Intestinal Obstruction in Children

Intestinal obstruction is a blockage in the intestine, which can occur in the small intestine, large intestine or duodenum. This can happen to children and adults, but 1:2000 newborn babies experience this incident. Blockages in the intestines can cause a buildup of food, fluids, stomach acid, or gas. Intestinal obstruction in babies is very dangerous and life-threatening.

 

Causes of intestinal obstruction:

- Twisted intestine

- Folded intestine

- Structural abnormalities of the intestine

- Colitis

- Hernia

- Colon cancer

- Accumulation of feces

 

Most cases of intestinal obstruction in babies are caused by intussusception. The most obvious sign is that the child suddenly cries loudly due to stomach pain. This is because the intestine has a long, tube-like shape. Some other accompanying symptoms are:

- Nauseous

- Greenish yellow vomiting

- Fever

- Diarrhea

- Weak

- Lump or swelling in the stomach

- BAB contains blood or mucus

- The stool is red and lumpy like jelly

 

Intussusception is a condition where the intestine folds and intrudes into the part of the intestine next to it. Usually occurs in babies or children aged less than 3 years. Intussusception is a medical emergency that requires emergency treatment to avoid excessive vomiting which can cause dehydration, loss of electrolytes, shock and infection.

 

Blockages that occur in the intestines cause pressure on the intestines, and when the pressure gets greater the intestines can tear and release their contents into the abdominal cavity, including releasing bacteria.

 

Procedures for treating intestinal obstruction include:

- Giving fluids through an IV, this is done to prevent dehydration

- Inserting a tube into the intestine by inserting a catheter into the stomach through the nose, the aim is to reduce pressure in the intestine

- Surgery/operation

 

A suitable lifestyle for children with intestinal obstruction

- Drink lots of water

- Give food that is easy to digest and liquid such as soup, porridge

- Low fiber diet, without grains and nuts

 

Obstruction can not only occur in the intestine, obstruction can occur anywhere in the digestive tract such as:

- Esophagus

- Stomach

- anal

 

It is important for parents to be alert when their children experience symptoms like those we have mentioned above. Healthy with Hermina.