What is the treatment?
If a baby is suspected to be developing NEC or has definite evidence of NEC the following treatments may be started: Stopping milk feeds - resting the bowel appears to help the bowel recover; Starting antibiotics to treat any infection - bacteria seem to play some part in the development of NEC and therefore antibiotics may help settle the process down; Intravenous feeding is required to keep the baby nourished while milk feeds cannot be given.
If the baby becomes generally unwell a number of other treatments may be necessary, for example, help with breathing, medication to help blood pressure. X-rays and blood tests will be done to both confirm the diagnosis and monitor the response to treatment. Many babies who develop NEC recover with these 'medical' treatments. However if an area of bowel dies or there is a perforation (hole) of the bowel further treatment may be necessary:
