Pyloric stenosis & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is pyloric stenosis?

Pyloric stenosis is a common condition that affects the opening (pylorus) between the stomach and small intestine in babies. The pylorus is the muscle valve that keeps food in the stomach until it is ready to be passed on to the next stage in the digestive process. In pyloric stenosis, the pyloric muscles thicken, blocking food from entering the small intestine of the baby.

How common is pyloric stenosis?

Pyloric stenosis usually occurs in newborns and rarely occurs in babies older than 6 months. Sometimes it can happen to adults.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pyloric stenosis?

Pyloric stenosis causes the baby to vomit after feeding because milk cannot flow from the stomach into the small intestine. This vomiting was more severe than normal spitting up and was getting worse over time. Babies may not get enough body fluids due to vomiting and eventually become dehydrated and thirsty. Chances are the baby will be underweight, maybe even lose weight. A lump appears on the baby's stomach. This lump is an enlarged muscle. Adults only experience mild vomiting, stomach pain, feelings of fullness after eating, or stomach pain. There may be other symptoms and signs not mentioned above. If you have any concerns about the symptoms of this disease, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Call the doctor if your baby has any of the following.

Often vomits after eating
Severe vomiting (not spitting up)
Less active or often fussy
Urinating less frequently or urinating a little
Does not show any weight gain, or even tends to decrease

Cause

What causes pyloric stenosis?

Pyloric stenosis in infants is quite common but the cause is unknown. It's likely that genes play a role, because children born to parents who have pyloric stenosis are more likely to develop this condition. When pyloric stenosis occurs, the pyloric muscles enlarge and thicken and block the duct that carries food out of the stomach (stomach outlet). Liquids and solid food cannot be passed from the stomach to the small intestine. In adults, pyloric stenosis can be caused by stomach ulcers, scar tissue after surgery on the stomach, or a tumor near the pylorus.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for pyloric stenosis?

You and your baby are more susceptible to this disease if you were born as a boy and have a family (especially the mother) with pyloric stenosis. Babies who are given certain antibiotics such as erythromycin in the first weeks of birth as a reliever for whooping cough (pertussis) have an increased risk of developing pyloric stenosis. In addition, babies born to mothers who are given certain antibiotics at the end of pregnancy also have an increased risk of developing pyloric stenosis. If you do not have risk factors it does not mean you cannot get pyloric stenosis. These factors are for reference only. You should consult your doctor for more details.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for pyloric stenosis?

Babies with pyloric stenosis require surgery. During surgery (called a phyloromyotomy), the large, thick muscle is cut. The baby will be injected with a fluid through a vein until postoperatively. Usually, babies can only return to eating after 6 to 8 hours. Medicines such as mild aspirin can be given for pain relief. Adults also need surgery and treatment for conditions that cause stenosis. Sometimes, the pyloric muscle can be opened without having to undergo surgery (called endoscopic balloon dilation). In this procedure, the doctor places a tube with a balloon at the end through the mouth and into the stomach. The balloon will expand and expand and make the pylorus open. Both babies and adults will usually get better after surgery.

What are the usual tests for pyloric stenosis?

Your doctor can make a diagnosis based on your medical history and physical examination. During the exam, your doctor will try to feel for a lump in your stomach. The doctor will do a barium x-ray or ultrasound. This test is done to take pictures of the inside of the body.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat pyloric stenosis?

Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that can help you treat pyloric stenosis.

Apply a warm compress to the incision site if your baby seems uncomfortable.
Call the doctor if your baby continues to vomit, is losing weight, seems too tired, or hasn't had a bowel movement for 1 to 2 days.
Call the doctor if your baby has pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, or lack of fluid around the incision site. Also call the doctor if your baby has a fever after surgery.
Don't forget to always communicate with your doctor.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.