Pyloric stenosis is a rare gastric disorder present from birth that causes progressive vomiting due to the inability of food to pass into the small intestine.

Symptoms of Pyloric Stenosis

The symptoms of pyloric stenosis include:

Projectile vomiting.

Presence of a lump in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.

Abdominal wall contractions.

Constipation.

Weight loss.

Gastric mucosal inflammation.

Bleeding.

Jaundice.

Elevated bilirubin levels.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pyloric Stenosis

The exact cause of pyloric stenosis remains unclear, but it may be attributed to genetic or environmental factors.

Risk Factors for Pyloric Stenosis

The risk factors include:

Avoiding breastfeeding.

Administering antibiotics to infants during the first weeks of life.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy.

Male gender, as boys are more likely to develop the condition.

Complications of Pyloric Stenosis

Complications associated with pyloric stenosis include:

Growth and developmental delays in the child.

Dehydration due to frequent vomiting.

Gastric irritation leading to mild bleeding.

Jaundice resulting from bilirubin buildup.

Diagnosis of Pyloric Stenosis

Pyloric stenosis is diagnosed through the following methods:

Ultrasound imaging: This can identify any lumps and determine their size.

X-ray imaging with contrast material: This test is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Pyloric Stenosis

Pyloric stenosis can be treated through the following approaches:

Conservative Treatment

This involves restoring the body's fluid and electrolyte levels to normal. The process may take a day or more, depending on the severity of the condition.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery involves making an incision to widen the pyloric muscle, releasing the constricted passage. This allows the stomach to empty its contents properly. After surgery, the infant can gradually resume oral feeding.

Prevention of Pyloric Stenosis

There are no definitive measures to prevent pyloric stenosis due to its largely unknown causes. However, minimizing risk factors as much as possible is generally recommended.