Necrotizing Enterocolitis Treatment Information
- By:Juliet Cohen
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a medical condition primarily seen in premature infants, where portions of the bowel undergo necrosis. It primarily affects premature infants or sick newborns. Necrotizing enterocolitis most commonly develops 10 to 16 days after birth. In some cases, necrotizing enterocolitis develops up to 3 months after birth. The condition is typically seen in premature infants, and the timing of its onset is generally inversely proportional to the gestational age of the baby at birth. Initial symptoms include feeding intolerance, increased gastric residuals, abdominal distension and bloody stools.
The causes of NEC is unclear. It is thought that the intestinal tissues are somehow weakened by too little oxygen or blood flow. When feedings are started and the food moves into the weakened area of the intestinal tract, bacteria from the food can damage the intestinal tissues. The tissues may be severely damaged and die, which can cause a hole to develop in the intestine. This can lead to severe infection in the abdomen. Babies who are fed breast milk can also develop NEC. Babies with gastrointestinal infections are at an increased risk of developing NEC. Babies with too many red blood cells in the circulation are at an increased risk of NEC.
In infants who have mild to moderate necrotizing enterocolitis, treatment consists of intravenous (IV) nutrition, antibiotics, and removing liquid and gas extra from the intestine. Nasogastrique (NG) tube (the nose into the stomach) to keep on an empty stomach. The isolation procedures (such as protective gowns and gloves) to keep any infection from spreading. Serious cases of NEC may require surgery to remove diseased intestine or colon. The surgical management of NEC remains controversial. Launch of parenteral nutrition enough protein, calories and fat is essential to provide substrate for the intestine to heal.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Antibiotic treatment is useful.
2. Colostomy or ileostomy also recommeded
3. Surgery to remove diseased intestine or bowel.
4. Intravenous fluids for fluid replacement and nutrition.
5. Limiting the infant handling to the minimum.About the author:
Juliet Cohen writes article for Home Remedies. She also writes articles for Makeup and Skin Care.