Why do babies spit up curdled milk. How can parents prevent this common occurrence. What are the potential underlying causes of frequent spit-up in infants. When should parents be concerned about their baby’s spit-up habits.

Understanding Baby Spit-Up: Normal vs. Concerning

Spitting up is a common occurrence in infants, often causing concern for new parents. It’s essential to understand that in most cases, this is a normal part of a baby’s development. However, there are instances when spitting up may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.

Is spitting up harmful to babies? In most cases, it’s not. Babies who spit up typically continue to grow and gain weight without any complications. However, if your baby is experiencing frequent or forceful spit-up, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician to rule out any potential problems.

Normal Spit-Up vs. Vomiting

How can parents differentiate between normal spit-up and vomiting? Here are some key distinctions:

• Spit-up is usually effortless and painless for the baby
• Vomiting involves forceful expulsion and may cause discomfort
• Spit-up typically occurs shortly after feeding
• Vomiting can happen at any time and may be accompanied by other symptoms

The Science Behind Curdled Milk Spit-Up

Why does baby spit-up sometimes appear curdled? This phenomenon occurs when milk mixes with stomach acid. The acidic environment causes the milk proteins to coagulate, resulting in a curdled appearance. This process is entirely normal and doesn’t indicate any issues with the milk or your baby’s digestion.

How long does it take for milk to curdle in a baby’s stomach? The curdling process can begin almost immediately after the milk enters the stomach. However, the extent of curdling may depend on factors such as:

• The time elapsed since feeding
• The baby’s individual digestive process
• The type of milk (breast milk or formula)
• The baby’s overall health and development

Common Causes of Frequent Spit-Up in Infants

While occasional spit-up is normal, frequent occurrences may have underlying causes. Understanding these can help parents address the issue more effectively.

Overfeeding

Can overfeeding lead to increased spit-up? Yes, it can. When babies consume more milk than their small stomachs can handle, the excess often comes back up. To prevent overfeeding:

• Feed smaller amounts more frequently
• Allow the baby to set the pace during feeding
• Watch for signs of fullness, such as turning away from the breast or bottle

Immature Digestive System

Many infants experience frequent spit-up due to their developing digestive systems. As babies grow, their digestive tracts mature, often resulting in less frequent spit-up. This natural process typically resolves itself by the time the baby is 12-18 months old.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)

What is gastroesophageal reflux in infants? GER occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. It’s common in babies and usually doesn’t require treatment. However, if GER is severe or persistent, it may be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may require medical intervention.

Preventing and Managing Baby Spit-Up

While it’s not always possible to prevent spit-up entirely, there are several strategies parents can employ to reduce its frequency and manage its occurrence.

Proper Feeding Techniques

How can parents improve their baby’s feeding technique to minimize spit-up? Consider these tips:

• Keep the baby in an upright position during and after feeding
• Burp the baby frequently during and after meals
• Avoid vigorous activity immediately after feeding
• Ensure a proper latch when breastfeeding
• Use slow-flow nipples for bottle-fed babies

Dietary Adjustments

For breastfeeding mothers, certain dietary changes may help reduce baby spit-up. These include:

• Avoiding spicy, acidic, or gas-producing foods
• Limiting caffeine intake
• Staying hydrated
• Considering the elimination of common allergens like dairy or soy

For formula-fed babies, consult with your pediatrician about potentially switching to a different formula type if frequent spit-up persists.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Baby Spit-Up

While most cases of baby spit-up are harmless, there are situations where medical attention may be necessary. Parents should be aware of these signs:

• Projectile vomiting
• Blood in the spit-up
• Green or yellow spit-up
• Refusal to eat or significant decrease in feeding
• Signs of dehydration (dry diapers, sunken fontanelle)
• Poor weight gain or weight loss
• Persistent crying or irritability
• Difficulty breathing or other respiratory symptoms

If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with your pediatrician promptly.

Addressing Specific Concerns: Allergies and Intolerances

In some cases, frequent spit-up may be related to food allergies or intolerances. How can parents identify if their baby has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance?

Signs of a potential milk allergy or intolerance include:

• Excessive spit-up or vomiting
• Diarrhea or blood in stools
• Rash or hives
• Persistent fussiness or colic-like symptoms
• Poor weight gain

If you suspect your baby may have a milk allergy or intolerance, consult with your pediatrician. They may recommend alternative feeding options such as:

• Hypoallergenic formulas
• Soy-based formulas
• Elimination diet for breastfeeding mothers

The Role of Positioning in Reducing Spit-Up

Proper positioning during and after feeding can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of spit-up. How can parents optimize their baby’s position to minimize spit-up?

During Feeding

• Hold the baby at a 45-degree angle while feeding
• Ensure the baby’s head is higher than their stomach
• Avoid laying the baby flat during feeding

After Feeding

• Keep the baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding
• Consider babywearing in an upright position
• Avoid placing the baby in a car seat or swing immediately after feeding

These positioning strategies can help reduce the likelihood of spit-up by allowing gravity to assist in keeping the stomach contents down.

Long-Term Outlook: When Does Spit-Up Typically Resolve?

Parents often wonder how long they can expect their baby to continue spitting up. The frequency and severity of spit-up typically decrease as babies grow and their digestive systems mature.

At what age do babies usually stop spitting up? Most babies outgrow frequent spit-up by the time they’re 12-18 months old. However, this can vary from child to child. Factors that influence this timeline include:

• The baby’s overall development
• Feeding habits and techniques
• Any underlying digestive issues
• The introduction of solid foods

It’s important to remember that every baby is unique, and some may continue to experience occasional spit-up beyond this age range. As long as the baby is growing well and not showing signs of discomfort or other concerning symptoms, occasional spit-up is generally not a cause for concern.

Transitioning to Solid Foods

How does the introduction of solid foods affect a baby’s spit-up habits? As babies begin to consume more solid foods and less milk or formula, many parents notice a decrease in spit-up frequency. This is because:

• Solid foods are less likely to come back up than liquids
• The digestive system continues to mature and strengthen
• The lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus) becomes more efficient

However, it’s crucial to introduce solid foods gradually and at the appropriate age, typically around 6 months, as recommended by pediatricians.

Emotional Support for Parents Dealing with Frequent Spit-Up

Dealing with a baby who frequently spits up can be challenging and emotionally taxing for parents. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and seek support when needed.

Coping Strategies for Parents

• Remember that spit-up is usually harmless and temporary
• Share your concerns with your pediatrician for reassurance and guidance
• Connect with other parents who have experienced similar situations
• Practice self-care and stress-management techniques
• Consider joining support groups or online communities for parents

Maintaining Perspective

How can parents maintain a positive outlook when dealing with frequent baby spit-up? Consider these points:

• Focus on your baby’s overall health and development
• Celebrate small victories and milestones
• Remember that this phase is temporary
• Seek humor in the situation when possible
• Appreciate the bonding opportunities that come with caring for your baby

By maintaining a balanced perspective and seeking support when needed, parents can navigate this challenging phase with greater ease and confidence.

Innovative Products and Solutions for Managing Baby Spit-Up

As the parenting market evolves, new products and solutions are continually emerging to help parents manage baby spit-up more effectively. What are some innovative options available to parents?

Specialized Feeding Equipment

• Anti-colic bottles designed to reduce air intake during feeding
• Slow-flow nipples that help prevent overfeeding
• Upright feeding bottles that maintain optimal positioning

Protective Clothing and Accessories

• High-quality, absorbent burp cloths
• Waterproof bibs with catchall pockets
• Clothing protectors for parents and caregivers

Positioning Aids

• Specialized pillows designed to keep babies at an incline during sleep (under pediatrician guidance)
• Ergonomic baby carriers that promote upright positioning
• Adjustable feeding pillows for optimal positioning during meals

While these products can be helpful, it’s important to remember that they should be used in conjunction with proper feeding techniques and under the guidance of a healthcare professional when necessary.

The Impact of Spit-Up on Baby’s Nutrition and Growth

A common concern among parents is whether frequent spit-up affects their baby’s nutrition and growth. How significant is the impact of spit-up on a baby’s overall health and development?

Nutritional Considerations

In most cases, the amount of milk lost through spit-up is minimal and doesn’t significantly impact the baby’s nutrition. However, in rare cases of excessive spit-up, there may be concerns about:

• Caloric intake
• Hydration levels
• Essential nutrient absorption

Monitoring Growth and Development

To ensure that spit-up isn’t affecting your baby’s growth and development, pay attention to the following:

• Consistent weight gain
• Regular wet and dirty diapers
• Meeting developmental milestones
• Overall energy levels and mood

If you have concerns about your baby’s growth or nutrition due to frequent spit-up, consult with your pediatrician. They may recommend:

• More frequent feedings
• Adjustments to feeding techniques
• Supplementation in rare cases
• Further evaluation to rule out underlying issues

Remember that every baby is unique, and what’s normal for one may not be for another. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician can help ensure that your baby is thriving despite occasional spit-up.

