Medical Services

Feeding intolerance refers to difficulty in digesting or tolerating enteral feeds, commonly observed in newborns, especially preterm infants. It manifests as gastric residuals, abdominal distension, vomiting, regurgitation, or delayed gastric emptying. This condition is often multifactorial, involving immature gastrointestinal motility, poor enzyme activity, and altered gut perfusion.

In neonates, feeding intolerance can be an early warning sign of serious conditions such as sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis, making prompt recognition essential. Risk factors include prematurity, low birth weight, hypoxia, and formula feeding. Clinicians monitor signs such as increased abdominal girth, bile-stained aspirates, and feeding interruptions to assess severity.

Management focuses on supportive care, including temporary cessation or reduction of feeds, gastric decompression, and gradual reintroduction of nutrition. Breast milk is preferred due to its better digestibility and protective properties. In severe cases, parenteral nutrition may be required.

Preventive strategies include careful advancement of feeds, monitoring tolerance, and maintaining optimal neonatal care practices. Early identification and management are critical to prevent complications and ensure adequate growth and development in vulnerable infants.