Is a bowel obstruction in the baby dangerous?
A bowel obstruction can cause a variety of complications if detected later. First of all, there is a backflow of stool into the upper gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to serious infections, as the intestinal bacteria get to places where they can do harm.
In addition, an intestinal rupture can occur where the intestinal contents enter the abdomen and can cause severe peritonitis. Blood poisoning caused by the intestinal bacteria being washed into the blood vessels also worsens the prognosis. In addition, an intestinal obstruction often leads to a lack of fluid because not enough water is removed from the food pulp. This can have consequences for the baby’s circulation.
Is a bowel obstruction possible despite bowel movement?
In the case of a mechanical intestinal obstruction, i.e. a blockage of the bowel tube, bowel movement can occur, especially at the beginning, because the bowel is not yet completely emptied. In the initial phase of an intestinal obstruction, the part of the intestine behind the obstructed area can still be emptied. Depending on the cause of the intestinal obstruction, bowel movement, usually diarrhoea, may also occur later on, especially if there is not a complete intestinal obstruction and some of the intestinal contents still pass the narrowed intestinal passage. The bowel reacts to the blockage with more vigorous movement, pushing small, usually thin-bodied amounts of stool past the narrowed passage. The diarrhoea occurs because the increased movement means that the water absorption from the stool does not function sufficiently and the stool therefore becomes mushy.
Is intestinal obstruction possible after surgery?
After an operation, scarring can occur in the abdomen. Intestinal loops can get stuck in these adhesions and an intestinal obstruction can occur. After surgery, the above-mentioned symptoms should be taken into account in order to detect a possible interruption of the gastrointestinal passage at an early stage.
Is intestinal obstruction possible after vaccination?
An intestinal obstruction in the baby can be a rare side effect of using the rotavirus vaccine. Studies have shown that there is a slightly increased risk of intestinal obstruction after vaccinating infants against rotavirus with the Rotarix® or RotaTeq® vaccine. One to five out of every 100,000 children who are vaccinated may develop an intestinal obstruction.
Nevertheless, experts recommend vaccination against rotaviruses because the virus is highly contagious and infection with these viruses can lead to severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is sensible and recommended by the STIKO (Standing Vaccination Commission) to carry out the vaccination in good time, i.e. before the 24th or 32nd week of life. The risk of intestinal infiltrations increases with the age of the infant.
After a rotavirus vaccination, attention should be paid to the above-mentioned complaints. If symptoms of intestinal obstruction are observed in the baby after vaccination, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible for clarification. It is sensible and recommended by the STIKO (Standing Vaccination Commission) to carry out the vaccination in good time, i.e. before the 24th or 32nd week of life.
The risk of intestinal invaginations increases with the age of the baby. After a rotavirus vaccination, attention should be paid to the above-mentioned complaints. If symptoms of intestinal obstruction are observed in the baby after vaccination, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible for clarification.
