What symptoms indicate pyloric stenosis?

Projectile vomiting shortly after feeding and signs of dehydration are classic symptoms of pyloric stenosis. Pyloric stenosis is a condition that affects infants, where the pylorus—a narrow opening between the stomach and the small intestine—becomes abnormally tight. This results in the difficulty of food passing from the stomach into the intestine, leading to symptomatic vomiting right after feeding, typically described as projectile due to the forceful nature of the vomiting.

Dehydration commonly accompanies pyloric stenosis because the frequent vomiting leads to significant fluid loss. As a result, infants may present with dry mucous membranes, fewer wet diapers, and changes in skin turgor. Together, the projectile vomiting and dehydration are strong indicators of this gastrointestinal condition, prompting further evaluation and potential treatment.

The other options describe symptoms that are not characteristic of pyloric stenosis. For instance, creased skin and rapid heartbeat could relate to dehydration but are not specific to this condition. Persistent cough and fever might suggest a respiratory infection, while severe abdominal pain after meals is more indicative of other gastrointestinal issues, such as peptic ulcers or gastroenteritis.