquid, watery, they may contain foam, mucus.

The choice of drugs for the treatment of helminthic invasion in children of the first year of life should be carried out by the attending physician, since they have a high degree of toxicity and negatively affect the functions of hepatocytes that make up the liver tissue. Some of the drugs in this group are allowed to be taken only from a certain age, so before giving the baby a medicine for worms, you should consult a doctor.

List of drugs for the treatment of helminthiasis in children of the first year of life

Name of the drug and form of release	Image	At what age can you give?	Dosing regimen
		From 6 months	125 mg once during feeding or immediately after it. With invasions caused by hookworms, the drug is prescribed for 3 days at a dosage of 10 mg per kilogram of the child's weight.
		Approved for use in children weighing more than 12 kg.	1 measuring spoon of suspension (12.5 ml) for every 10 kg of the child's weight once
		From 10 months	125 mg once during feeding

Video - Baby chair: what is normal and what is not

About hygiene

If the baby has feces with foam, it is important to provide sufficient hygiene care, which consists in daily bathing and washing the genitals after each bowel movement. If conditions allow, it is better to do without diapers until the stool normalizes, since prolonged contact with such stools can cause severe irritation and burning. After hygiene measures, it is recommended to arrange air baths lasting 20-30 minutes. If signs of irritation appear (redness, red spots, diaper rash), you should lubricate the skin 2-3 times a day with an ointment based on dexpanthenol (" Bepanthen», « D-panthenol”), baby cream or liquid vitamin E. For the duration of treatment, it is necessary to exclude zucchini, prunes and other products that contain a large amount of water and help thin the stool.

Normal stool does not cause complications if a person eats properly, does not suffer from chronic diseases. Violations can occur after a recent operation, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If all of the above factors are absent, then the issue of violation of the chair should be considered more carefully.

normal adult stool

Everyone knows that each organism is individual, so the color and consistency of feces depends not only on food, but also on metabolic processes. It is optimal that a person empties daily, but once every two days is also considered the norm. Feces normally have a thick consistency, there are no foreign impurities (blood, mucus, foam).

Even in the case when emptying occurs every 2-3 days, do not worry. There is a high probability that the problem lies in malnutrition.

Diarrhea with foam

Frequent stool causes panic in almost every person. If the stool is hard
and emptying is not accompanied by any discomfort, then it is highly likely that the reason was the use of an unusual product that accelerated digestion.

You need to worry only when the consistency of the feces becomes liquid, blood impurities, mucus, foam are visible in it, the stomach starts to hurt, the temperature rises. In this situation, self-treatment cannot be limited, it is necessary to call an ambulance.

loose stool

Not always a similar consistency of feces indicates the presence of problems with digestion. If loose stools are not plentiful, not accompanied by unpleasant sensations, then we can talk about its natural nature.

This happens if the day before, foods were consumed that contribute to its dilution, for example, fruits, vegetables, sour-milk, as well as alcohol, especially beer and wine. In the latter case, the natural release of the body from alcohol intoxication occurs.

Foam instead of regular feces in an adult

In the vast majority of cases, this indicates the development of fermentation processes, which are caused by excessive consumption of carbohydrates.

In this case, as a rule, there is a strong bloating and flatulence. In this case, it is necessary to temporarily exclude sweet fruits and some vegetables, drinks containing yeast (beer, kvass, wine) from the menu.

The diet should be enriched with cereals to consolidate the contents of the stomach and improve peristalsis.

Mucus and foam appeared in the feces of an adult

This phenomenon can occur for a rather banal reason: eating mucus-forming foods. Mucous cereals, sour-milk, berries, fruits can provoke this. Along with a change in the consistency of feces, flatulence, bloating and pain in the abdomen, and diarrhea can be observed.

If the discomfort is not associated with eating, the following pathologies can be suspected:

Crohn's disease;
Dysbacteriosis;
Ulcerative colitis;
irritable bowel syndrome;
Bacterial, viral or intestinal infections;
Fissures in the intestines.

