​Pyloric Stenosis

Pyloric stenosis is a rare disorder in infants in which the pylorus becomes narrow; blocking the entry of food into the small intestine. Pylorus is the passage that leads from the stomach to the small intestine. The blocking of pylorus occurs when the pylorus muscles thicken and enlarge. This usually happens in the first six weeks after birth. 

The exact cause of pyloric stenosis is unknown. It is usually not a congenital (birth) disorder and mostly develops later. Risk factors associated with pyloric stenosis include:

• Gender; it is most common in boys than girls

• Premature birth

• Family history

• Smoking by the mother during pregnancy

• Bottle-feeding

• Early use of certain antibiotics in infants