Necrotizing enterocolitis is abbreviated as NEC and is a condition that causes inflammation or injury of the small or large intestines in infants. As a result, the child could develop a perforation in their gut. In more severe cases, the condition could cause the death of the intestinal tract, leading to a host of complications at such a tender age. NEC commonly affects premature babies born before 32 weeks of gestation. However, babies who manage to reach full-term can also develop this condition, especially if they have a heart defect. Since the gut cannot hold waste, bacteria could seep into the bloodstream or the child’s stomach, leading to an infection. This article will discuss more facts about necrotizing enterocolitis in premature babies. 

Causes of necrotizing enterocolitis

Unfortunately, experts have not yet found a specific cause of necrotizing enterocolitis. However, several factors could cause your baby to develop NEC. An injury to the intestinal lining, a bacterial or viral infection, or heavy growth of bacteria on the intestinal wall could cause NEC. Your baby could also develop NEC if born with an underdeveloped intestine. Recent studies have revealed that formula feeding could also result in necrotizing enterocolitis. Breastfeeding babies have a lower risk of developing NEC than those who rely on formula for sustenance.

Signs and symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of NEC include lethargy, constipation, a red, swollen, or tender belly, pauses in breathing, bloody stool, or an unstable body temperature. Your child might also have trouble feeding or producing green vomit containing bile. Additional symptoms include hypotension and bradycardia. Keep in mind that symptoms may vary from one child to another. You can easily mistake NEC for any other digestive problem because the symptoms are almost similar. If you notice any of the above signs and have a bad feeling in your gut concerning your child’s health, ensure you rush to your nearest medical facility for a checkup.

Diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis

The best way to determine if your child has NEC would be to take them to the hospital and ask your doctor to perform an X-ray. The condition manifests as a bubble or a streaky appearance on the intestinal walls, indicating an abnormal gas pattern. In more severe cases, this gas bubble will escape from the gut and appear in the abdominal cavity or the liver.

Dangers of using baby formula

Recent studies have linked baby formulas to NEC development, especially if they are fed to preterm babies. These premature babies cannot properly digest this milk, causing inflammation or irritation of the gut. The best milk to feed a preterm baby would be breastmilk, as it is nutritious, contains protective antibodies, and is easy to digest. If you suspect your child developed NEC due to feeding on baby formula, it would be best to file a baby formula lawsuit case to ensure you get compensated. A good attorney will help you get the medical care you need for your child and help get justice for your family.

How to treat the condition

After the doctor has confirmed the diagnosis, they must start treatment immediately. They will start by inserting a tube through the baby’s mouth or nose to drain excess fluid from the intestines and stomach. Since they will have temporarily stopped all feedings, they will need to use an IV to replace lost fluids and provide nutrition. The doctor should then provide antibiotics to treat the infection and perform additional X-rays to monitor the progress. In severe cases, the child will have to undergo surgery.

Long-term effects of enterocolitis

Most children who suffer from necrotizing enterocolitis recover fully and have no problems eating. Unfortunately, some babies don’t recover and need surgery to correct narrowed or blocked intestines complications. One of the long-term effects of NEC is malabsorption, whereby the intestines are unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream normally. In this case, nutrients have to be administered intravenously until the gut is healed enough to resume normal functions.

Wrapping up

Ideally, infants develop NEC within the first two to four weeks. If the intestinal tract dies, a surgeon will have to remove the dead part. NEC is a life-threatening condition for premature babies, not to mention the stress and anguish it causes many parents worldwide. Try to find ways to bond with your child during this harrowing experience so that they know they are not alone. We hope this article has shed more light on the condition and the steps you can take after your child is diagnosed with NEC.