Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious gastrointestinal disease that affects newborns and premature infants, causing intestinal tissue to die and potentially leading to organ damage or destruction. The cause is unknown, but it is theorized that a lack of blood flow or bacteria may be involved. Symptoms include stomach distension, food intolerance, diarrhea, and vomiting. Diagnosis is confirmed through an X-ray, and treatment includes stopping feeding, antibiotic therapy, and surgery if necessary. Quick treatment is crucial for a positive outcome.
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects newborns and premature infants. The disease causes intestinal tissue to die and can cause serious organ damage or destruction of the intestines. The cause of the disorder is unknown, although it has been theorized that a lack of blood flow to the gut or intestines could prevent the production of mucus that protects the intestinal tract. Some doctors believe that bacteria can also cause the condition.
The disease is almost always found in sick or premature infants and usually develops within the first two weeks after birth. It is one of the most common and serious gastrointestinal disorders seen in premature babies. Babies born early have immature intestines and typically have trouble digesting food and getting enough oxygen. Additionally, their organs are more prone to infection and sensitive to changes in blood flow. When these problems are combined, the risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis increases significantly.
Symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis include stomach distension and abdominal tenderness, food intolerance or inability to eat, diarrhea and vomiting, blood in the stool, lethargy, and unstable body temperature. In rare cases, a hole or perforation may develop in the intestines, allowing bacteria to enter the abdomen. This can cause a life-threatening infection known as peritonitis or inflammation of the intestinal wall.
The diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis is usually confirmed by an X-ray. A doctor will look for a pattern of abnormal gas in the intestinal walls or air in the abdominal cavity, which indicates that the condition is present. A surgeon may withdraw fluid from the abdomen through a needle to determine if there is a perforation in the intestine before treatment begins.
If a doctor suspects a baby has the disorder, the feeding will be stopped and a tube inserted into the stomach through the nasal passages to relieve gas and remove excess fluid. Other treatments for necrotizing enterocolitis include antibiotic therapy, replacing infant formula or breast milk with intravenous fluids, and continuous monitoring of the abdomen using X-rays and physical exams.
If there is a perforation in the intestine or peritonitis has developed, surgery will be needed to treat the condition. During the surgery, dead tissue is removed from the intestines and a colostomy is performed. A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which the large intestine is brought through the intestinal wall. The solid waste will then drain into a bag attached to your abdomen. The intestines are surgically reconnected later, usually after several weeks, when the infection and inflammation have subsided.
If an infant or premature baby begins to develop symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis, the baby should be taken to the hospital immediately for treatment. Although the condition is very serious, quick and aggressive treatment usually improves the end result. If left untreated, serious complications and even death could result.
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