Question
The newborn has been experiencing persistent vomiting shortly after birth, with green vomit and loose stools, but normal urination. The child has undergone gastric lavage and observation at a maternal and child health care center, but no obvious abnormalities have been detected. What could be the possible causes of the newborn’s vomiting?
Answer
Vomiting in newborns is a common symptom during the neonatal period, which may originate from dysfunction in the digestive system or gastrointestinal obstruction. Newborns, especially premature infants, due to the underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter, small stomach capacity, prolonged emptying time, and weak autonomic nervous system regulation of the digestive tract, are prone to vomiting. Possible causes include: newborn hemorrhage, gastric hemorrhage due to stress ulcer; gastroesophageal reflux; pyloric spasm caused by temporary dysfunction of the pyloric nerve and muscle; gastrointestinal infection; congenital metabolic defects; surgical diseases; improper feeding; myocardial spasms, etc. It is recommended to continuously observe the changes in the newborn’s symptoms and seek professional medical assistance when necessary.