Cultural Perspectives on Baby Spit-Up

Interestingly, attitudes towards baby spit-up can vary significantly across different cultures. How do various cultures around the world perceive and manage baby spit-up?

Western Cultures

In many Western countries, there’s often a focus on minimizing spit-up and keeping babies (and parents) clean. This has led to the development of numerous products and techniques aimed at reducing spit-up.

Eastern Cultures

Some Eastern cultures view spit-up as a natural and even positive sign. For example:

• In parts of China, baby spit-up is sometimes seen as a sign of a well-fed, healthy baby
• Some traditional Indian practices involve intentionally inducing mild spit-up after feeding to prevent indigestion

Traditional Practices

Various traditional practices around the world address baby spit-up, including:

• Use of herbal remedies to soothe digestion
• Specific holding and burping techniques passed down through generations
• Dietary recommendations for breastfeeding mothers based on cultural beliefs

Understanding these cultural perspectives can provide a broader view of baby spit-up and may offer alternative approaches for managing this common occurrence.

Baby Spitting Up Curdled Milk: Causes and Treatments

Don’t you sometimes wish that your newborn came with an instruction manual? It would take the guesswork out of some of those pressing questions of the first few weeks: Are they eating enough? Crying too much? Too hot? Too cold? Why are they spitting up when I feed them?

Let’s focus on that last one for a minute. It’s important to remember that for the first few months, spitting up is very normal for babies. And even if the consistency of what comes out seems a little different than what went in, it’s still generally nothing to worry about.

Here’s why your baby might be spitting up curdled milk — and what you can do about it.

Babies spit up all the time because of their undeveloped digestive system. It happens when milk or food comes back up the baby’s esophagus from the stomach. (The esophagus is the organ connecting the stomach to the mouth).

Spitting up and vomiting are separate actions. Vomiting requires force and can be painful in babies. When it comes to spitting up, however, it’s likely your little one won’t even notice when they’re doing it.

Normal spit-up for breastfed and formula-fed babies will usually look quite similar to the milk or formula that the baby just had — more about the curdling in a minute.

Your baby will be relatively comfortable and content during and after spitting up — they may even look pleased with themselves! If they’re not done eating, they’ll have no problem accepting more food after a spitting session.

Spit-up, just like vomit, can contain stomach acid. Babies’ spit-up becomes curdled when milk from breastfeeding or formula mixes with the acidic stomach fluid.

Time also plays a role here. Immediate spit-up after feeding will probably look like regular milk. If your little one spits up after some time as passed, it’s more likely to look curdled milk.

There are a few possible reasons why your baby may be spitting up curdled milk:

Difficulty with digestion

Your baby may have trouble digesting breast milk for a few reasons. The most common — at least for newborns — is just that their digestive system needs more time to develop.

Some babies may have an allergic reaction to cow’s milk or formula that contains cow’s milk. Rarely, they may have lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy. But keep in mind that these come with other symptoms, like diarrhea. Talk to your pediatrician if you suspect an allergy or intolerance.

Your pediatrician may recommend a shift in your baby’s diet to reduce spit-up. Options include:

• soy protein formula
• extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF), a type of formula that contains broken-down proteins from cow’s milk that are unlikely to cause allergic reactions
• amino acid-based formula (AAF), or an alternative formula for babies that have trouble with EHFs

Keep in mind, though, that babies typically grow out of digestive problems with age.

Acid reflux

Babies may have acid reflux, especially if they’re newborns. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid travels up the throat from the stomach. It can be painful.

Before switching formulas (or switching from breastfeeding to formula), try these home remedies:

• avoid feeding your baby too fast or too much at once
• feed your baby in an upright position.
• if you’re breastfeeding, avoid foods like citrus, tomatoes, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, and foods high in fat (these can affect your breast milk and lead to reflux)

Pyloric stenosis

Pyloric stenosis is rare, affecting about 3 out of 1,000 babies in the United States. The pylorus is the lower part of the stomach that food and other substances pass before entering the small intestine.

The muscles in the pylorus may become enlarged in infants, which causes the pyloric channel to narrow and prevents food from leaving the stomach. Most babies that experience pyloric stenosis are 3–5 weeks old and require treatment and surgery.

Some signs of pyloric stenosis include projectile vomiting of milk, weight loss, and constipation. Pyloric stenosis is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.

There are several reasons that may lead to your baby spitting up stomach acid. Spit-up may appear curdled if your baby hasn’t digested milk from feeding. This isn’t always a health concern, but it’s important to pay attention to any changes in your baby’s spit-up.

Talk to your baby’s doctor if you are concerned about your baby’s spit-up or have questions about healthy feeding alternatives.

