Pyloric Stenosis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Pyloric stenosis
is a condition that causes narrowing of your baby's pylorus. The pylorus is the muscular opening at the lower end of the stomach that connects to the intestines. Narrowing prevents food from moving from the stomach to the intestines. The cause is unknown.
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Common signs and symptoms of pyloric stenosis:
- Vomiting after a feeding that gets worse and happens more often
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry lips or little urination
- Blood in vomit
- Hunger after every vomit
- A lump in your baby's abdomen the size of an olive
- Few or small bowel movements
- Weight loss, a lean body, or failure to thrive
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
Seek care immediately if:
- Your baby is vomiting and cannot keep any liquids down.
- Your baby has new or worsening signs of dehydration:
- Dry mouth or cracked lips
- Fast heartbeat or breathing
- More irritable or fussy than usual
- Urinating little or not at all
- Sunken eyes or fontanels (soft spot on the top of the head)
Call your baby's doctor if:
- Your baby has a fever.
- Your baby's vomit contains blood, or material that looks like coffee grounds.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
Treatment
may include any of the following:
- Hydration is used to put fluids, sugar, and salts into your baby's body through an IV.
- A nasogastric (NG) tube is used to give food and medicine. Your baby may need an NG tube if he or she cannot feed normally. The NG tube will be put into your baby's nose and guided down his or her throat to the stomach. The tube may be attached to suction if your baby's stomach needs to stay empty.
- Surgery may be needed to cut and loosen the pylorus to allow food to pass through.
Feed your baby as directed:
Feed your baby as much and as often as directed by his or her healthcare provider.
Follow up with your baby's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your 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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