A similar phenomenon can also occur after prolonged use of antibacterial drugs.

Stool with blood and foam

The appearance of impurities in the stool is a reason to consult a doctor, especially when blood appears. If the latter is on top of the stool, has a bright color, the cause may be hiding in the anal fissure.

The stool may be black. This means that the blood has already clotted. Accordingly, we can say that bleeding occurs in the upper sections of the intestinal tract, since the blood has changed its color in the process of passing through all sections.

If the stool is small, but there are many bloody impurities, an ulcer is suspected.

Why foam appeared in the feces of an adult

The reasons can be very diverse, ranging from the body's reaction to food and ending with serious pathologies:

Taking medications;
Eating stale or contaminated food;
Individual intolerance to the components of the drug or food product;
the aforementioned intestinal infections;
Enterocolitis, inflammation of the small / large intestine;
Feces with foam present in it is also a symptom of pathologies such as colitis, pancreatitis, gastritis and hepatitis;
Nervous / emotional overstrain, stress;
Overeating, poor nutrition, eating a lot of fat, drinking alcohol or coffee.

Symptoms of diarrhea include the following conditions: a sharp rise in temperature; there is pain and discomfort in the abdomen; skin rashes appear; in the feces there are impurities (blood, mucus, foam), it has a strong unpleasant odor.

Chair color

In addition to the consistency, the color of the stool also plays an important role. For example, light from gray to whitish can indicate many disorders.

Very often, this is observed in Crohn's disease, rotavirus infection, kidney stones and a violation of the intestinal microflora (dysbacteriosis), in the presence of malignant and benign tumors.

Black color occurs both due to the use of appropriate foods, and due to internal bleeding that occurs in the upper intestinal tract.

The green color of the foam indicates the fermentation processes taking place in the body. They can be caused by excessive consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates, the development of a bacterial infection. When green stools appear, mucus is often present in varying amounts.

Saturated yellow color indicates problems with the biliary tract. As a rule, pathologies of this kind are accompanied by the appearance of a bitter taste in the mouth.

The color and consistency of the stool may change depending on changes in gastronomic preferences and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Green cal. Often, feces change their color to greenish with dysentery, oncological pathologies, and bleeding in the upper intestinal tract. Less commonly, the cause is dietary errors (excessive amounts of carbohydrates). As a result, fermentation processes are intensified, flatulence, abdominal pain, bloating occur;
Yellow cal. The main reason is the pathology of the organs of the digestive system or biliary tract. Often the yellow color of feces is observed in people suffering from violations of the outflow of bile. Also, a similar symptom occurs in the presence of kidney stones. Dysfunction of the pancreas also leads to yellow stools, when many enzymes cannot be broken down;
Light cal. A grayish tint, a sharp and rather unpleasant odor indicate malabsorption. Excessive consumption of fatty foods leads to the fact that the pancreas cannot digest it, as a result, the feces become discolored. Light stools are also observed in such serious pathologies as pancreatitis and hepatitis;
Black cal. It has already been mentioned above that this happens with bleeding in the upper intestines, when blood is present in the feces and coagulates during its passage through the intestinal tract. However, black color can also occur after taking certain medications, for example, activated charcoal, anemia remedies;
White cal. In the vast majority, this phenomenon indicates pathologies of the biliary tract, when the outflow of bile is difficult or completely. The problem may be hidden in the presence of a tumor or stones. White color can also indicate dysbacteriosis.
The color and consistency of bowel movements can change significantly over a person's life. What was the norm in adolescence, in an adult may indicate the presence of pathology. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor this indicator and, if alarming signs appear, consult a doctor.
If the change in color and consistency of stools is accompanied by discomfort for several days, it is necessary to consult a specialist. Source -

Normally, the baby of the first month of life defecates 4-6 times a day (small deviations are allowed). Then the chair becomes less frequent, and by the year it is considered normal if he goes to the toilet 1-2 times a day. The stool of a newborn has a mushy consistency, yellow color. In the process of growth, with the addition of new products to the diet, its color changes to light brown and brown.