How to Prevent Baby Spitting Up Curdled Milk

How to Prevent Baby Spitting Up Curdled Milk? Is it harmful? Find the answers to these in this definitive guide on spitting up for new parents

What causes spitting up in babies?

Types of spitting up

Should I worry about my baby spitting up?

How to Prevent Baby Spitting Up Curdled Milk

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Breastfeeding can be a challenge for many new parents, and it can take quite a bit of effort to make it work. Now just as you’ve got the hang of it and are beginning to enjoy it, you find that your baby is spitting up the milk your body worked so hard to make!

Yes, spitting up can be messy, but it can also be distressful for new parents who aren’t sure if this is normal or if their baby is missing out on valuable calories and nutrients. If the spit-up has a curdled appearance, parents become even more alarmed

If you’re worried about this too, don’t worry – spitting up is quite common among babies, especially in the first few months, and generally subsides by the baby’s first birthday.

What causes spitting up in babies?

1. Immature digestive systems – The human body possesses a muscle between the stomach and the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, which is responsible for keeping food down in the stomach. This muscle is still underdeveloped in babies, which results in some of the stomach contents coming up. This effect is more pronounced since babies’ stomachs are small and can only hold a little at a time.

2. Acid reflux – Acid reflux is common in young babies, and occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close completely, causing some of the stomach acid to come up and lead to spitting up.

3. Food allergies – Some babies can have an allergic reaction to something in the formula they are consuming or even in the mom’s diet. However, in such cases, the spitting up is often accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea.

4. Pyloric stenosis – The pylorus is at the bottom of the stomach through which food passes into the intestines. If the pylorus muscles are enlarged, it can lead to spitting up. This is a serious condition that requires surgery, but it is an extremely rare condition, occurring only in 3 out of 1,000 babies.

Types of spitting up

Normal spit-up – This spit-up has a smooth texture and looks almost identical to the milk the baby has had, whether it is breast milk or formula. This kind of spit-up is generally seen during or immediately following feeding.

Curdled spit-up – This spit-up has a chunkier, curdled appearance and is usually seen a while after the baby’s feeding. The curdled appearance is due to the action of the stomach acids on the breast milk or formula while it is in the baby’s stomach.

Colored spit-up – For young babies who consume only milk, the spit-up is likely to be whitish in color. For older babies who’ve started solids, the color of the spit-up will change depending on what foods they eat. However, red could indicate the presence of blood, while green or yellow could indicate the presence of bile or phlegm.

Vomit – Vomiting is actually completely different from spit-up and is generally a sign of the baby being unwell. For instance, spit-up usually occurs close to the baby’s body, while vomit travels farther. Spitting up is gentler, while vomiting requires more force and can be painful for the baby.

Should I worry about my baby spitting up?

Seeing the baby spit up can worry most new parents, but it is generally harmless. In fact, your baby may appear to be more comfortable after spitting up and getting that release. Spitting up can also free up space in the baby’s tummy, making room for more milk.

One thing to remember is that the spit-up milk usually appears more than it actually is. It may seem like your baby has spit up everything she ate, but that is very unlikely. The mess on your clothes is no indication of how much your baby has actually spit up!

In a nutshell, spitting up is not harmful and should not affect your baby’s growth and well-being. As long as your baby seems fine otherwise, there is nothing to worry about. However, if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, it is better to consult a doctor:

• Forceful spitting up
• Spit up that is red, brown, green, or yellow
• Spit up that looks like coffee grounds
• Suddenly starts spitting up after 6 months of age
• Refusal to feed
• Insufficient weight gain
• Blood in the stool
• Increased irritability or crying
• Cough or difficulty breathing
• Fewer wet diapers

If you notice any of these signs, it could be a sign of an illness, so it’s best to see the doctor right away. As for regular spit-up, you can reduce its occurrence by following a few simple tips.

1. Choose the right feeding position

Babies who feed in lying positions tend to spit up more than babies who feed in other positions. While feeding your baby, keep the baby’s head at a higher level than the feet. Ensure that the baby stays in this position throughout the feeding and doesn’t dip down. This helps the milk to flow down easily and reduces the likelihood of it coming up.

2. Ensure a good latch

A good latch is essential for multiple reasons – reducing pain, improving suction, and also reducing the intake of air. Swallowing air while sucking can increase the likelihood of spitting up as well as acid reflux. A good latch means that the baby’s mouth is open wide around the areola and not just the nipple. The baby’s chin touches the breast and the lips appear turned out.

