Question
What should the doctor do?
Answer
Hello: Vomiting is a common symptom of the digestive system. It includes both vomiting and regurgitation. If a small amount of milk returns to the mouth, it is considered regurgitation, not vomiting, and it does not affect growth and development. Generally, it disappears around six months after birth. Newborns have a small stomach capacity, are in a horizontal position, and have a relaxed esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter, which connects to the esophagus, is underdeveloped. The nervous regulation function of intestinal peristalsis, as well as the secretion of gastric acid and protease, is also poor, making newborns, especially premature infants, prone to vomiting. The most common cause of vomiting is improper feeding, accounting for about 1/4 of newborn vomiting. It is mainly due to overfeeding, incorrect concentration, inappropriate milk temperature, too small a nipple hole, lying down immediately after feeding, excessive and early movement of the baby, and intense crying and screaming can also cause vomiting. Mild vomiting and regurgitation have little impact on the body, but repeated vomiting can lead to disturbances in water and electrolyte balance, manifesting as dehydration, convulsions, and coma. Severe vomiting can cause the vomit to be inhaled into the trachea, leading to aspiration pneumonia and blocking the airways of weak infants and premature infants, causing asphyxiation and death. When a child vomits, parents should first check the feeding method and correct any improper practices promptly. When breastfeeding or feeding water, the baby should be held upright, allowed to rest on the mother’s shoulder with gentle back patting to expel air from the stomach before placing them down. Try to minimize movement of the newborn for half an hour after feeding and perform gentle operations such as changing diapers. Lying on the right side or raising the head of the bed can help food in the stomach enter the intestines and reduce the risk of vomit being inhaled into the trachea. While adjusting the feeding method, attention should be paid to…