Pyloric Stenosis
Pyloric Stenosis is a rare condition in which infants are unable to move food through their digestive system, resulting in severe, and often projectile vomiting. Pyloric Stenonis affects only around 2 babies in 1000, and more often affects boys than girls. Another name for the condition is infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.
Symptoms of Pyloric Stenosis in Infants
- Excessive crying and/or screaming, particularly during and after feeding
- Severe vomiting after feeding (more than 'normal' infant spit-up), usually starting around the third week of life
- Vomiting tends to get worse over time
- Need to eat soon after a feeding
- Stomach contractions across the upper abdomen after feeding, but before vomiting
- Infrequent, small, mucousy, loose or green stools
- Poor weight gain (though not always)
- If left untreated, baby may become less active or sleepy, and show other signs of dehydration
What is Pyloric Stenosis?
Pyloric Stenosis is caused by a thickening of the pylorus muscle, resulting in the body's inability to pass food from the stomach through to the small intestine. The result is that much of the food that is swallowed is forcefully ejected through vomiting.
Treatment for Pyloric Stenosis in Infants
Treatment for Pyloric Stenosis usually involves surgery to increase the opening between the stomach and small intestines. Babies who receive the surgery are generally able to start receiving and processing regular feedings within 24 hours of surgery.
For further information:
Kids Health info on Pyloric Stenosis
Mayo Clinic on Pyloric Stenosis