3. Avoid overfeeding

Feeding too much or too fast can both result in spitting up. Rather than feeding a lot few times a day, increase the number of feedings and feed a little less at each feeding. This ensures that the baby’s little tummy doesn’t get stuffed beyond capacity. Keep an eye out for the signs of fullness, like slowed sucking, relaxed hands, or getting distracted.

4. Control the flow of milk

Along with ensuring that the baby isn’t overfed, you also need to control the flow of milk into the baby’s mouth. This can be an issue for mothers who have an oversupply of breast milk or a powerful let-down, which can cause a sudden rush of milk that the baby can’t handle. Express some milk before starting the feeding, so your baby gets a more controlled flow of milk. If you’re bottle feeding, choose a nipple with a smaller hole.

5. Avoid distractions while feeding

As your baby starts becoming more aware of the world around her, she may start stalling during feeding and getting distracted. This can lead to a loosening of the latch and swallowing more air, increasing the likelihood of spitting up. Try to feed in a quiet environment without distractions around, and try to keep the baby focused on the feeding. If she is too distracted, she may be full, so you can remove her from the breast.

6. Remember to burp your baby

Burping the baby is one of the best ways to reduce spitting up, although if you’ve overfed the baby, burping could lead to more spit up! Burp frequently during feeding as well as after, by holding the baby up and patting on the back to release any trapped air. If bottle feeding, burp after every 30 ml of milk.

7. Keep your baby upright after feeding

Even after burping your baby, it helps to hold him in an upright position for the next 20-30 minutes so the milk has a chance to settle down in his tummy. Avoid any active play like bouncing or swinging since this can lead to spitting up or even vomiting. Instead, simply sit down with the baby or walk around holding him.

8. Put baby to sleep on her back

Experts recommend putting babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome. This is also helpful for another reason – it reduces pressure on the tummy and reduces the chances of spitting up.

9. Raise the head of your baby’s mattress

Keeping the head in a raised position is a great way to reduce the chances of spitting up or acid reflux. However, it is not recommended to use pillows for babies, so an easy way to achieve this is to roll up some blankets and place it under the baby’s crib mattress. This keeps the head elevated without hurting the baby’s posture.

10. Reduce pressure on baby’s tummy

While placing the baby on her back is a good way to reduce pressure on her tummy, it also helps to dress her in comfortable clothes. Avoid anything that is tight at the waist, like pants with tight elastic bands. This also applies to diapers – fasten the seals in a comfortably loose manner, leaving some room for the baby’s tummy.

11. Look at your own diet

If you are breastfeeding your baby, your diet may have an impact on the baby’s spitting up. Some babies react adversely to certain foods in their mothers’ diets, like tomatoes, citrus fruits, spices, and carbonated drinks. You can try avoiding these foods and see if it’s reducing your baby’s spitting up.

12. Change your baby formula

If you are bottle feeding, it may help to look at your baby’s formula. Switching to a formula with low-lactose content or a hypoallergenic formula may help reduce spitting up. Always consult your pediatrician before changing your baby’s formula.

If you’ve tried all these methods but your baby is still spitting up, there may be another problem. Please watch out for any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, and if you notice any of them, consult your doctor right away.

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Plaque on the tongue of a child – should I be worried?

14.02.2017

What kind of coating on the child’s tongue is the norm?

Plaque on a child’s tongue is a common thing , but only if it is light in color, transparent (the condition and color of the tongue can be clearly seen through it), easily removed at the time of eating or brushing the child’s teeth and his oral cavity, odorless . Most often, this phenomenon can be observed after a night’s sleep. The reason for its occurrence is the deposition of organic elements of saliva on the surface of the tongue.

Which tongue coating indicates health problems?

If there is a thickening of plaque, a change in its color and the appearance of bad breath – this is already the result of the vital activity of bacteria and fungi. Of course, the body is not a sterile substance and microorganisms are always present in it, but the immunity of a healthy child controls their numbers. With a decrease in immunity, the occurrence of any diseases, a significant growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi is observed, which is accompanied by the formation of plaque in the children’s language.

Causes of plaque on the tongue

There are a lot of reasons due to which various plaques on the tongue can appear: from the banal use of foods that can change the color of the tongue, to serious health problems that require immediate medical attention help.

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The very first thing to do when you find incomprehensible raids on the tongue of a child is to remember what the baby has eaten in the last 24 hours. Very often, sweet carbonated drinks, caramels or other sweets contain active dyes that can give the oral mucosa the most exotic shades: crimson, purple, green, orange and others. Even natural berries and fruits can drastically change the color of the tongue. Therefore, there is no need to immediately panic. You should ask the child to brush their teeth and tongue, and then evaluate their condition and color. If the plaque has not changed or reappeared without regard to food intake, then this is an occasion to urgently visit your pediatrician.

