Pyloric Stenosis
By: Paul FryattTotal Views: 194, Word Count: 583,
Pyloric stenosis is a type of condition that can result in severe vomiting. It normally takes place in babies. Pyloric stenosis is known to be narrowing of the stomach opening to the intestines, due to enlargement of the muscle which surrounds this area. These spasms when the stomach gets empty can take place within the first few weeks of life. Pyloric stenosis can also occur in adults due to scarring from chronic peptic ulceration. This is a totally different condition from the infantile form.
Causes of Pyloric Stenosis
In normal human beings, the food normally passes easily from the stomach into the duodenum through a valve pylorus. In case of pyloric stenosis, the muscles of the pylorus get thickened and this prevents the stomach from emptying the food matter in the small intestine. The basic cause of this thickening is not known. Sometimes, there are some genetic factors involved. Condition of Pyloric stenosis occurs in boys more as compared to girls. It is commonly diagnosed in children who are older than 6 months.
Symptoms of Pyloric Stenosis
There are some general symptoms associated with this condition. Major symptoms are listed as below:
· Vomiting starts after every feeding. This can start at the age of 3 weeks which is forceful.
· The infant gets hungry after each vomiting
· Abdominal pain
· Constant hunger
· Belching
· Dehydration
· Weight loss
· Wave-like motion of the abdomen
Signs and Tests of Pyloric Stenosis
For diagnosing this condition, the physical examination is important. This can reveal signs of dehydration. In some cases, the infant has a swollen belly.
Doctors can identify the abnormal pylorus by touching the stomach, which is like an olive-shaped mass.
Along with this, ultrasound of the abdomen is required for conformation. Other tests include:
· Barium x-ray - reveals a swollen stomach
· Blood chemistry panel - which tells about an electrolyte imbalance
Treatment of Pyloric Stenosis
· The major treatment for pyloric stenosis is surgery which is known as pyloromyotomy in which doctors split the overdeveloped muscles on the stomach.
· During this, the patient is provided with fluids through a vein before surgery
· Surgery provides complete release from the symptoms
Complications during Pyloric Stenosis Operation
There can be a possibility of some complications after surgery which are mentioned as below:
· Vomiting after surgery
· Failure to gain weight
· Risks associated with surgery are bleeding and infection
Other Treatment Options
Try to avoid use of erythromycin, which is an antibiotic used for infants. Babies receiving this may be at a high risk for pyloric stenosis.
In some infants, atropine sulfate is given intravenously at first to correct this situation.
Pyloric stenosis can also be fixed with the help of laparoscopic surgery where a small incision is made near the baby’s navel.
Nutrition and Supplements for Infants with Pyloric Stenosis
After treatment of this condition, most of all infants lose weight which can be improved by proper intake of nutrients and supplements. The mothers should follow the instructions below:
· Take antioxidant foods more which include fruits
· Eat foods high in B-vitamins and calcium
· Avoid refined foods
· Use healthy cooking oils
· Avoid coffee, alcohol and tobacco
· Drink plenty of water
So now we are familiar with pyloric stenosis and this article will help you to take proper decisions regarding your infant’s health issue.
About the Author
Paul Fryatt, M.D. has been in this profession from last 24 years. He made great achievements in his profession. He made an initiative to open a Family Allergy Clinic in 1985 to help his patients who were not reacting to traditional allergy treatment programs. Moreover he has explored the treatment to overcome allergy symptoms to reclaim quality of life through his convenient, no-shots therapy.
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