Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease that causes infection and inflammation in your baby's bowel. It usually happens within the first 2 weeks after birth and is more common in premature infants.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your baby has trouble breathing or his or her lips and fingernails turn blue.
- Your baby has a seizure.
Seek immediate care if:
- Your baby is not able to eat or drink or urinates less or not at all.
- Your baby looks very weak or sleeps more than normal.
- There is blood in your baby's vomit or diaper.
Call your baby's doctor if:
- Your baby has a fever.
- Your baby is irritable or crying more than usual.
- Your baby's skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
Nutrition for your baby:
A dietitian may talk to you about your baby's nutrition. Ask if it is okay to breastfeed your baby or which formula you should feed him or her. Ask how often you should feed your baby and when to increase the amount.
Wash your hands often.
Use soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food.
Medicines:
Your baby may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help treat an infection caused by bacteria.
- Pain medicine may be given. Your baby's healthcare provider will give you instructions on when and how to give this medicine.
- Do not give aspirin to your baby. Your baby could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your baby's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your baby's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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