Infant Pyloric Stenosis: Persistent Forceful Vomiting Condition

Pyloric stenosis, a common medical condition in infants, is characterised by forceful vomiting. This condition, also known as infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis or congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, occurs a few weeks after birth, and its presence in infants older than 24 weeks is rare.

Symptoms of pyloric stenosis include projectile vomiting, minor pooping, weight loss, visible peristalsis, hunger after vomiting, fussiness, and sluggishness. If your baby exhibits these symptoms, it is crucial to contact the doctor immediately upon returning home from surgery.

Diagnosis of pyloric stenosis is typically done through a physical examination, ultrasound, and Barium x-ray test. Prior to surgery, the baby may be given intravenous fluids, and blood tests may be conducted.

The only treatment for pyloric stenosis is a surgical procedure called pyloromyotomy, which helps expand the connecting tract to allow food to enter the intestine and be digested. This surgery can be conducted via laparoscopy or open surgery, and the choice depends on the surgeons.

The surgery involves making an incision in the body to see the pylorus muscle and then making another cut on the muscle to spread it. General anesthesia is administered during the surgery to ensure the baby does not feel pain. The entire surgery lasts anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour.

After surgery, the baby will be in the recovery room until it wakes up from the anesthesia. Medication to dull the pain is administered along with intravenous fluids post-surgery. The baby may feed slowly and burp more than usual for a few days.

It is essential to keep the surgical incision hygienic and dry until it heals completely. The doctors will advise on ways to do this. Babies who are given antibiotics in the first couple of weeks after birth or whose mothers were given antibiotics during late pregnancy or early breastfeeding may have a higher likelihood of developing pyloric stenosis.

Pyloric stenosis surgery risks are rare and range from a minimum to negligible. Once the baby seems ready to take food orally, a watered-down formula initiates the feeding. After the surgery, the baby may vomit for a couple of days as its body gets used to it.

It is worth noting that pyloric stenosis is observed at a higher frequency in male firstborn infants and less common in people from the Asian subcontinent. Premature birth and smoking during pregnancy have been termed as possible causes for pyloric stenosis. However, the exact cause of this condition is not known, but it may have a hereditary trail.

A common misconception is that pyloric stenosis is caused by feeding the baby too much or too quickly. However, this is not the case, and it is essential to seek medical advice if your baby shows signs of pyloric stenosis.

In conclusion, pyloric stenosis is a common condition in infants that can be effectively treated with surgery. By understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, parents can ensure their baby receives prompt and appropriate care.