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Pyloric Stenosis
Pyloric stenosis is a thickening of the muscle at the stomach outlet in young babies, causing forceful vomiting. It is treated with a straightforward operation.
Causes & risk factors
- Thickening of the muscle at the stomach’s exit (pylorus)
- More common in first-born boys
- Family history
- Usually appears in the first few weeks of life
Common symptoms
- Forceful, projectile vomiting after feeds
- Hunger and wanting to feed again soon after vomiting
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Fewer wet nappies (dehydration)
- A small lump in the upper tummy after feeds
Tests & diagnosis
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Electrolytes
- Sodium
- Potassium
Treatment & management
- Assessment and correction of dehydration and salt balance first
- A small operation (pyloromyotomy) to widen the outlet
- Often keyhole surgery with a quick recovery
- Feeding restarts soon after the operation
- Most babies do very well afterwards
When to see a doctor urgently
- Repeated forceful (projectile) vomiting in a young baby — seek urgent care
- Signs of dehydration: few wet nappies, sunken eyes, a drowsy baby — urgent
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Green vomit or a very unwell baby — emergency
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from normal baby vomiting?
Normal posseting is small and gentle. Pyloric stenosis causes forceful, projectile vomiting after feeds, with the baby still hungry, and often poor weight gain. That pattern needs urgent assessment.
Is the operation risky?
Pyloromyotomy is a common, well-established operation with excellent outcomes. Once any dehydration is corrected, most babies recover quickly and feed normally afterwards.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.