What are the three methods for managing a baby's indigestion?

Generally speaking, there is no specific set of three methods for managing a baby's indigestion. Baby's indigestion may be caused by incomplete development of gastrointestinal function, improper feeding methods, lactose intolerance, intestinal infection, congenital hypothyroidism, and other reasons. Treatment can be conducted under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medications, and other approaches. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Incomplete Development of Gastrointestinal Function

Babies produce smaller amounts of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, which also have lower activity, and their gastrointestinal motility is relatively weak. Once they consume slightly excessive amounts of food or eat food that is difficult to digest, indigestion can easily occur. No treatment is usually required; proper feeding in daily life is important, following the principle of small, frequent meals, selecting appropriate foods according to the baby's age, and gradually introducing complementary foods from thin to thick, and from fine to coarse textures.

2. Improper Feeding Methods

If parents feed the baby too quickly, excessively, or frequently switch formula brands, it may disrupt the baby's digestive rhythm. Feeding too quickly can cause the baby to swallow large amounts of air, excessive feeding increases the burden on the stomach and intestines, and frequent formula changes may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort for the baby, all of which can cause indigestion. Medication is generally not required; cultivating good feeding habits, controlling feeding speed, avoiding forcing the baby to eat, and transitioning gradually when changing formulas are recommended.

3. Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is often caused by a deficiency or reduced activity of lactase in the baby's body. Both breast milk and regular formula contain lactose. When lactose cannot be adequately digested and absorbed in the intestines, it is broken down and fermented by intestinal bacteria, producing large amounts of gas and acidic substances that irritate the intestines, leading to indigestion. Symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and intestinal rumbling may also occur. Treatment should follow medical advice using medications such as B. subtilis and Bifidobacterium bifidum viable granules, Bifidobacterium triple viable powder, or lactase tablets.

4. Intestinal Infection

Intestinal infections are usually caused by pathogens such as viruses or bacteria infecting the intestines. Pathogens multiply in the intestines, damaging the intestinal mucosa and affecting normal digestive and absorptive functions, leading to indigestion. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment can be administered under medical guidance using medications such as montmorillonite powder, cefixime granules, or ibuprofen suspension.

5. Congenital Hypothyroidism

Congenital hypothyroidism is a congenital condition that may result from insufficient synthesis of thyroid hormones or defects in their receptors. A lack of thyroid hormones in the baby's body can lead to slowed gastrointestinal motility and reduced secretion of digestive enzymes, causing indigestion. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as delayed growth and development, impaired intellectual development, and excessive sleepiness. Treatment can be carried out under a doctor's recommendation using levothyroxine sodium, and regular follow-up of thyroid function is necessary after starting medication.

In daily life, attention should be paid to cleaning and disinfecting the baby's utensils to prevent ingestion of pathogens; keeping the baby's abdomen warm to avoid colds; and ensuring the freshness of ingredients when introducing complementary foods.