How is hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) diagnosed?

Deborah Davis

OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

The signs and symptoms of HPS can mimic those of other conditions that cause infant vomiting, including gastroesophageal reflux disease. Your baby's doctor may use various steps to make the diagnosis: Physical examination- the doctor may feel an olive-shaped lump - the enlarged pyloric muscle; blood tests - a loss of electrolytes may be a sign of continual vomiting and dehydration; Ultrasound- this test is used to create an image of the baby's stomach; Contrast X-ray - contrast material helps any abnormalities show up more clearly on an X-ray.

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