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Navel Inflammation - Symptoms, Causes and Therapy
contents
- causes
- symptoms
- complications
- treatment
- prevention
- When to the doctor?
causes
The causes are in babies are mostly bacteria that trigger this infection in the first days after birth. Because the umbilical stump is still an open wound in the first weeks of life, in which pathogens can penetrate relatively easily. After birth, the umbilical cord is severed and the remaining umbilical stump is clamped. The future belly button must first heal, which takes a few weeks. In this time, pathogens can enter the open wound, which then trigger a navel inflammation. The most responsible bacterium for this is Staphylococcus aureus, which may also contain mixed infections with different bacteria. Although these pathogens are usually rather harmless, the newborn with its immature immune system is unable to repel these germs. The baby comes from a relatively germ-free environment and is confronted with a variety of pathogens. The immune system may therefore not be able to ward off these pathogens.
Inflammations of the navel were formerly relatively common among babies. (Image: www.fotolia.com © Elena Stepanova) Risk factors include a low birth weight, already existing infections or a poor general condition. Similarly, long births or placental infection are among the known risk factors. If the neonate is treated with an umbilical cord catheter as part of neonatal treatment, it may also trigger navel inflammation.
symptoms
The symptoms are redness, swelling, warmth, protrusion of the navel with possibly bloody and / or purulent discharge. This infection should be treated as quickly as possible, as it can lead to a life-threatening condition. If the inflammation is already advanced, fever, hypotension (low blood pressure), accelerated heart rate (heart rate) and apathy are added.
complications
The complications can occur when the pathogens spread in the organism. Possible consequences are peritonitis (peritonitis), endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's lining), liver abscesses or blood poisoning (sepsis). But also in the area of the navel, complications such as abscesses or necroses are possible.
treatment
The baby's navel inflammation is treated as soon as possible with a suitable antibiotic. In mild cases, an external application can be made, otherwise a hospital stay may be necessary in which the antibiotic is given by infusion. The infant can be monitored here and any complications can be detected and treated early. Abscesses or necrosis around the navel add surgical procedures to remove affected tissue.
prevention
Prevention is important so that inflammation of the navel does not occur in newborns. A hygienic, but relaxed handling of the baby's fresh belly button is usually sufficient these days. In the past, powder and disinfectants were generally used in navel care, which is no longer the case today. Also, the bathing in the first weeks of life is no longer strictly rejected. However, the navel should always be kept dry and clean and above all be free of urine and stool. The turning of the diaper below the navel helps. In case of contamination they are removed with boiled water, alcohol, diluted calendula essence and sterile compresses. After cleaning, the navel should be carefully dabbed dry. Encrustations should by no means be eliminated by force because they can cause injuries.
As far as the care of the navel is concerned, opinions are somewhat controversial. The one advise to cover the belly button with dry compresses, others, in turn, reject this approach strictly. In any case, cleanliness is important, that is, washing hands before the navel care is mandatory. Oils and creams should not be used. After a maximum of 10 days, the umbilical rest including the clamp usually falls off. At this point, a wound is created, which must first heal. Again, a thorough navel hygiene is still required.
When to the doctor?
If there is a suspicion of omphalitis, do not wait long, but seek out a pediatrician immediately. Prefer too much, too little. Such inflammation is not to be taken lightly. Sometimes even an antiseptic, external treatment is enough to get the infection under control. In order to rule out complications, fast action is important in any case.
The more pronounced the inflammation, the more intense the treatment. If the infection has spread, a hospital stay usually can not be avoided. Here, an antibiotic is administered intravenously and the vital signs such as breathing and blood pressure are monitored, as a spread of the pathogens in the body can have life-threatening consequences. If necessary, an artificial respiration takes place. However, navel inflammation is relatively rare today due to the use of umbilical hygiene, and such severe disease histories that require hospitalization are unlikely exceptions. (Sw)