What Is Pyloric Stenosis And How Will I Know If My Baby Has It?
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If your baby has forceful and projectile vomiting then he may have pyloric stenosis. This is not a normal condition and it can negatively impact your babys health. So, make sure you understand what pyloric stenosis is and its symptoms. If you believe your child has this then you should seek immediate medical help.
What is Pyloric Stenosis?
Pyloric Stenosis is a condition where the pylorus is too narrow. The pylorus is basically the bottom part of the stomach where food moves to the small intestine. What happens with pyloric stenosis is that the muscles in this part of the stomach are inflamed and swollen and the stomach cannot empty the contents into the small intestine. This condition is not unheard of and approximately three out of every 1,000 babies in the United States suffers from Pyloric Stenosis.
Risk Factors of Pyloric Stenosis
There are some risk factors with Pyloric Stenosis. In fact, first born male children are four times more likely to be affected than in subsequent children. In addition, children whose parents have the condition have about a 20% higher chance of having the condition as well. Babies with blood types O or B are more likely to experience Pyloric Stenosis as well as Caucasian infants.
When Does it Occur?
If your child has Pyloric Stenosis the symptoms will probably become visible around two weeks to two months of age. The average age of onset is around three weeks of age. Many children who are affected by Pyloric Stenosis will require surgery.
What Causes it?
Doctors and researchers are not 100% sure as to the cause of pyloric stenosis; however they do have some guesses. One is that hormones from the mother play some form of role. Another is that the childs pylorus does not contain certain receptors and it stays in a constant state of contraction, which causes it to enlarge over time. Most doctors believe babies are not born with this disorder but rather it develops for some reason or another. That is why it is not recognized until the child is several weeks old.
Does My Baby Have Pyloric Stenosis?
If your infant develops projectile vomiting around two to three weeks of age or even up to two months of age, then you should look out for some other symptoms as well. Few bowel movements and a failure to put on weight are also signs. If your baby also shows signs of hunger not long after the vomiting incident then he may have Pyloric Stenosis. The best thing to do is try not to diagnose your child but rather schedule and immediate appointment with the pediatrician to have your child evaluated.
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