Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Necrotising enterocolitis history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The condition is typically seen in premature infants, and the timing of its onset is generally inversely proportional to the gestational age of the baby at birth. i.e. the earlier a baby is born, the later signs of NEC are typically seen. Initial symptoms include feeding intolerance, increased gastric residuals, abdominal distension and bloody stools. Symptoms may progress rapidly to abdominal discoloration with intestinal perforation and peritonitis and systemic hypotension requiring intensive medical support.
History and Symptoms
History and Symptoms
Symptoms may come on slowly or suddenly, and may include:
- Abdominal distention
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea
- Feeding intolerance
- Lethargy
- Temperature instability
- Vomiting
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]