What age group is most commonly associated with pyloric stenosis?

Pyloric stenosis is a condition that primarily affects infants, particularly those younger than 6 months of age. This condition involves the narrowing of the pylorus, which is the opening from the stomach into the small intestine. The most common presentation is in infants aged 3 to 12 weeks, with symptoms typically including projectile vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss.

Infants are particularly vulnerable during this age range due to their physiological development, and the condition is often diagnosed after the infant begins to show signs of distress and feeding difficulties. The association with very young infants is significant, as pyloric stenosis occurs more frequently in males and in first-born children, adding factors that contribute to its prevalence in this age group.

Newborns can also experience issues related to feeding and gastrointestinal tract abnormalities, but pyloric stenosis typically presents a few weeks after birth, making infants under 6 months the most significantly affected group.

Children over 2 years and adolescents are not commonly diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, as the condition generally resolves or is treated before reaching this age. Thus, identifying the condition within the correct age group is essential for timely diagnosis and intervention.