Observing your newborn vomit can be alarming for any parent and sometimes even for medical staff. Vomiting in children may be caused by a wide variety of factors.
One of the most common conditions in newborns that can provoke vomiting is pyloric stenosis. This article will describe pyloric stenosis, its symptoms, and treatments.
What is Pyloric Stenosis?
Stenosis is a medical term for the narrowing of a passage. Pyloric stenosis refers to the narrowing of the pylorus, the lower part of the stomach that leads to the intestine. Pyloric stenosis is the abnormal development of the pylorus. In this condition, the pylorus does not open and close properly, leading to food retention in the stomach and subsequent vomiting. Pyloric stenosis is a rare but treatable condition that usually affects infants.
Symptoms
The symptoms of pyloric stenosis typically appear during the first few weeks of life, usually around 2 to 8 weeks of age. Symptoms may include:
Projectile Vomiting: This occurs immediately after feeding or up to 30 minutes after eating. The vomit is often described as being forceful, shooting out several feet away. Projectile vomiting happens because stomach contents cannot pass through the narrowed pylorus.
Extreme Hunger After Vomiting: Infants with pyloric stenosis often want to eat again shortly after vomiting. Despite the vomiting, their hunger is not relieved, and they may still vomit whatever they have just consumed.
Weight Loss or Poor Weight Gain: Due to frequent vomiting and poor digestion, pyloric stenosis can lead to dehydration and inadequate weight gain in infants. Parents should monitor their baby’s weight and watch for signs of dehydration.
A Hard Lump in the Belly Area: Parents may notice a small, firm lump in the baby’s belly, usually on the right-hand side of the stomach. This lump is caused by the thickened pyloric muscle, and doctors can often feel it during an examination.
Infrequent Bowel Movements: Babies with pyloric stenosis may have fewer bowel movements than usual, and some may appear more constipated than normal.
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Causes
The exact cause of pyloric stenosis is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:
Genetic Factors: Pyloric stenosis tends to run in families. If a sibling or parent had pyloric stenosis, there is an increased likelihood that the baby might develop the condition. It is also more common in male infants than in females.
Environmental Factors: While less is known about environmental causes, some potential contributing factors include maternal smoking during pregnancy or the use of antibiotics and antacid medications during pregnancy.
Abnormal Formation in the Womb: Pyloric stenosis likely occurs during fetal development when the pyloric muscle becomes abnormally thickened, leading to the narrowing of the pylorus.
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Diagnosis
If your infant shows signs of pyloric stenosis, a doctor will conduct a full examination and perform tests to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor will typically check for a palpable lump in the belly and signs of dehydration. Tests to confirm pyloric stenosis may include:
Ultrasound: An ultrasound is the most common and effective way to diagnose pyloric stenosis. The ultrasound probe is placed on the baby’s stomach, allowing doctors to see the pylorus and any thickening in the pyloric muscle.
X-ray: An X-ray of the baby’s stomach and intestines may also be performed, although ultrasound is generally preferred for its clarity.
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Treatment
Treatment for pyloric stenosis is typically surgical, as medication alone is not effective. Surgery is highly effective, with a great outcome in most cases.
The main treatment for pyloric stenosis involves a procedure called pyloromyotomy. During this surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the baby’s belly to cut and separate the thickened pyloric muscle, allowing food to pass more easily from the stomach to the small intestine. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour.
Recovery: After pyloromyotomy, most infants are able to begin feeding within a few hours of surgery. Parents can usually take the baby home within 24 to 48 hours. Initially, the baby will be given small amounts of clear fluids, and then gradually reintroduced to normal feeding. Breastfeeding typically resumes without issue.
Post-Surgery Care: Pyloromyotomy is a highly effective treatment, and most infants recover quickly with no long-term complications. After surgery, the baby’s growth and weight gain should return to normal. It is important for parents to continue regular check-ups with the pediatrician to monitor the infant’s development.
While recurrence of pyloric stenosis after surgery is rare, it can occasionally happen. If this occurs, further surgery may be required to correct the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pyloric stenosis is a serious but treatable condition that causes vomiting in infants. It is important for parents to be aware of the common symptoms, such as projectile vomiting, extreme hunger after vomiting, weight loss, and a hard lump in the belly.
Once diagnosed, pyloric stenosis can be effectively treated with surgery, and most infants recover fully with no lasting effects. With early intervention, the outlook for a baby with pyloric stenosis is excellent.
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