What is one possible cause of mild gastric obstruction in infants?

Mild gastric obstruction in infants can often be caused by pyloric stenosis, a condition in which the pylorus (the outlet of the stomach) becomes narrowed due to hypertrophy of the pyloric muscle. This results in the classic signs of projectile vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, typically starting at around 3 to 12 weeks of age. The narrowing prevents the normal passage of food from the stomach into the duodenum, leading to gastric distension and discomfort. Pyloric stenosis is a common condition in infants and is effectively diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging, often managed surgically.

While hernias can also lead to obstruction by trapping intestinal content, pyloric stenosis is more specifically associated with infancy and has a distinct set of clinical features. Appendicitis and diverticulitis are conditions more commonly seen in older children and adults, not in infants, making them less relevant in this context.