Common Gastrointestinal Diseases in Newborns

Definition:

A serious condition where parts of the intestine become inflamed and die due to poor blood supply and bacterial infection.

Risk Factors:

• Prematurity
• Formula feeding instead of breastfeeding
• Birth complications (oxygen deprivation)
• Poor hygiene in medical procedures

Symptoms:

• Inability to digest milk
• Vomiting
• Abdominal bloating and redness
• Blood in stool
• Lethargy and low body temperature

Treatment & Care:

• Stop feeding
• Monitor vital signs and breathing
• Provide IV nutrition and antibiotics
• Surgery in severe cases to remove damaged intestine

Complications:

• Intestinal gangrene
• Intestinal perforation
• Short bowel syndrome
• Adhesions (intestinal blockages)