What is NEC???!
Question: I know NEC is a problem with someones intestins, but what does it do??? How is it caused??? What does it stand for???
Answers: I know NEC is a problem with someones intestins, but what does it do??? How is it caused??? What does it stand for???
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal illness in babies.
* "necrotizing" means damage and death of cells
* "entero" refers to the intestine
* "colitis" means inflammation of the colon (lower part of the intestine)
It is not clear exactly what causes NEC. It is thought that the intestinal tissues are somehow weakened by too little oxygen or blood flow.
When feedings are started and the food moves into the weakened area of the intestinal tract, bacteria from the food can damage the intestinal tissues. The tissues may be severely damaged and die, which can cause a hole to develop in the intestine. This can lead to severe infection in the abdomen.
Problems from NEC may include the following:
* perforation (hole) in the intestine
* scarring or strictures (narrowing) of the intestine
* problems with food absorption if large amounts of intestine must be removed
* severe, overwhelming infection