What are the symptoms of intestinal obstruction in newborns?

The main symptoms of neonatal intestinal obstruction include vomiting, abdominal distension, reduced or stopped defecation, and in severe cases, crying, restlessness, dehydration, etc. The treatment method should be surgical or conservative according to the cause.

1. Vomiting is a common symptom of intestinal obstruction in newborns, usually manifested as frequent and severe vomiting, and the vomit may contain bile. In this case, timely medical treatment is required to avoid dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Parents should observe the frequency and nature of vomiting, record it and inform the child.

2. Abdominal distension is another typical symptom. The abdomen is obviously swollen and may feel hard when touched. Abdominal distension may be caused by gas or fluid accumulation in the intestines. Parents can gently massage the baby's abdomen, but avoid excessive force to avoid discomfort.

3. Reduced or stopped bowel movements are important signs of intestinal obstruction. Normal newborns should have multiple bowel movements a day. If you find that your baby has not defecated for a long time, or the amount of bowel movements has decreased significantly, you should seek medical attention in time. The doctor may confirm the location and degree of obstruction through imaging examinations.

4. Crying, restlessness and dehydration are serious manifestations of intestinal obstruction. Babies may continue to cry due to abdominal pain, and have symptoms of dehydration such as dry mouth and decreased urine output. Parents need to closely observe the baby's mental state and fluid balance, and replenish water or seek medical attention when necessary.

Treatment is selected according to the cause and severity of the disease. For mechanical intestinal obstruction, such as intussusception or congenital intestinal malformation, surgical treatment is usually required. Surgical methods include intestinal resection and anastomosis, enterostomy, etc. For functional intestinal obstruction, such as neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, conservative treatment can be used, including fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, antibiotic treatment, etc.

Dietary conditioning is also important in conservative treatment. Breastfeeding is the best choice, as breast milk is easy to digest and rich in antibodies. If breastfeeding is not possible, low-osmotic pressure formula milk can be selected. In terms of exercise, parents can help babies perform passive exercises, such as gentle abdominal massage, to promote intestinal peristalsis.

The symptoms of neonatal intestinal obstruction vary. Parents need to closely observe the baby's performance, detect it in time and seek medical treatment. The treatment method is selected according to the cause, and surgery or conservative treatment must be performed under the guidance of a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are the key to improving prognosis.