How to Recognize Hirschsprung's Disease

Hirschsprung’s Disease or megacolon is caused by the failure of nerve cells to form in the intestines. These ganglia cells are supposed to develop along the entire colon ending at the rectum. These nerve cells are crucial because they are the brain’s messenger telling the muscles in the intestines to push the material through, eventually propelling it towards the rectum thus leading to a normal bowel movement. If these ganglia cells are missing, the material will move along in the intestines until it reaches the portion without the nerve cells. Once there, it stops moving completely. Stool continues to collect at this point of blockage, injuring the rest of the colon. Danger arises in that the colon can expand causing infection, and even rupture of the colon. Death may also result without proper treatment of Hirschsprung’s Disease. This condition affects the large intestine and depending on the amount of colon lacking nerve cells, it can be diagnosed at an early age or later in adulthood. No one knows what causes it, although some believe it may be hereditary. It is a defect in the way that the baby develops in the womb. It is unknown why these nerve cells stop developing in the fetus. Here are some symptoms and signs to look for in children as well as adults if you suspect Hirschsprung’s Disease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. It is important for mothers to realize that they didn’t do anything wrong during their pregnancy that caused their babies to have Hirschsprung’s Disease.
2. Newborns may be fussy and may not have a normal bowel movement within the first 24 to 48 hours after being born. They may also be gassy or constipated. Fever can occur as well.
3. Newborns may vomit green bile after eating. This is a liquid that the liver produces that the body uses to digest food.
4. Know young children may have severe constipation or diarrhea. They may grow slower than normal and may be anemic. Anemia is caused by a loss of red blood cells in the stool.
5. Older children may have frequent small, watery stools. They may not have much of an appetite. Abdomen may feel bloated. Constipation may worsen as the blockage progresses.

Tips & Warnings

• It is estimated that one in every 5,000 babies is diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease.
• It varies in length to what extent the intestine is affected.
• The only treatment for Hirschsprung’s Disease is surgery.
• Mild cases may not develop symptoms until much later in life.