Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease that develops when the tissue in the inner lining of the small or large intestine becomes damaged and begins to die. This causes the intestine to become inflamed. The condition usually affects only the inner lining of the intestine, but the entire thickness of the intestine may become impacted eventually.
In severe cases of NEC, a hole may form in the wall of the intestine. If this occurs, the bacteria normally found inside the intestine can leak into the abdomen and cause widespread infection. This is considered a medical emergency.
NEC can develop in any newborn within two weeks after birth. However, it’s most common in premature infants, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Around 10 percent of babies who weigh less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces develop NEC.
NEC is a serious disease that can progress very quickly. It’s important to get treatment right away if your baby is showing symptoms of NEC.