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VomitingDiarrheaMilk or formula that stays in the stomach, instead of going into the intestines the way it shouldBleeding from the rectum
Some symptoms of NEC can also happen with other conditions. These symptoms include: � �
- Long pauses with no breathing
- Acting sleepy a lot of the time " � It can be hard to wake the baby up.
- Skin that feels too warm or too cool
Doctors usually find NEC in babies who are already in the hospital. This is because NEC usually happens in premature babies or sick babies who are born on time. If the doctors and nurses taking care of your baby think he or she might have NEC, they can do an exam and treat the condition. � �
Will my baby need tests? " � Yes. Doctors can order some or all of these tests: � �
- X-ray of the belly
- Ultrasound of the belly " � An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of the body.
- Blood tests
- Tests on a sample of the baby's bowel movement
Imaging tests such as X-ray and ultrasound show changes in the intestines caused by NEC. Blood tests and tests on a sample of bowel movement help doctors tell if NEC is causing the symptoms or if a different condition might be the cause. Other diseases can cause symptoms like those of NEC. � �
How is necrotizing enterocolitis treated? " � A baby with NEC needs treatment right away. Treatments can include: � �
- Giving fluids and nutrition through an "IV " � (a small tube that goes into a vein)
- Putting a thin tube called a "nasogastric tube " � in the baby's nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. (The esophagus is the tube that carries food to the stomach.) If there is extra fluid and air in the stomach or intestines, the tube can suck it up. This can relieve belly swelling and help stop vomiting.
- Giving medicines or blood transfusions to help bleeding problems or other problems " � During a blood transfusion, the baby will get blood that has been donated by someone else. The donated blood goes into a vein.
- Antibiotics to fight infection
- Surgery " � Doctors can drain fluid from the belly or take out a part of the intestine that has serious damage.
Babies with NEC can be very sick. During treatment, they might need: � �
- Medicines to help the heart work correctly
- A breathing machine or oxygen to help them get enough air in the lungs
Babies getting treatment for NEC have X-rays, blood tests, and tests on a sample of bowel movement often. All these tests can show if the NEC is getting better or worse. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83039 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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