NEC intestinal infection in newborns, how to prevent it?

Newborns have a weak immune system. No wonder babies are vulnerable to health problems. One of them is necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which often occurs in premature babies.

NEC can cause damage to the baby's intestines and even threaten its safety.

However, don't worry beforehand because you can take certain steps to prevent NEC in babies.
 
Prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

To prevent NEC in infants, breastfeeding is the most important way. Breast milk has various benefits for babies, one of which protects against dangerous infections.

If the baby receives anti-immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in breast milk, the chance of developing necrotizing enterocolitis is reduced.

In addition, breast milk also contains probiotics which can help prevent NEC in infants. However, it depends on what the mother consumes.

Probiotics are bacteria or yeast that are beneficial to health. Probiotics can be found in certain foods, such as yogurt, kefir, tempeh, kimchi or food supplements.

Based on high-quality evidence, the use of probiotics in babies born prematurely or weighing less than 2.5 kg has clear benefits in preventing serious NEC and other causes of death.

However, regarding the benefits of probiotics in infants weighing less than 1 kg, data are inadequate.

However, this can encourage the mother to breastfeed the baby exclusively so that the baby is not exposed to various potentially dangerous diseases.
 
What is necrotizing enterocolitis?

Necrotic enterocolitis (NEC) is a digestive system disorder that occurs when tissue in the lining of the small intestine or large intestine becomes damaged and begins to die. This condition causes inflammation of the intestine. In general, NEC only affects the inner lining of the intestine, but the entire intestinal wall will eventually be affected.

In severe cases, NEC can even cause holes in the intestinal wall. If this happens, bacteria that are usually present in the intestine can seep into the stomach and cause serious infections.

NEC can occur in newborns, about two weeks after birth. However, this disease most often occurs in premature babies. About 60 to 80% of cases of NEC are experienced by premature babies. In addition, about 10% of infants weighing less than 2.3 kg also suffer from NEC.

The symptoms of NEC that occur can vary from baby to baby. Infants with NEC may have the following symptoms:
  • Swelling of the stomach, redness and gentle sensation
  • It's hard to eat
  • constipation
  • Diarrhea with dark or bloody stool
  • Inactive or lethargic
  • Low or unstable body temperature
  • Vomiting is green
  • hard to breathe
  • Heartbeat slows down
  • Low blood pressure

If your baby has NEC symptoms, see your doctor immediately. The doctor will make a diagnosis and determine the right treatment

Causes of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

The exact cause of NEC is unknown. However, lack of oxygen during hard work can be a contributing factor. When oxygen or blood flow in the intestine decreases, the intestine is susceptible to digestive disorders. Weak intestines facilitate the entry of bacteria into food by bacteria, which damage intestinal tissue and cause NEC. Some other factors are also considered to increase the risk of NEC babies, including:
  • The intestine is not fully developed, especially in premature babies
  • The flow of oxygen or blood in the intestine is reduced during labor
  • Injury to intestinal mucosa
  • Growth of bacteria in the intestine that erodes the intestinal wall
  • Viral or bacterial infections in the intestine
  • Give formula milk because breastfed babies have a lower risk of NEC

NEC is not transmitted from one baby to another, but the viruses or bacteria that cause it can be transmitted. Because it is very important for you to protect the health and hygiene of the baby.
 
Another benefit of probiotics for babies
In addition to preventing NEC in infants, probiotics for babies have other advantages, namely:
  • Diarrhea

Probiotics can help treat diarrhea caused by infection or antibiotics. If the baby has diarrhea, you immediately give him a probiotic, which can shorten the familiar diarrhea. However, regarding the role of probiotics in the prevention of diarrhea in infants, there is no strong evidence.

  • Colic

Colic makes babies cry for no apparent reason and it's hard to stop. The cause is not known with certainty, but experts believe that it is related to the low type of certain bacteria that are present in the intestinal tract of infants. Probiotics can reduce colic in infants by balancing good bacteria in the intestine.

If you are not breastfeeding, you can give formula milk, supplements, or food products that contain probiotics.

But before giving it to a baby, you should consult with your doctor first. This is done to determine whether your baby can eat it or not..

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