White coating on the tongue

White coating can be found in the mouth of an infant most often .

This phenomenon also happens normally, when after a night’s sleep a thin white coating without an unpleasant odor is found on the tongue, which disappears after hygiene procedures and does not cause any discomfort or unpleasant sensations.

The appearance of a dense whitish coating, which is extremely difficult to remove from the surface of the tongue and does not disappear after brushing your teeth, may indicate problems in the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enteritis or dysbacteriosis). This phenomenon is often accompanied by bad breath. In addition, children may present complaints that may indicate pathology of the gastrointestinal tract:

• abdominal pain of various localization;
• bloating;
• stool disorders;
• change in appetite

In order to get rid of such a white coating, it is necessary, first of all, to examine the digestive system and eliminate even the most minor disturbances in its work.

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In infants up to 2 months of life, a frequent occurrence, especially after taking antibiotics or errors in the diet of a nursing mother, is thrush or oral candidiasis. With this pathology, abundant white curdled plaques appear on the tongue and cheeks, which are easily removed, and small ulcers are found under them. After the start of treatment of thrush with antifungal agents and treatment of the oral cavity with antiseptic solutions, the tongue and other mucous membranes are quickly cleaned and acquire their former appearance.

Gray coating on the tongue

Gray coating on the tongue may be a sign of some infectious diseases.

For example, with scarlet fever, on the first day, the mucous membranes are covered with a dirty gray coating, which, starting from the tip of the tongue, gradually disappears and exposes the “raspberry tongue” – enlarged papillae against a bright red background, which is very reminiscent of raspberries .

In diphtheria, on the root of the tongue, gray filmy deposits can be found, which are difficult to separate. Such raids spread to the mucous membranes of the throat, palatine arches and are accompanied by coughing and asthma attacks.

Treatment of such infectious diseases is carried out only in a hospital setting. After curing, all raids on the tongue disappear.

Dehydration of the child’s body can also lead to the formation of a gray coating on the surface of the tongue. In this case, the mucous membranes look dry and dull. Replenishment of the required volume of fluid quickly eliminates such a symptom.

Yellow coating on the tongue

Thick yellow coating on the tongue indicates pathology of the liver or biliary tract.

Often in children, diseases of the biliary system occur without a bright clinical picture, and the presence of bile stasis can only be suspected by a change in the color of deposits on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

If a child has a plaque on the tongue of a yellow tint , it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor and conduct an examination of the internal organs and the biochemical composition of the blood.

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Orange coating on tongue

Orange coloration of the tongue is a marker that acidic contents from the stomach enter the oral cavity.

This happens with exacerbation of gastritis with high acidity, with reflux disease, with pathology of the esophagus and the initial stages of ulcer development. In this case, the child may additionally complain of an unpleasant sour taste in the mouth, belching, and occasional heartburn. Treatment will be to eliminate the underlying cause.

Green coating on the tongue

The appearance of a green coating on the mucous membrane of the tongue is often very scary for parents, especially if it is found in a newborn or infant.

The most common cause of this phenomenon is candidiasis, a fungal infection of the oral cavity that occurs due to imperfect immune protection in the body of a 1 year old baby or against the background of taking strong antibacterial drugs.

This plaque has a different color intensity and can spread to other parts of the oral cavity, being found on the cheeks, palate and lips. After removing it, you can see the red surface of the tongue with small blisters or sores that cause discomfort to the child.

It is necessary to start treating green plaque only after consulting a doctor. Therapeutic measures will consist of taking special antifungal drugs and local antiseptics to treat thrush and prevent bacterial complications.

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Brown coating on the tongue

Brown tongue in a child is not such a rare occurrence. There can be many reasons for this:

• Severe diseases of the digestive system accompanied by inflammatory changes, stagnation of bile in the bile ducts, and disturbance of digestion.
• Permanent dehydration of the child’s body due to high ambient temperature or insufficient fluid intake.
• Insufficient intake of vitamins group B.
• Taking certain medications : antibiotics, antiseptic solutions, concentrated herbal decoctions.

It is very difficult to establish the exact root cause of the appearance of such a dark coating. This can only be done by an experienced doctor who, after additional examinations, will be able to prescribe the optimal treatment.

Black coating on the tongue

The presence of a black coating on the tongue in a child looks quite scary, and there can be several reasons for this phenomenon: In this case, the child will have signs of inflammation in the tonsils: red throat, high fever, pain when swallowing, weakness.

