Hirschsprung’s Disease – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Hirschsprung’s disease is a congenital condition that affects the large intestine due to the absence of nerve cells required for proper bowel function.
These nerve cells are essential for stimulating the intestinal muscles to move stool through the colon. Without them, the muscles cannot contract effectively, leading to a functional obstruction.
Most cases are identified shortly after birth when newborns fail to have bowel movements. However, milder forms may not be detected until later in childhood, and in rare cases, the condition is diagnosed in adulthood.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Failure to pass stool within 48 hours after birth
- Chronic constipation
- Swollen or bloated abdomen
- Vomiting, which may include green or brown substance
- Poor weight gain or growth difficulties
- Reluctance to eat or feeding problems
Symptoms typically appear within the first few weeks of life, but in less severe cases, signs may develop more gradually over time.
Additional Considerations:
- Hirschsprung’s disease is more common in boys than in girls.
- It can run in families, increasing the risk if a parent or sibling has the condition.
Diagnosis is usually made based on physical symptoms and confirmed through tests such as a rectal biopsy. Surgical intervention is the standard treatment and involves removing or bypassing the affected segment of the colon to restore normal bowel function.
