Why is there foam in the stool of newborns?

The stomach and intestines of newborns are relatively fragile. In addition, they are generally breastfed, and breast milk contains mostly water, so their feces are relatively thin. However, some babies first show symptoms of foamy stools. Let us understand why newborns have foamy stools.

The main reason why baby's stool is foamy is that 80% of baby's stool is water, which is thinner due to breastfeeding. The E. coli in the intestines breaks down sugars and produces gas, so there will be foam. If it is not diarrhea, no special treatment is required.

1. Physiological diarrhea: Breast milk contains a lot of lactose. Most of the lactose is broken down by lactase in the skin and intestines to produce acid and gas, which stimulates the intestines and makes the stool appear diarrhea-like and foamy. Eating too much starch or sugary food can increase the fermentation of food in the intestine, and the resulting stool will be dark brown, watery and foamy.

2. Pathological diarrhea: If it is viral enteritis, it is mostly caused by rotavirus infection. If the medication is ineffective, send the stool for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test. If it is bacterial enteritis, use sensitive antibiotics. Use 500 ml of boiled water, add 1 toothpaste cover of salt and 10 grams of sugar, and feed in several times; you can also feed with light tea (green tea) alternately. If necessary, go to the hospital for an IV drip to replenish water, electrolytes and glucose to prevent dehydration and acidosis.

The above are the reasons why newborns have foamy stools. On the one hand, it is physiological and on the other hand, it is pathological. In order to be able to distinguish them, it is recommended to have a full understanding of the above information. Foamy stools are common in infants. There is no need to worry too much about it as long as it is handled properly.