Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis: Understanding Persistent Vomiting In Infants
If Your Baby Vomits Persistently After Feeding, It’s Natural To Be
Concerned. While Occasional Spit-ups Are Normal In Infants, frequent Or
Forceful Vomiting May Signal An Underlying Problem.
One Possible Cause Is A Condition Called Hypertrophic Pyloric
Stenosis (HPS) A narrowing Of The Stomach Outlet, Which Prevents
Food From Passing Into The Small Intestine Properly. Early Detection And
Treatment Are Crucial To Avoid Complications And Ensure Your Baby’s Healthy
Growth.
What Is Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis?
Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis Is A Condition That Occurs When The pylorus,
The Muscular Valve Between The Stomach And Small Intestine, Becomes Abnormally
Thick. This Thickening Blocks Food From Moving Forward, Causing vomiting
After Feeding And dehydration.
It Usually Appears In infants Between 2 To 8 Weeks Of Age And Is
More Common In Boys Than Girls.
Symptoms To Watch For
Parents Should Be Alert For The Following Signs:
- Forceful (projectile) Vomiting After
Feeding
- Persistent Hunger Even After
Vomiting
- Weight Loss Or Poor Weight Gain
- Fewer Wet Diapers (sign Of
Dehydration)
- Visible Stomach Movements After Feeding
- Lethargy Or Irritability
If Your Baby Shows These Symptoms, It’s Essential To Seek Medical
Attention Immediately.
Diagnosis
Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis Can Be accurately Diagnosed Through An
Ultrasound Scan, Which Shows The Thickened Pyloric Muscle.
Sometimes, Blood Tests May Be Done To Check For dehydration Or Electrolyte
Imbalances Caused By Repeated Vomiting.
Early Diagnosis Prevents Serious Complications Like Severe Dehydration
Or Failure To Thrive.
Treatment
The Definitive Treatment For HPS Is A minor Surgical Procedure Called
Pyloromyotomy, In Which The Thickened Muscle Is Carefully Opened To Allow
Food To Pass Normally From The Stomach To The Intestine.
This Surgery Is Safe, Effective, And Provides Permanent Relief. Most
Babies Recover Quickly And Resume Normal Feeding Within A Few Days.
Post-Treatment Care
After Surgery:
- The Baby May Still Vomit Slightly For A Day Or Two This Is Normal.
- Feeding Is Gradually Reintroduced Under Medical Supervision.
- Regular Follow-up Visits Ensure Proper Healing And Weight Gain.
When To Consult A Specialist
If Your Infant Is Vomiting Forcefully After Every Feed Or Appears
Dehydrated And Irritable, consult A Gastroenterologist Immediately.
Timely Ultrasound Screening Can Make A Life-changing Difference.
Persistent
Vomiting In Infants Should Never Be Ignored.
Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis, Though Alarming, Is A treatable Condition
With Excellent Outcomes When Diagnosed Early. Parents’ Awareness And Prompt
Consultation With A Gastro Specialist Can Ensure The Baby’s Full Recovery And
Healthy Growth.
At Hardhik Gastro Liver Clinic & Scan Center
Dr. Ravisankar Reddy, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist And
Hepatologist, Provides Expert Diagnosis And Management Of Gastrointestinal
Disorders, Including Infant Conditions Like Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis.
Early Diagnosis Through Ultrasound Can Save Your Baby From Serious
Complications.
