Poor feeding

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Poor feeding is a medical term that describes an infant's lack of interest or difficulty in eating. It is a common symptom in newborns and can be a sign of a variety of health conditions, including infection, metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, and congenital heart disease.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Poor feeding can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Infection: Infections can cause a baby to lose their appetite and become lethargic, leading to poor feeding.
  • Metabolic disorders: These disorders can affect a baby's ability to process certain nutrients, leading to poor feeding.
  • Neurological disorders': These disorders can affect a baby's ability to suck and swallow, leading to poor feeding.
  • Congenital heart disease: This condition can cause a baby to become tired easily, leading to poor feeding.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of poor feeding can include:

  • Lack of interest in feeding
  • Difficulty sucking or swallowing
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Failure to gain weight
  • Irritability during feeding

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of poor feeding typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may be ordered to rule out underlying conditions, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or a barium swallow study.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for poor feeding depends on the underlying cause. This may include medication, surgery, or dietary changes. In some cases, a feeding tube may be necessary.

See also[edit | edit source]

Poor feeding Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD