Newborn infants are very vulnerable, and they may suffer harm due to infections or other health issues. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one issue that can affect children who are born prematurely or who have a low birth weight. This intestinal illness can be incredibly harmful, and it may threaten an infant’s life or lead to life-long medical conditions. In some cases, it may be caused by an E. coli infection or the use of baby formula in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Symptoms of NEC
Necrotizing enterocolitis affects the lining of the small or large intestine, and it may cause intestinal tissue to die. In some cases, a hole may develop in the intestinal wall, causing foods and liquids to leak into the abdomen and leading to widespread infections or sepsis. Dead intestinal tissue may need to be removed, or a child may experience intestinal blockages or other issues that will affect their ability to digest food throughout the rest of their lifetime.
NEC most commonly affects premature infants who are born before the 28th week of pregnancy, although it may also affect children with birth defects who are born at full term. Symptoms will usually appear around two weeks after a child’s birth, and they may include abdominal swelling, inability to move food through the intestines, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, inability to eat, and lack of weight gain. A swollen abdomen may cause a child to experience difficulty breathing, and infections may lead to issues such as low heart rate, low blood pressure, and fevers.
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