Pylorostenosis
Pylorostenosis is a rare disease in which the opening (pylorus) between the stomach and the small intestine is damaged in newborns. The pylorus is a muscular valve that holds food in the stomach until the food is ready for the next stage of the digestive process
During pylorostenosis, the pylorus muscles thicken, which prevents food from passing into the child's small intestine. Pylorostenosis may cause severe vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss Children with this disease are always hungry
Pylorostenosis can be treated with surgical intervention
The causes of pylorus stenosis are unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are likely to contribute to the condition.
Symptoms of pylorostenosis usually develop 3-6 weeks after birth Pylorostenosis is rare in children older than 3 months
Symptoms of the disease:
- Fountain-like vomiting Pylorostenosis causes fountain vomiting - violent ejection of milk or other nutrients several meters from the mouth. Vomiting starts within 30 minutes after eating Vomiting is likely to be mild at first and gradually increase as the pylorus narrows The removed mass sometimes contains blood
- Constant hunger Children with pylorostenosis are constantly hungry due to vomiting
- Stomach contractions You may notice wave-like contractions (peristalsis) in the upper abdomen after eating or just before vomiting. The condition is caused by stomach muscles contracting and trying to push food through the narrowed pylorus
- Dehydration Your baby may cry without tears or become drowsy You will notice that you are changing diapers less frequently due to dehydration
- Changes in defecation Because pylorus stenosis does not allow food to pass through the intestines, children are often constipated.
- Weight problems Pylorostenosis often causes weight loss
When to see a doctor See a pediatrician if the child:
- often vomits after eating
- has fountain vomiting
