Why Do Newborns Pass Gas Frequently?

Generally, excessive flatus in newborns may be caused by incomplete gastrointestinal development, excessive air intake, indigestion, intestinal flora imbalance, or acute enteritis. The appropriate solution depends on the specific underlying cause to achieve effective treatment. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment. Details are as follows:

1. Incomplete gastrointestinal development: The gastrointestinal tract of a newborn is not yet fully developed, and the muscular contraction and peristaltic functions of the gastrointestinal tract are not completely mature. This may lead to excessive accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in increased flatus. No specific treatment is required. Parents should pay attention to proper feeding in daily life, avoiding overfeeding or inappropriate feeding practices.

2. Excessive air intake: During feeding, newborns may swallow excessive air, especially during bottle feeding. If the nipple is not fully inserted into the newborn's mouth or the bottle is tilted at an excessive angle, it can easily cause the newborn to ingest too much air. The accumulated air in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to increased flatus. Parents can hold the newborn upright after feeding and gently pat the baby's back to help expel air from the stomach.

3. Indigestion: Overfeeding or feeding too frequently may lead to relative or absolute deficiency of digestive secretions, causing food to remain in the gastrointestinal tract for prolonged periods. Intestinal bacteria may decompose this food, producing large amounts of gas, which results in increased flatus, abdominal distension, and other symptoms. Under a doctor's guidance, parents may administer medications such as infant spleen-strengthening powder (Babies' Health Powder), compound pepsin granules, or Simo Decoction Oral Liquid to strengthen the spleen, aid digestion, relieve food stagnation, and alleviate discomfort.

4. Imbalance of intestinal flora: The intestinal flora in newborns has not yet fully developed. Certain factors may disrupt the balance of intestinal flora, affecting gastrointestinal digestion and causing symptoms such as increased flatus, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as gentamicin sulfate granules, clarithromycin granules, or live Bacillus subtilis spore powder may be used to combat infection and inhibit bacterial overgrowth.

5. Acute enteritis: Inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection of the intestine may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, increasing peristaltic speed. This may lead to symptoms such as increased flatus, diarrhea, and vomiting in newborns, often accompanied by diarrhea. As instructed by a physician, medications such as lactobacillus tablets, Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, or montmorillonite powder may be used to protect the intestinal mucosa.

Parents should feed newborns at regular intervals with appropriate quantities to avoid prolonged hunger in the infant.