Hidden forms of diabetes mellitus, which lead to a persistent violation of the acid-base balance in the body. Excess acid or acidosis and will provoke a darkening of the tongue.

Taking certain antibiotics causes the growth of pathogenic microflora in the mouth, which gives a persistent black staining of the mucous membranes.

The treatment of such a plaque will be to eliminate the causes that caused its appearance. After the sore throat is treated, medications are canceled, or diabetes mellitus is detected and compensated, such a symptom is likely to go away on its own.

Blue coating on the tongue

Blue tongue is a sign of blood stasis.

Very often, various diseases of the cardiovascular (congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, heart failure) and nervous system (hemorrhages, cysts, epilepsy) lead to the fact that blood flows through the tissues more slowly than necessary – cyanosis or cyanosis appears on the extremities , lips and tongue. Therefore, if you notice such a symptom in your child, you should urgently contact your doctor for advice.

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Prevention

• The room in which the child lives should always be clean, well ventilated and humidified.
• Do not self-administer antibiotics to a child. The use of such medications must be strictly justified.
• It is necessary to closely monitor the health of the baby. If the slightest symptoms appear, indicating a possible disease from the internal organs, you should immediately seek medical help.
• Limit your child’s use of sweets containing synthetic coloring pigments: sugary sodas, hard candy, chewing gum. This will not only prevent the appearance of active staining of the tongue, but also preserve the health of delicate children’s teeth.

If a plaque does appear on the tongue, do not try to remove or treat it yourself. Consult with your doctor about the possible causes of this phenomenon and the necessary treatment for it.

Posted in Parents by biglamed

GDZ Biology Kolesov grade 8 paragraph 32

Contents

• Questions
• Jobs
• Laboratory work. Action of saliva on starch

Digestion in the stomach and duodenum. Action of enzymes

Page 205

Questions at the beginning of the paragraph

1. How does food enter the stomach?

Food enters the stomach from the oral cavity through the cardinal sphincter, where it mixes with pancreatic juice.

2. How does the food bolus change in the stomach?

Food in the form of a food bolus, which is already crushed and moistened with saliva, enters the elastic muscular sac – the stomach. There, it mixes with gastric juice, as well as further digestion of proteins, resulting in the release of hydrochloric acid and pepsin. The food bolus becomes a liquid slurry.

3. Why are proteins digested in the stomach, but the stomach wall does not suffer?

The walls of the stomach are a mucous membrane that has a large number of glands. Some of them are responsible for the production of mucus, which protects the walls of the stomach from the aggressive effects of gastric juice.

4. How does food enter the duodenum?

The duodenum is the part of the small intestine where food enters from the stomach.

5. How do proteins, fats and carbohydrates change in it?

In the duodenum, the final digestion of all the nutrients of food gruel (proteins, carbohydrates, fats) and their absorption into the body takes place. All this is due to the action of pancreatic juice and bile from the liver. Proteins are actively broken down into amino acids with the help of pancreatic enzymes – trypsin. And fats and carbohydrates are broken down due to the effect of the digestive juice of the pancreas on them.

6. How do digestive enzymes work?

Digestive enzymes are protein structures. They contain different amino acids, with the help of which food is split into small elements. The main producer of enzymes is the pancreas, which can produce up to 2 liters of pancreatic juice per day. The composition of the juice includes several groups of enzymes at once:

1. Nucleases – cleavage of DNA nucleic acids;

2. Proteases – breakdown of proteins into amino acids;

3. Elastase or carboxypeptidase – breakdown of elastin;

4. Lipase – breakdown of fats into monoglycerides and fatty acids;

5. Amylase – breakdown of starch, glycogen and other carbohydrates into di- and monosaccharides.

Page 210

Questions

1. How does the food bolus enter the stomach?

The food bolus formed in the mouth passes through the pharynx into the esophagus. There it mixes with gastric juice, which contains digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid. At the mouth of the esophagus there are circular muscles – the sphincter, which prevents the food bolus from being thrown back into the esophagus from the stomach.

2. What is the function of the inner glandular layer of the stomach?

The inner glandular layer of the stomach secretes enzymes, mucus and hydrochloric acid, which protect its walls from irritating food and gastric juice.

3. What is the value of hydrochloric acid in the composition of gastric juice?

Hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice destroys harmful microorganisms that come with food and provides a suitable environment for the enzyme to work smoothly.

4. What is the function of the muscular layer of the stomach wall?

The smooth muscles of the middle layer of the stomach wall contract, which improves the movement of food, its mixing with gastric juice. Further, the food lump in the form of a liquid slurry is more easily pushed into the duodenum.

