Patient's question:
The baby has just been born for less than a month. Recently, it has been crying and fussing severely, but there is no fever or cold. Only the area around the umbilicus is slightly red and swollen, and there is some purulent fluid. I suspect it might be omphalitis, but this condition has a small wound. I want to ask if the baby's omphalitis could cause crying and fussing?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal omphalitis is caused by the invasion of the umbilical area by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Streptococcus hemolyticus due to improper umbilical cord cutting or postnatal handling. Neonatal omphalitis refers to the presence of mucous or purulent discharge from the baby's umbilical area, accompanied by an odor or redness around the umbilical fossa. In mild cases, apart from the abnormality in the umbilical area, the baby's temperature and appetite remain normal. In severe cases, symptoms such as fever and poor feeding may occur. Therefore, crying is a normal response.