The main causes of constipation in children and adults
The absence of bowel movements for several days or incomplete emptying is familiar to many. Such intestinal dysfunction can develop not only in an adult, but also in a child. In this case, constipation occurs in acute and chronic forms, accompanied by a number of symptoms.
The appearance of constipation is influenced by internal and external factors. The first are associated with the development of any disease that disrupts the natural flora of the gastrointestinal tract and negatively affects digestion:
- stomach ulcer;
- poisoning;
- inflammation of the pancreas;
- infection;
- neoplasms;
- problems with the liver and gall bladder, etc.
The second factor is a person’s lifestyle. Thus, constipation often occurs due to poor nutrition and sudden changes in diet, this is especially common in children. Problems with stool in an infant can occur due to inappropriate formula or if the mother does not follow the diet - in the case of breastfeeding.
As for adults, they often have difficulty with bowel movement due to insufficient physical activity, irregular diet and alcohol consumption. Constipation at any age can be caused by taking medications, as well as stress and fatigue.
Bifidumbacterin helps with many types of constipation. Most often it is prescribed for poor bowel movements caused by a disturbance in the intestinal flora.
For what constipation is bifidumbacterin recommended?
Bifidumbacterin is not a drug. It belongs to the dietary supplements of the probiotics group, which consist of a complex of beneficial living microorganisms. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, bacteria activate its work, improving metabolic processes.
It is recommended to take Bifidumbacterin for constipation caused by the following reasons:
- long-term use of antibiotics;
- intestinal dysfunction due to acute infectious disease;
- chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- food poisoning;
- allergic reactions;
- dysbacteriosis and its prevention;
- treatment with hormones and NSAIDs.
For infants, the remedy is prescribed for poor stools that have been disrupted by the early introduction of complementary foods. Bifidumbacterin is also recommended for children with intestinal dysfunction due to anemia, rickets, allergic diathesis and poor gastrointestinal function.
Bifidumbacterin for constipation has mostly positive reviews, as it effectively restores the intestinal mucosa, thereby ensuring its full functioning. The drug does not bring the expected result only if the cause of constipation is intestinal obstruction, adhesions, or a neoplasm in the gastrointestinal tract.
There will be little benefit from the remedy if you abuse alcohol and have an unhealthy diet, consisting mainly of fried fatty foods or large amounts of animal protein.
We advise you to read the article - “Soap for constipation”.
Reviews
Anastasia: During treatment with antibiotics, I developed severe dysbiosis. Constipation began. The doctor recommended Bifidumbacterin. The drug really works. The stool returned to normal quite quickly.
Evgenia: My Sonechka was born by Caesar, so there were very few necessary bacteria in her stomach. In addition, we also managed to introduce Staphylococcus aureus. This little girl started getting constipated. We have suffered so much - there are no words. It was Bifidumbacterin that helped us. And the dysbiosis passed, and we began to dirty diapers in the “normal” mode.
Alexander: I managed to develop intestinal dysbiosis. Problems began in the form of constipation - my stomach was like stone. The doctor advised me to take probiotics to eliminate dysbiosis. I bought Bifidumbacterin. I drank it, however, for a long time, three weeks. But everything got better. The intestines work like clockwork.
Reviews about the drug are positive. Patients note the mild effect of Bifidumbacterin. It helps to normalize the functioning of the intestines as a whole and, if you follow all the recommendations for taking a probiotic, you can get rid of constipation in a fairly short time. If necessary, Lactobacterin can be prescribed to the patient simultaneously with Bifidumbacterin.
Action of bifidumbacterin
Once in the gastrointestinal tract, beneficial bacteria emerge from the state of anabiosis and begin their active reproduction. Their action is aimed at destroying pathogenic microorganisms that negatively affect intestinal function.
By suppressing the vital activity of painful flora, Bifidumbacterin gradually restores the microbial balance of the mucous membrane. When used correctly, the drug not only regulates daily bowel movements, but also significantly improves lipid metabolism.
