Infant Diagnosed with Epiphrenic Diverticulum
Recently, my 9-month-old baby was diagnosed with an Epiphrenic Diverticulum, a condition that’s exceptionally rare in infants. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has faced this situation with their child or has any advice regarding managing it in a baby. He is showing symptoms, and our next step is to consult with a surgeon. Until last Thursday, he was dealing with failure to thrive (FTT), but after starting some Pepcid, he can now keep his food down. Without being held upright after meals for an hour, he would vomit an entire bottle, and occasionally, he’d exhibit projectile vomiting. His vomit is dark brown and sometimes has traces of blood in it. Even with medication, he still vomits once up to five times a week. We visited the emergency room in the past, where the pediatric hospital suggested he simply had an upset stomach, despite him continuing to vomit dark brown liquid mixed with blood, which led to a discharge after observation. Additionally, he experiences what I can only describe as “wet breathing.” It seems as though there’s milk stuck in his throat. His pediatrician noted this as well, mentioning that it can occur, but I’m unsure whether it's connected to his diverticulum diagnosis. He began solid foods at four months, but ever since he transitioned from pureed foods, he hasn't had any normal bowel movements related to that change. This raises concerns for me regarding whether he’s truly consuming his food or merely sucking on it. He also cannot drink from any cups; the liquid either spills from his mouth or he chokes. Is this typical for a 9-month-old? I’m attempting to make connections that may not be linked to the diverticulum itself. When I mention vomiting, I refer to the complete expulsion of his bottle contents, not just spitting up; the volume is quite significant and resembles a fountain. My anxiety surrounding this whole situation is mounting, so I thought I would reach out for some support until we consult with the surgeon.
Answers (1)
8/24/2025, 7:31:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand this is a very concerning time for you, and managing your infant's health can be incredibly stressful, especially with the complexities of conditions like an epiphrenic diverticulum. Your detailed description indicates that your baby is dealing with significant challenges, including persistent vomiting and difficulties with feeding.
Key Points:
- Epiphrenic Diverticulum: This condition can lead to swallowing and digestive issues.
- Persistent Vomiting: The occurrence of dark brown vomit, sometimes containing blood, warrants further observation.
- Feeding Challenges: Your baby's difficulties with solid food and liquid intake are concerning.
- Next Steps: Consulting with a surgeon is essential.
Explanation:
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Epiphrenic Diverticulum: This is a rare condition where a pouch forms in the esophagus, which can lead to swallowing difficulties and complications including reflux, aspiration, or obstruction. Given that your baby has developed concerning symptoms, it’s wise to work closely with a healthcare team.
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Vomiting: The dark brown color of your baby’s vomit can result from digested blood or food and should be closely examined by a healthcare professional. The presence of vomit resembling projectile and containing blood (even small traces) raises the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation.
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Feeding Issues: Difficulty consuming solid foods and liquids can relate directly to the diverticulum or may involve other issues such as swallow dysfunction or anatomical challenges. "Wet breathing" might indicate that your baby is struggling to clear liquids effectively from the throat.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Consult the Surgeon Promptly: Bring up all your concerns about his symptoms, including vomiting, feeding difficulties, and the dark color of his vomit. This should be addressed as quickly as possible.
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Keep a Detailed Diary: Make notes of his feeding patterns, vomiting incidents, quantities, and the consistency of his stools. This information will help the surgical team better understand his condition.
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Monitor for Signs of Dehydration: Keep a close eye on his output (wet diapers), behavior, and general well-being. If he shows signs of dehydration (less urine output, lethargy, dry mouth), seek immediate care.
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Feeding Adjustments: While consulting with the surgeon and pediatrician, work on methods to keep him upright longer after feeds, and consider discussing feeding strategies with a pediatric dietitian or speech therapist specializing in feeding issues for infants.
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Emergency Symptoms: If at any point your baby exhibits severe distress, difficulty with breathing, or if the vomiting becomes more frequent, seek emergency care.
Lastly, it's important to care for your own emotional well-being amidst these worries. Connecting with a support group for parents facing similar challenges can also provide comfort. You're doing an excellent job seeking information and support for your baby. Keep communicating with your healthcare providers, and don't hesitate to reach out with any further concerns or questions.
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