Symptoms of duodenal obstruction in newborns

Symptoms of duodenal obstruction in newborns include vomiting, abdominal distension, and inability to defecate normally. In severe cases, medical attention should be sought immediately. This condition may be caused by congenital developmental abnormalities, intestinal malrotation, or external compression. Treatment includes surgical correction, drug therapy, and nutritional support.

1. Vomiting: The most common symptom of duodenal obstruction in newborns is frequent vomiting, which may contain bile and appear yellow-green. This is because food cannot pass through the obstruction site, causing gastric contents to reflux. Parents should pay attention to the frequency and nature of vomiting and seek medical attention in time.

2. Abdominal distension: Obstruction prevents the normal discharge of gas and fluid in the intestines, causing the abdomen to swell significantly, and a hard mass may be felt during palpation. Abdominal distension may be accompanied by pain, and the newborn may cry and become restless. Severe abdominal distension may affect breathing and requires emergency treatment.

3. Unable to defecate normally: Due to intestinal obstruction, newborns may not be able to defecate normally or only excrete a small amount of mucus. Long-term failure to defecate may lead to ischemia and necrosis of the intestinal wall, which is life-threatening. Parents need to closely observe the defecation situation and seek medical attention in time if any abnormality is found.

Surgery is the main treatment method. Surgical methods include duodenoplasty, intestinal malrotation correction and intestinal adhesion lysis. Drug treatment is mainly used to relieve symptoms, such as antibiotics to prevent infection and antiemetics to control vomiting. Nutritional support includes intravenous nutrition and enteral nutrition to ensure that the newborn gets enough nutrition.

Neonatal duodenal obstruction is a serious disease, and early detection and treatment are crucial. Parents need to closely observe the symptoms of newborns and seek medical treatment in time to avoid delaying treatment. Through a combination of surgery, medication and nutritional support, most children can recover.