Pyloric Stenosis Essay

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Pyloric Stenosis Pyloric stenosis, is a narrowing of the pyloric sphincter in which the muscles of the pylorus are thickened and twice the normal size. This prevents the stomach from emptying into the small intestine. Normally, food passes easily from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine through a valve called the pylorus. The cause of the thickening is unknown, although genetic factors may play a role. Children of parents who had pyloric stenosis are more likely to have this condition. Pyloric stenosis occurs more often in boys than in girls, and is rare in children older than 6 months. Signs and symptoms include: vomiting (free of bile) which begins after the 14th day of life and become projectile vomiting. The forceful ejection of milk or formula up to several feet away within 30 minutes after the baby eats. Vomiting may be mild at first and gradually become more severe. The vomit may sometimes contain blood. The child becomes hungry immediately after each feeding and the cycle continues Weight loss and failure to gain weight is present. Dehydration with decreased sodium and potassium is noted and the baby may cry without tears or become lethargic. A nursing mom may find herself changing fewer wet diapers or diapers that aren't as wet as expected. The infant may have a swollen belly. The doctor may detect the abnormal pylorus, which feels like an olive-shaped mass, when touching the stomach area. Visible peristaltic waves are noticeable, wave-like contractions that move across the baby's upper abdomen (peristalsis) soon after feeding but before vomiting. This is caused by stomach muscles trying to force food past the outlet of the pylorus. Metabolic alkalosis occurs (decreased serum chloride, increased ph and bicarbonate or CO2 content). Babies given certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, in the

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