5. How does food enter the duodenum?

In the form of a liquid slurry, the food bolus is pushed towards the duodenum by the muscles of the stomach.

6. Which gland products enter the duodenum?

Complex of proteolytic enzymes, which are the product of joint activity of the liver and pancreas.

7. What are the functions of bile secreted by the liver?

Bile secreted by the liver emulsifies and breaks down fats, regulates the secretion and excretion of subsequent portions of bile produced. It also contains components that neutralize gastric juice.

8. Name the digestive enzymes you know.

I know the following enzymes:

1. Lipase – breakdown of fats in the stomach;

2. Amylase – breakdown of starch in the oral cavity;

3. Pepsin and trypsin – breakdown of proteins in the stomach into peptides;

4. Chymosin – processing of milk in the stomach and turning it into a curd mass.

9. Think about whether pepsin will work if the hydrochloric acid of gastric juice is neutralized with alkali.

No, it won’t, because each enzyme acts only on a certain type of substrate and works only under certain conditions. For example, pepsin is active only in an acidic environment. It will not work in a neutral environment.

10. What is the significance of Escherichia coli living in the intestines?

E. coli during its normal activity prevents the development of pathogenic microorganisms in the intestine, synthesizes vitamin K ₃ , digests collagen and fiber.

Page 210

Tasks

1. Compare the processes of digestion taking place in the mouth, stomach and small intestine. Put the information you know into a table and analyze it.

2. Sometimes gastric juice from the stomach enters the esophagus, irritating its mucous membrane. What is a similar phenomenon called? What does the person experience? Using additional literature and Internet resources, find out the causes and possible consequences of this violation.

The process when gastric juice from the stomach enters the esophagus, while irritating its mucous membrane, is called gastroesophageal reflux. A person because of him experiences discomfort in the form of heartburn, heaviness in the stomach, belching, pain.

Gastroesophageal reflux is the backflow of stomach contents through the lower esophageal sphincter into the esophagus. This process can be considered normal if it meets several conditions:

1. The duration and frequency during the day is small;

2. Appears after eating;

3. No discomfort;

4. Low frequency at night.

There are many reasons for developing gastroesophageal reflux. This may be obesity, malnutrition, the use of certain medications, stress, pregnancy (changes in hormonal levels).

The development of the disease is fraught with the fact that over time damage to the mucous membrane of the esophagus, erosive and ulcerative esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) may occur.

3. Recall from the material of previous biology courses which mammals have stomachs that are more complex than those of humans, for example, four-chambered.

The stomach of ruminants is more complex than that of humans.

4. Explain what caused such differences in the structure of the digestive system in representatives of the same class.

Ruminant herbivores have a complex four-chambered stomach. Cows are a prime example of this. They eat exclusively plant foods, which contain a lot of water, protein and fiber. However, the real stomach of the four they have is the last department. This is the abomasum, which has digestive glands and is able to produce digestive juices. The previous three sections of the stomach prepare food for digestion in the abomasum. Also, various bacteria, infusoria and amoeba live in the stomach of a cow, which enrich the herbal food lump with beks.

Other mammals have simpler stomachs. This is due to the fact that they are predators or omnivores, and therefore their diet is varied.

Page 211

Laboratory work. Effect of saliva on starch

Equipment: starched bandage, cut into pieces 10 cm long, cotton wool, matches, saucer, iodine solution (5%), water.

Preliminary explanations. The purpose of this experiment is to show that salivary enzymes are capable of breaking down starch. It is known that starch with iodine gives an intense blue color, from which it is easy to find out where the starch has been preserved. When starch is treated with saliva enzymes, it is destroyed if the enzymes are active. There is no starch left in these places, so they do not open with iodine and remain light.

Work progress:

1. We are preparing a reagent for starch – iodine water. Add a few drops of iodine to water until you get a liquid the color of strong brewed tea.

2. Wrap cotton wool around the match, wetting it with saliva. Next, we write with cotton wool a letter on a starched bandage.

3. We hold the straightened bandage in our hands and hold it for a while so that it warms up (1-2 minutes).

4. We dip the bandage in iodine water, carefully straightening it. The areas where starch remains turn blue, and the areas treated with saliva will remain white, since the starch in them has decomposed to glucose, which, under the action of iodine, does not give a blue color. A white letter appeared on a blue background.

Answers to questions:

1. The substrate is starch, and the enzyme is amylase in saliva.

2. The blue letter on a white background will not work during the experiment.

3. When saliva is boiled, the enzymes that are part of it will be destroyed. Accordingly, the saliva that goes through the boiling process will not act on starch.