Pyloric Stenosis

The pylorus is the opening between the stomach and the small intestine. Food passes out of the stomach through this opening. It acts like a valve controlling the passage of food from the stomach to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Pyloric stenosis is narrowing of this opening. This can block the passage of food out of the stomach.

The problem is often first seen in young babies. They are generally well at birth but start showing symptoms by the time they are 3 to 6 weeks of age. The baby may start vomiting after feeding. The vomiting may be very forceful (projectile vomiting). This may result in dehydration and weight loss.

The doctor takes a detailed medical history, including birth history, from the caregivers, performs a physical exam of the baby and may request certain tests, such as bloodwork, and ultrasound may be done. An ultrasound uses painless sound waves to create an image of the child's stomach and intestine. An X-ray of the abdomen may be needed in some cases.

If pyloric stenosis is found, it's usually treated with surgery. This makes the opening wider and corrects the problem.

To help prevent vomiting after feedings:

• Burp your baby several times during and after feeding.
• Don't feed your baby lying down.
• Don't overfeed. Wait at least 2 to 3 hours between feedings. This prevents pressure on the stomach opening.
• Keep your baby in an upright position during feeding and for a half hour after each feeding. You can use a front-pack, backpack, infant swing or infant car seat to keep your baby upright.
• Don't put tight diapers on your child. They put pressure on the abdomen.
• Lay your baby on their back or side to sleep. Never put your baby to sleep on their stomach.

Follow up with your child's doctor as advised.

Contact your child's doctor if your baby has any of the following:

• Severe coughing spell or trouble breathing
• Unusual fussiness or drowsiness
• Signs of dehydration, including no wet diapers for 8 hours, no tears when crying, sunken eyes or dry mouth
• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Symptoms get worse or your baby has new symptoms