Diseases of a Newborn

Parents of newborn babies may want to educate themselves about the diseases and health problems common in infants. According to an MSNBC online article, many parents and doctors want doctors to start running medical tests for rare diseases in the first hours after birth. Recognizing the signs of illness may prevent future complications. Newborn diseases can be related to improper development in the womb or caused by congenital birth defects and hereditary conditions.

  1. Hydrocephalus

    • Hydrocephalus means "water on the brain," and is characterized by excess spinal fluid that results in swelling of the brain. The causes of hydrocephalus include but are not limited to other conditions such as spina bifida and aqueductal stenosis or to head injuries, as noted at Web MD. In infants, hydrocephalus results in an enlarged head as well as bulging soft spots on the head, rapid head growth and swollen veins. The disease is treated by a few different procedures. Shunting involves placing one end of a tube in the brain and the other end in the abdomen, heart or lungs, where excess fluid can then drain. This procedure is common in infants with hydrocephalus. In a ventriculectomy, a small hole is made in one of the brain's ventricles, where fluid can drain properly.

    Pyloric Stenosis

    • Pyloric stenosis, also known as infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis or gastric outlet obstruction, affects three in 1,000 newborns, according to Kids Health online. Newborns with pyloric stenosis will vomit forcefully after feedings, which may result in low weight gain and dehydration. The disease is caused by abnormal development of the pylorus, which is in the lower abdomen. Symptoms begin about three weeks after birth. Infants undergo surgery to remove the abdominal obstruction.

    Congenital Heart Disease

    • Congenital heart diseases are a result of abnormal development before birth. According to the American Heart Association, about 1 percent of infants are born with congenital heart defects. There are a variety of congenital heart diseases that manifest themselves in newborns, including stenosis or heart blockages; septal defects, which are known as "hole in the heart," and cyanotic defects or lack of oxygen. Congenital heart diseases can be caused by certain illnesses, such as German measles, in pregnant mothers. They also may be hereditary or related to alcohol and drug use during pregnancy.

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