Intestinal obstruction in infants: What you need to know

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Intestinal obstruction in infants is very dangerous and can be life-threatening. Therefore, children with intestinal obstruction need to be treated promptly and have appropriate care methods to limit the progression of the disease and quickly recover health.

1. What is infantile intestinal obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction is a blockage of substances in the intestinal lumen, including the small intestine and colon.
There are many causes of intestinal obstruction such as: fibrous bands of tissue in the abdomen are stuck after surgery, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hernia, colon cancer...
Intestinal obstruction causes substances in Stagnant intestinal lumen, over time, creates conditions for bacteria to attack and lead to many serious problems such as intestinal necrosis, even death.
In cases of intestinal obstruction in children under 3 years of age, intussusception is the most common. The digestive system of children is still very immature, so when a child has an intestinal obstruction, it is necessary to take him to the hospital immediately so that the doctors can promptly treat it to avoid bad consequences.

2. Manifestations of intestinal obstruction in infants

As mentioned above, most cases of intestinal obstruction in infants are due to intussusception, so the main manifestations of children with intestinal obstruction will be closely related to intussusception.
The most obvious sign of intussusception is that the child suddenly cries loudly due to abdominal pain. With babies, parents can recognize the signs of crying due to colic is when the baby pulls on the knees and chest when crying. Babies cry every time pain occurs. The pain repeats every 15-20 minutes. The pain is getting longer and longer and comes on faster.
In addition, other signs of intussusception in young children include:
Vomiting, vomiting Diarrhea Diarrhea, stools mixed with blood and mucus, shaped like grape jelly Feel a lump in the abdomen The child faints , fast asleep Fever

Not all children with bowel obstruction have all of these signs. Some children have unclear symptoms, some children have many other symptoms. Parents need to observe children carefully, when seeing abnormal signs that cause long-term discomfort, they should take the child to the doctor as soon as possible.

3. Causes of intestinal obstruction in infants

In young children, most causes of intestinal obstruction are intussusception. Because the intestine has a long shape like a tube.
Newborn's intestines are straight, with part of the intussusception sliding into the proximal bowel. In some cases, an abnormal growth in the intestine creates an intussusception such as a polyp or a tumor. Normal peristalsis resembles intestinal contractions and pulls the intestinal lining into the upper part. However, in most cases of intussusception in young children the cause cannot be identified.
Some other causes of intestinal obstruction in young children include:
Enteritis Diverticulitis: Infected small, bulging pouches in the digestive tract Torsion of the colon Hernia: Part of the intestine protrudes into the abdominal wall Intestinal obstruction in Infancy is very common and can affect any age group. The younger the child, the higher the risk of intussusception. Intestinal obstruction in young children also occurs more often than in boys, especially children whose intestinal tract was abnormally formed at birth. Children with a history of intussusception are also very susceptible to recurrence.

4. Diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in infants

When the child shows signs of intestinal obstruction. Parents should take their children to the doctor for an accurate examination and diagnosis, thereby having a timely treatment plan. Children will be clinically examined, examined, and then assigned to perform tests such as X-ray, computed tomography, ultrasound, enema.

5. Treatment of intestinal obstruction in infants

Intussusception is a medical emergency. Children need emergency care to avoid excessive vomiting that causes dehydration, electrolyte loss, shock and to prevent infection that can occur when part of the intestine is necrotic due to anemia.
Procedures for treating intestinal obstruction in newborns at the hospital include:
Give fluids to the child through an intravenous line. Decompress the bowel by inserting a catheter into the stomach from the nose. Remove the cage with gas or barium. This activity has both diagnostic and therapeutic value. If the enema is successful, the child does not need any further treatment. If intussusception does not work or the bowel has perforated, the child may need surgery to correct the obstruction.

6. Lifestyle suitable for children with intestinal obstruction

Give your child plenty of water to drink, breast milk (if still nursing), drink fruit juices, etc. to avoid dehydration foods that produce gas such as: beans, peanuts, vegetables, soft drinks Feed children easy-to-digest and liquid foods such as: soup, porridge To limit intestinal obstruction, divide meals during the day and feed them to children. low fiber diet, no grains and nuts. Small bowel obstruction in children is one of the diseases that need urgent emergency care to reduce the risk for the patient.
As a key area of ​​Vinmec Health System, Pediatrics Department always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of doctors and nurses on Pediatrics: including: experts, with high professional qualifications (professor, associate professor, doctorate, master), rich experience, have worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are all well-trained. Create methodically, professionally, with mind - range, understanding young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Advanced techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - craniofacial surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to play comfortably and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

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