The infant's digestive system adjusts to the new environment and can sometimes react with watery, foamy stools. It is considered normal if this does not happen often and is not accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition of the child. However, there are situations when parents need to immediately consult a doctor.

When do you need a doctor's help?

Urgent consultation with a pediatrician and medical assistance is needed in the following cases:

If the baby has loose stools with foam more often than prescribed by the norm.
If the baby is pale, lethargic, refuses to eat, cries.
If stools with foam are accompanied by fever and deterioration of the general condition.
When the discharge has a green tint or contains an admixture of mucus and blood.
If indigestion is accompanied by vomiting.
When there are signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, a long absence of urination.

All these cases require special attention of parents and physicians. In some of them, timely assistance can save a child's life and health.

Causes of foamy stools in babies

If your baby is suffering from diarrhea, in which watery stools with foam are observed, then you should carefully analyze all areas of his life: diet, medications, the presence of diseases. Factors that caused indigestion in a baby can be:

Reaction to food. The digestive system of a small person is still weak and not perfect. In the stomach of the baby, many of the enzymes that help digest food are missing. Diarrhea occurs as a reaction of a small body to a new food. It happens when a mother eats foods that she did not eat before pregnancy, with the wrong selection of complementary foods and milk formulas, and the transition to a mixed diet. Watery, frothy stools may be a reaction to eating foods that are too fatty, coarse, or sugary.
Reaction to medications. If the mother takes medication, then their components can pass into breast milk and cause a negative reaction in the baby in the form of indigestion and foamy bowel movements.
Imbalance in mother's milk. The imbalance of breast milk is that the baby consumes only the so-called "top milk", which is less rich in nutrients. While the last or "hind milk" of the mother is considered the most useful and valuable. An imbalance in breastfeeding may also be due to a lack of lactase. The lactase enzyme is directly involved in the process of digestion. If it is not enough, the baby may have a liquid discharge with an unpleasant odor.
Intestinal infection. The most dangerous disease for a newborn. With the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the body of an infant, an acute reaction develops in the form of high fever and persistent diarrhea. The feces at the same time has a greenish color and may contain impurities of mucus and blood.

This condition is very dangerous for the child and requires an immediate call for an ambulance. Rapidly developing dehydration can cause a sharp deterioration in the child's condition and cause his death.

Dysbacteriosis. With a decrease in beneficial bacteria that contribute to the digestion of food, a persistent indigestion develops in infants. The following symptoms are noted: bloating, frequent bowel movements with foam.
Other factors. Hot stuffy weather, teething, nervousness due to the long absence of parents, untimely feeding and care can provoke indigestion in the baby.

What to pay attention to

It is necessary to pay attention not only to the consistency of the baby's secretions, but also to the color and presence of impurities:

Liquid, light-colored stools may be a sign of putrefactive processes in the intestines or the presence of an infection. Consult a doctor to determine the cause in time and start treatment;
Allocations of a green marsh hue with an unpleasant odor indicate malnutrition and milk imbalance. If at the same time the temperature rises, then this indicates the presence of an intestinal infection. In this case, go to the hospital immediately;
Foamy yellow feces can be a sign of dysbacteriosis and eating disorders. It is necessary to pass tests for dysbacteriosis.
White feces with the presence of white undigested lumps indicates incomplete digestion of milk. This can happen due to overeating or the introduction of complementary foods. Medical help should be sought if such a phenomenon is observed too often and is accompanied by anxiety and crying of the baby.
Liquid and watery feces occur with lactase deficiency and incomplete absorption of carbohydrates. In this case, fermentation and frequent release of gases are observed. Nutrition needs to be balanced. For information on how to do this correctly, consult a pediatrician.

What to do if the baby has indigestion?

If there are problems with digestion in infants, first of all, it is necessary to assess the severity of his condition and, if necessary, immediately call an ambulance. Before the arrival of doctors, he must be given enough drinking water in order to avoid dehydration.