What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?Doctors are worried that my baby has necrotizing enterocolitis. What is it, and how is it treated?Answer: Necrotizing enterocolitis, usually called NEC, is a condition where the intestines become infected and can begin to die. The disease usually affects premature babies, although term babies may also get NEC. NEC is a serious condition that may require surgery, and has a high morbidity and mortality rate. What Happens With Necrotizing Enterocolitis? The inner lining of the intestines contains millions of bacteria. Usually, these bacteria (called the normal flora) are harmless and are part of the digestive process. In NEC, though, the bacteria begin to attack the intestinal wall. If the disease is not treated promptly, the intestinal wall will weaken and may die. Eventually, a hole can form through the bowel wall (a perforation), spilling its contents into the abdominal cavity. Bowel perforation is a medical emergency that requires immediate surg
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?Doctors are worried that my baby has necrotizing enterocolitis. What is it, and how is it treated?Answer: Necrotizing enterocolitis, usually called NEC, is a condition where the intestines become infected and can begin to die. The disease usually affects premature babies, although term babies may also get NEC. NEC is a serious condition that may require surgery, and has a high morbidity and mortality rate. What Happens With Necrotizing Enterocolitis? The inner lining of the intestines contains millions of bacteria. Usually, these bacteria (called the normal flora) are harmless and are part of the digestive process. In NEC, though, the bacteria begin to attack the intestinal wall. If the disease is not treated promptly, the intestinal wall will weaken and may die. Eventually, a hole can form through the bowel wall (a perforation), spilling its contents into the abdominal cavity. Bowel perforation is a medical emergency that requires immediate surg