Bifidumbacterin for constipation in infants improves digestion and helps absorb beneficial microelements. Often children under one year of age have problems with this, since their stomach and intestines are not yet fully strengthened, so they react differently to food. The advantage of this remedy is that it can be given to children from the first days of life - it prevents the development of constipation and increased regurgitation.
How the drug “works”
The main active component of the probiotic is dried bifidobacteria. They help normalize the balance between “bad” and “good” microflora. In case of their obvious deficiency, the intestines begin to work abnormally, as a result of which a person may develop persistent constipation.
Bifidumbacterin restores intestinal microflora, normalizing children's stool
After taking the drug and bacteria entering the intestinal lumen, they begin to actively reproduce, which leads to the normalization of all natural processes. Restoration of digestion is observed, thanks to better processing of food, the mobility of feces improves - normal stool is restored.
In addition, Bifidumbacterin relieves the symptoms of intoxication of the body. Thanks to the normalization of the quality of the gastrointestinal microflora, all toxic components are eliminated naturally, without having time to be absorbed into the intestinal mucosa and enter the bloodstream.
Use of bifidumbacterin for constipation
The prescription of probiotics for insufficient emptying is quite justified, as they are an excellent addition to the main therapy. However, in order for Bifidumbacterin to give the desired effect for constipation in adults and children, it must be taken correctly.
Recommendations:
- The drug must be used until complete recovery. A single dose is not enough. To restore the intestinal microflora, you should drink this remedy 2-3 times a day for about 5-8 days.
- If constipation is caused by taking an antibiotic, then the duration of treatment with Bifidumbacterin depends on the duration of antibiotic therapy. Doctors recommend continuing to use the drug to correct intestinal flora even after the end of the main course of treatment, for about three more days.
- In the absence of bowel movements for a long time, feces accumulate in the intestines, which eventually begin to decompose. This process is accompanied by poisoning of the body and requires complex treatment measures. So, before using Bifidumbacterin, it is necessary to eliminate stagnation with the help of mild laxatives. If this is not done, the product will not give the desired effect, since the pathogenic flora will multiply much faster.
- The effectiveness of Bifidumbacterin will improve if lactulose-based prebiotics are taken in parallel with it. They stimulate the natural growth of their own beneficial microorganisms, which doubles their strength in the fight against pathogenic bacteria.
Bifidumbacterin for constipation in children can cause a worsening of the condition, which is associated with the individual characteristics of the body. If a child experiences bloating after taking the drug, then most likely he has lactose intolerance. In such cases, giving the remedy is not recommended.
We recommend that you read the article “Powders for constipation.”
General rules for taking a probiotic
The dry preparation must be diluted with any liquid in accordance with the attached instructions. For infants of the first year of life, the product is given during feeding. For dissolution, it is allowed to use breast milk or formula.
For children and adults, Bifidumbacterin can be diluted with any lactic acid drinks, warm water, or mixed into liquid food. It is advisable to take the product after or during meals.
The medicine must be freshly prepared
The diluted drug cannot be stored. Bifidumbacteria quickly lose their activity, so the probiotic is prepared immediately before administration.
Rectal suppositories
Rectal suppositories are mainly prescribed to adult patients. Treatment is carried out according to several schemes:
- One to two suppositories three times a day in combination with a drug intended for oral administration (twice a day). Duration of therapy is 7–10 days. In some cases (on the recommendation of the attending physician), the duration of the course is increased to a full calendar month.
- To prevent dysbiosis during treatment with drugs from the antibiotic group, one suppository is used twice a day for a week.
- For intestinal infections, two suppositories are prescribed simultaneously three times a day. The duration of therapy in each specific case is determined individually.
Rectal suppositories are not used in people with hypersensitivity to actinobacteria. The drug is prescribed with caution in childhood.
Lyophilisate
This form of the drug must be dissolved in warm boiled water. For children, it can be diluted in milk or kefir. Take with meals. The dosage depends on the age of the patient:
Intestinal problems
- children over 7 years of age and the category of adult patients - 5 doses of the drug three to four times a day;
- children aged 3–7 years – 5 doses four times a day;
- children from 6 months to 3 years – 5 doses three times a day.
The duration of the course is up to four weeks. The dry contents of the bottle must be dissolved with warm boiled water. Calculation: 5 ml of liquid (teaspoon) per 1 dose of probiotic.
The solution for preparing the solution is as follows: you need to pour the required amount of water into a glass, depending on the number of doses in the bottle, ampoule or sachet. They are indicated on the packaging. Open the product and pour it into the liquid. Mix well. The powder does not dissolve immediately. This will take at least 5 minutes.
The probiotic has a good therapeutic effect for persistent constipation caused by severe dysbiosis
One teaspoon of the drug contains 1 dose. The prepared solution should be drunk immediately; it cannot be stored.
Packaged powder
The drug is diluted in the same way as lyophilisate. The dosage depends on the current condition of the patient and for chronic constipation or diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is prescribed on an individual basis.
In the standard version, children over 5 years of age and adult patients are prescribed 3 sachets at a time during the evening meal. For persistent constipation, 3 sachets are prescribed twice a day. The duration of therapy is from 5 days to a full calendar month.
Bifidumbacterin-forte
Bifidumbacterin-forte is recognized as one of the most effective formats. During its production, bacteria are sorbed on particles of activated carbon, which simplifies their attachment to the intestinal mucosa. In addition, while passing through the lumen of the intestinal tract, activated carbon collects toxic components, removing them naturally.
The drug is available in capsule form. The dosage of the drug depends on the severity of the disease and is selected by the doctor individually. In childhood, before administering Bifidumbacterin-Forte, the contents of the capsule are dissolved in warm drinking water.
Bifidumbacterin-multi
The probiotic is offered in three variants. For different age groups, their own combination of different strains of bifidobacteria has been selected. For infants, the drug is offered in powder form. For other ages, there is the possibility of treatment with capsules. The dosage regimen and dosage are selected individually in each case.
Liquid form
One bottle contains 100 ml of milk-hydrolyzate suspension. The probiotic format is recommended for the treatment of elderly people and bedridden patients.
Bifidumbacterin can be prescribed at birth
Bifidumbacterin has virtually no contraindications for use. Treatment with a probiotic will need to be avoided if you are lactose intolerant or have an allergy to the component composition. The product does not cause any side effects.
How to give to newborns and preschool children
Bifidumbacterin is a safe drug that has virtually no contraindications. Microorganisms in a state of suspended animation are similar to the beneficial flora of the human intestine, so the product is well tolerated.
This kind of probiotics can be given to children from the first year of life. Bifidumbacterin for newborns with constipation is often prescribed in combination with breast milk. If the child is bottle-fed, it is recommended to mix the drug with formula milk. This increases its effectiveness: the digestion process improves and the absorption of beneficial elements is normalized.
The drug is prescribed in the following dosages:
- From the first day until discharge from the hospital - 1 dose 3 times a day;
- children up to six months – 2.5 doses 3 times a day;
- from 6 months to a year – 5 doses 2 times;
- children aged one year and older – 4–5 doses 2 times.
The duration of the course is set individually by the pediatrician depending on the severity of constipation and the frequency of its manifestation. The drug is given to newborns from 2 to 4 weeks, to preschoolers and schoolchildren - from 2 weeks to 3 months. Therapy can be repeated after a month.
Release form of the drug and recommended dosages
Bifidumbacterin can be taken by patients of all age categories. Children can be given a probiotic immediately after birth. The product is available in dry form in several formats. This:
- vaginal and rectal suppositories;
- lyophilisate in vials and glass ampoules;
- bagged powder;
- capsules with powder (Bifidumbacterin-forte);
- tablet format (Bifidumbacterin-multi).
Manufacturers also offer bottled liquid probiotic: 100 ml of milk-hydrolyzed suspension containing a culture of live bacteria.
Contraindications
Despite the benefits and safety of the drug, its use is contraindicated:
- people with poor tolerance to milk sugar (lactase deficiency);
- in case of individual intolerance to some components.
Is it possible to use bifidumbacterin for constipation in pregnant women? For pregnant women, this biological supplement is absolutely safe. The exceptions are the contraindications listed above.
We recommend that you read the article “Motilium for constipation.”