Rare Diseases That Make a Baby's Stomach Swell

Your newborn's stomach may swell because of overeating and constipation. However, it can also be a sign of more serious diseases. These diseases can include gastro-esophageal reflux disease, lactose intolerance, Hirschsprung disease or necrotizing enterocolitis.

Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease

• Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a rare disease in which liquid or gas in a baby's stomach moves up the esophagus which can cause the baby to spit it up. Symptoms of GERD can include vomiting, a persistent cough, heartburn, gas, abdominal pain and swelling and refusal to eat.

Lactose Intolerance

• When a baby's tummy swells, it may also be caused by lactose intolerance. This means that the baby's stomach isn't able to digest the lactose sugar that is often found in milk, cheese, ice cream and dairy products. The body lacks the enzyme capable of breaking down the sugar during digestion. As a result, the tummy may swell when consuming dairy.

Hirschsprung disease

• Hirschsprung disease happens in the large intestine of the baby. Babies with this disease may not be capable of having bowel movements because the stool gets stuck and blocks the intestine. The muscles in the intestines are normally responsible for moving the stool. Nerve cells in the intestine help make the muscles push the stool. A baby with this disease lacks these nerve cells. The blockage can cause diarrhea and stomach swelling.

Necrotizing enterocolitis

• Necrotizing enterocolitis is a disease found in premature infants that is a result of damage to the cells, intestine and colitis. The damage can cause a hole in the intestine. It can also result in inflammation of the colon and can also affect the small and large intestine. The inflammation can also cause swelling of the infant's stomach.

Warning

• If you are worried that your baby has any of these diseases or another disorder, seek professional medical advice for diagnosis and treatment options.