Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disorder primarily affecting premature infants. This condition causes inflammation and eventual death of intestinal tissue, which can result in a perforation or hole in the baby’s intestine. This hole can allow bacteria to enter the abdomen or bloodstream, resulting in serious complications. NEC typically develops within the first two to six weeks of birth.
The severity of NEC varies, with some infants having mild symptoms and others facing life-threatening challenges. This blog post aims to provide new parents with expert nutritionist advice on balancing nutrient needs while avoiding NEC.
How Do You Know If Your Baby Has NEC?
Although rare in full-term babies, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) often affects premature or critically ill newborns. If your baby exhibits any of the symptoms mentioned below, get medical aid immediately. Your child’s medical consultant will get an X-ray of their abdomen and certain blood tests.
If it is NEC, the X-ray will show air bubbles or gas in the intestinal lining. On the other hand, blood tests for infants reveal low counts of white blood cells. This means that your baby’s ability to fight infections is less.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The NEC baby symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms are:
– Abdominal pain and swelling
– Diarrhea with bloody stool
– Green or yellow vomit
– Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and breathing
– Lethargy
– Refusing to eat and lack of weight gain
Treatment for NEC in Babies
To treat NEC, all feedings should be stopped, and only antibiotics should be given. A tube is also inserted through the mouth and passed to the stomach to keep the intestines empty. Treatment procedures include X-rays of the abdomen and regular blood tests. In a serious NEC context, surgery may be necessary.
How to Balance Your Infant’s Nutrient Needs Without Risking NEC?
While the exact cause of NEC is unknown, certain factors may increase the risk. Here are some important strategies to ensure optimal nutrition without jeopardizing your baby’s health.
Breast Milk is the Gold Standard
Breast milk contains the optimal combination of nutrients and immune-boosting factors that are tailored specifically to your baby’s needs. It is easy to digest and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, lowering the risk of NEC. It is highly recommended that you breastfeed exclusively for the first six months.
Introduce Formula Carefully
If breastfeeding is not possible or sufficient, use a fortified formula containing prebiotics and probiotics to mimic the benefits of breastfeeding. Probiotics, whether found naturally in breast milk or supplemented, can promote a healthy gut microbiome, potentially lowering the risk of NEC. Discuss probiotic supplementation with your pediatrician to ensure that it is safe for your child.
Begin with small, frequent feeds, gradually increasing the volume as tolerated. Watch for signs of feeding intolerance, which can indicate a higher risk of NEC. Certain cow milk-based baby formulas may put your baby at risk for NEC. TorHoerman Law reports that lawsuits have been filed alleging that Similac and Enfamil formulas increased the risk of NEC in premature babies.
Minimize Inflammatory Substances
Limit exposure to gut-irritating foods before your child turns one year old. Examples include cow’s milk protein. Milk is linked to various gastrointestinal issues throughout life due to ingredients that may cause discomfort. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most prevalent food allergy from infancy to adulthood.
Consult your pediatrician before introducing any new foods, particularly those that are known allergens. If you want, introduce new foods one at a time, allowing your baby’s digestive system to adjust. This assists in identifying any potential sensitivities or allergies that may contribute to NEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies survive NEC?
The majority of infants overcoming NEC usually recover completely without feeding issues. However, scarring might cause bowel narrowing, potentially causing a future blockage. Another issue that may arise is malabsorption, which can impede nutrient absorption in the bowel.
How does NEC develop in babies?
Premature infants frequently develop NEC due to their immature digestive systems. It is associated with gut infections and inflammation caused by harmful bacterial growth or colonization in unusual intestinal areas.
Can breastfed babies get NEC?
NEC is a common condition among babies born before 33 weeks gestation. Formula-fed babies are two to four times more likely to develop the illness than breastfed babies.
What is the NEC baby formula lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleges that babies fed Similac or Enfamil cow’s milk formulas developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This results in severe intestinal damage or death. Plaintiffs argue that Mead Johnson and Abbott failed to adequately warn parents about these risks.
Remember, early detection of NEC is critical. Look for symptoms such as abdominal distention, bloody stools, green vomit, lethargy, and food intolerance. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your pediatrician immediately. Parents can best care for their children by recognizing NEC signs and understanding their treatment. Always seek personalized advice from your healthcare provider.
Read also: For parents looking for expert advice on nutrition to avoid NEC, read Bio Complete 3 reviews for balanced nutrient guidance.
