How is pyloric stenosis prevented?

Answer 1

It is often believed and many doctors will say that pyloric stenosis cannot be prevented. During 2012 a professor of pediatric surgery wrote two articles for medical journals stating his theory that the basic cause of PS is excessive gastrin production (a hormone controlling the release of gastic acid in the stomach).

Prof Ian M Rogers argues his theory exhaustively, showing its strength and showing how alternative theories have not become established. I have blogged about this theory to make it more available and understandable to interested people.

While recognising that fluctuations in gastrin production are typical in babies, Dr Rogers shows that the mother's gastrin level can be raised by stress or just be high, and that some babies inherit high gastrin levels. Excessive and too frequent feeds will further raise acid production, which causes the pylorus to overwork and become thickened until the passage is blocked.

This theory would suggest and perhaps show that PS incidence can be managed where there is an inherited risk (family incidence), and that the actual condition can be managed with this theory in mind, increasing the successful use of medical therapy and reducing the frequency of the need for surgery.

Rogers points out that first-time parents in Western countries are most likely to overfeed a sick baby, and that both boys and men produce more gastrin - and that PS and gastric ulcer rates reflect this.

Answer 2

Pyloric stenosis is a condition that usually occurs in infancy and cannot be prevented. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Early recognition and treatment of symptoms are key to managing the condition effectively.