Omphalitis

Subject: Midwifery III (Theory)

Overview

An infection of the umbilical stump is called acute omphalitis. It is usually mild, with only a sparse purulent discharge. Staphylococcus, E.coli, Streptococcus, or any pypgenic bacteria are the causative organisms of omphalitis. Clostridium tetani can enter the body through the umbilicus and cause neonatal tetanus. The base of the cord stump appears damp, and the periumbilical skin becomes red and inflamed. Cleaning the umbilical cord and applying neomycin, taking swabs culture to detect organisms and medication sensitivity, and administering systematic antibiotics in severe infection are all treatments and nursing care.

Acute omphalitis is a bacterial infection of the umbilical stump. It is often mild, manifesting as a sparse purulent discharge.

Causative organisms

  • Staphylococcus
  • E.coil
  • Streptococcus, or any other pypgenic bacteria. Clostridium tetani can enter the body through the umbilicus and cause tetanus neonatal.

Sign and symptoms

  1. Serous or seropurulent umbilical discharge may be offensive.
  2. The base of the cord stump looks moist and the periumbilical skin becomes red and swollen.
  3. There is a delay in falling off of the cord.
  4. Systemic manifestation includes pyrexia and features of toxemia and jaundice in severe infection.

Prevention

  1. During cord cutting and cord dressing, use strict sterile techniques. Clean the card with spirit swabs and keep it dry at all times.
  2. The baby's surroundings must be kept as clean as possible.
  3. Pathogen identification using umbilical culture and isolation of the newborn.

Treatment and Nursing Care

  1. Neomycin should be applied to the umbilical cord after it has been cleaned.
  2. Swabs should be cultured to detect pathogens and drug sensitivity.
  3. Antibiotics should be given on a regular basis in cases of severe infection.
  4. If a local abscess forms, it should be incised and drained.
Things to remember
  • Acute omphalitis is a bacterial infection of the umbilical stump. It is often mild, manifesting as a sparse purulent discharge.
  • Staphylococcus, E.coli, Streptococcus, and other pypgenic organisms are the causative organisms of omphalitis.
  • Clostridium tetani can enter the body through the umbilicus and cause tetanus neonatum.
  • Serous or seropurulent umbilical discharge, which may be foul, the base of the cord stump appearing moist, and the periumbilical skin becoming red and swollen are all signs and symptoms.
  • Cleaning the umbilical cord and applying neomycin, taking swabs culture to detect organisms and drug sensitivity, and in severe infection, systematic antibiotics should be administered are all treatments and nursing care.
Questions and Answers

Umbilical stump infection is known as acute omphalitis. It typically manifests as a scanty purulent discharge and is mild.

 

  • Unpleasant umbilical discharge that is serous or seropurulent.
  • The periumbilical skin turns red and inflamed, and the stump of the cord appears damp.

 

  • Apply neomycin after cleaning the umbilical cord.
  • To identify the organisms and drug sensitivity, culture swabs.
  • Systematic antibiotics should be given in cases of severe infection.
  • If a local abscess develops, it needs to be punctured and drained.

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