You know that every day spent with your new baby is precious, and you want to do everything possible to ensure they grow up healthy and happy. Unfortunately, some babies cannot enjoy an entire life because they were born with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The condition causes damage to the intestines and can be fatal if not caught early enough. In this article, we’ll explore NEC and who is at risk for developing it.
What is NEC?
NEC is a condition that affects the intestines of babies. It’s often caused by bacteria in the digestive tract and can be fatal if not treated quickly. The symptoms of NEC include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal distention (swelling), and blood in stool or emesis (vomiting).
Suppose your child has been diagnosed with NEC after being fed baby formula made by Mead Johnson & Company or Abbott. In that case, you may be eligible to file an NEC baby formula lawsuit against them for damages related to medical bills and loss of income.
What Causes NEC?
The disease commonly occurs during the first 1–7 days of a newborn’s life. NEC is a rare but severe condition that occurs when bacteria in the intestines cause inflammation and damage to the intestines. It can be caused by a group of bacteria called Clostridium bacteria, which are found in soil and water, as well as on skin and intestinal tissue.
Clostridium difficile (C-diff) is one type of Clostridium bacteria that causes NEC in babies born through C-sections or those who receive antibiotics during birth. The infection usually affects older people who take antibiotics for long periods at a time, but it can also affect newborns whose mothers receive antibiotics while pregnant or during labor.
Symptoms of NEC
According to JAPI, NEC has become a global health challenge due to the recent increase in incidence and severity. NEC is a serious condition that can develop in babies who are fed formula and have not yet developed the ability to digest it. The signs and symptoms of NEC include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Vomiting, particularly after feedings or when feeding time approaches
- Diarrhea, which may be bloody if there is blood in your baby’s intestines
- Abdominal distension and tenderness on palpation of your infant’s abdomen
Diagnosis of NEC
The diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is based on the baby’s symptoms and medical history. A doctor will make the diagnosis by examining a patient and considering what kind of symptoms they have been experiencing.
If you suspect that your child has NEC, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention from a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology (the study of digestion). The doctor will perform tests to confirm or rule out the disease, including:
- Stool test – This involves collecting samples from each bowel movement over several days so they can be tested in a lab for signs of infection or other complications
- Ultrasound exam – An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create pictures inside your body; these images can help doctors diagnose problems like an intestinal blockage
Treatment for NEC
If your baby has NEC, their doctors must treat them with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. They may also recommend surgery if a blockage in their intestines prevents the food from passing through.
Surgery will be necessary if your child has had multiple bouts of vomiting and diarrhea over some time. It can lead to dehydration because they can no longer absorb nutrients through their digestive system. And this can cause other health issues as well.
How Does NEC Affect Babies?
NEC is a serious condition that can affect the intestines of a newborn. The damage can be so severe that it causes the intestines to rupture, which may require surgery and even lead to death.
An infection causes NEC in your baby’s digestive system, usually related to bacteria in your breast milk or formula. Babies with this type of infection risk developing NEC if they don’t receive proper care immediately after birth.
Risks Associated with NEC in Babies
NEC can cause long-term health problems for your baby. Babies who have had NEC often have difficulty eating, growing, and developing, making them more likely to be hospitalized in the future.
They may also experience brain damage that affects their ability to learn and communicate effectively with others. Babies who suffer from NEC may also have a poor quality of life as they grow older if they cannot walk or talk properly or perform other daily activities independently without assistance from others.
When to File a Lawsuit For a Baby with NEC?
If your baby was diagnosed with NEC, you might be eligible to file a lawsuit. A baby’s first year is critical for its overall growth and development. They must get the proper nutrition to grow and develop properly.
If your child was born prematurely or has been diagnosed with NEC, contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. This way, they can review all relevant documents related to this incident. And determine whether there are grounds for filing suit against those responsible for producing or distributing contaminated products.
Infections From NEC Can Cause Long Term Health Problems for Your Baby
The long-term health problems that NEC can cause are severe and life-threatening. If your child has been diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis, it’s essential to know the symptoms so that you can seek medical attention right away if they appear.
The most common symptom of NEC is abdominal pain or discomfort in your baby. In some cases, this pain may be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. Additional signs include jaundice, sunken eyes and cheeks on one side of the face, lethargy, low body temperature, or fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you notice any of these signs in your newborn after feeding them formula made from NEC-contaminated products, please get in touch with a lawyer immediately so they can help determine whether filing an NEC lawsuit would benefit you financially. There are 62,881 personal injury lawyers in the US in 2024.
NEC is a severe condition that can be life-threatening for babies. If NEC has injured you or someone you care about, you must contact an experienced lawyer who can help you with your case.