What causes diarrhea in infants who are breastfed?
Apr 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, diarrhea in infants who are breastfed may be caused by factors such as overfeeding, lactose intolerance, allergies, intestinal flora imbalance, or enteritis. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Additionally, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods, such as pepper, chili, and garlic, which may hinder recovery.
In general, diarrhea in infants who are breastfed may be caused by overfeeding, lactose intolerance, allergies, intestinal flora imbalance, or enteritis. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Overfeeding
An infant's stomach capacity is relatively small. If there is excessive breast milk production, or the infant feeds too quickly or consumes too much at one time, it may lead to indigestion and subsequent diarrhea. The infant's stool is typically mushy and may contain undigested milk curds. It is advisable to control the volume and pace of feeding, using a method of small, frequent feedings to allow sufficient time for the infant's gastrointestinal system to digest and absorb nutrients.
2. Lactose Intolerance
Due to insufficient levels of lactase—the enzyme required to break down lactose in breast milk—infants may experience lactose being broken down by bacteria in the intestines, resulting in the production of large amounts of gas and acidic substances. This can accelerate intestinal motility and cause diarrhea. The stool typically appears yellow or yellow-green, loose, frothy, and has a sour odor. Lactase supplements may be added to the infant's diet under the guidance of a physician to aid in lactose digestion.
3. Allergy
The infant's immune system may recognize cow's milk proteins as foreign antigens, triggering an immune response that damages the intestinal mucosa and leads to symptoms such as diarrhea and blood in the stool. It is recommended that the mother avoid dairy products and cow's milk derivatives to reduce the presence of allergens in her breast milk, which may help alleviate the infant's allergic symptoms.
4. Intestinal Flora Imbalance
Since the infant's intestinal flora is not yet fully established, the inappropriate use of antibiotics or illness may disrupt the balance of intestinal flora. This can lead to a decrease in beneficial bacteria and excessive proliferation of harmful bacteria, which produce toxins that may irritate the intestinal mucosa and cause diarrhea. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Bifidobacterium Triple Viable Powder or Bifidobacterium Quadruple Viable Tablets to regulate the balance of intestinal flora and improve the intestinal microenvironment.
5. Enteritis
Infections of the intestines caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi may lead to intestinal inflammation, affecting normal absorption and secretion functions of the intestine. This results in increased secretion of intestinal fluid, more frequent bowel movements, and is often accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and fever. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as蒙脱石散 (Smectite Powder), Lactobacillus Tablets, or Roxithromycin Granules to alleviate symptoms.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is important. Avoid consumption of spicy and irritating foods such as pepper, chili, and garlic, as these may hinder the recovery process.
