Hirschsprung's Disease
Hirschsprung's disease is a condition that affects the large intestine (colon) and causes problems with using the restroom properly. The condition is present at birth as a result of missing nerve cells in the muscles of the baby's colon.
A newborn who has Hirschsprung's disease usually can't have a bowel movement in the days after birth. In mild cases, the condition might not be detected until later in childhood. Uncommonly, Hirschsprung's disease is first diagnosed in adults.
Surgery to bypass or remove the diseased part of the colon is the treatment.
Signs Signs and symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease vary with the severity of the condition. Usually signs and symptoms appear shortly after …show more content…
Enterocolitis can be life-threatening. It's treated in the hospital with colon cleaning and antibiotics.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk of Hirschsprung's disease include:
Having a sibling who has Hirschsprung's disease. Hirschsprung's disease can be inherited. If you have one child who has the condition, future biological children could be at risk.
Being male. Hirschsprung's disease is more common in males.
Having other inherited conditions. Hirschsprung's disease is associated with certain inherited conditions, such as Down syndrome and other abnormalities present at birth, such as congenital heart disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your child's doctor will perform an exam and ask questions about your child's bowel movements. He or she might recommend one or more of the following tests to diagnose or rule out Hirschsprung's disease:
Abdominal X-ray using a contrast dye. Barium or another contrast dye is placed into the bowel through a special tube inserted in the rectum. The barium fills and coats the lining of the bowel, creating a clear silhouette of the colon and …show more content…
If your child eats solid foods, include high-fiber foods. Offer whole grains, fruits and vegetables and limit white bread and other low-fiber foods. Because a sudden increase in high-fiber foods can worsen constipation at first, add high-fiber foods to your child's diet slowly.
If your child isn't eating solid foods yet, ask the doctor about formulas that might help relieve constipation. Some infants might need a feeding tube for a while.
Increase fluids. Encourage your child to drink more water. If a portion or all of your child's colon was removed, your child may have trouble absorbing enough water. Drinking more water can help your child stay hydrated, which may help ease constipation.
Encourage physical activity. Daily aerobic activity helps promote regular bowel movements.
Laxatives. If your child does not respond to or can't tolerate increased fiber, water or physical activity, certain laxatives — medications to encourage bowel movements — might help relieve constipation. Ask the doctor whether you should give your child laxatives and about the risks and
Hirschsprung's disease is a condition that affects the large intestine (colon) and causes problems with using the restroom properly. The condition is present at birth as a result of missing nerve cells in the muscles of the baby's colon.
A newborn who has Hirschsprung's disease usually can't have a bowel movement in the days after birth. In mild cases, the condition might not be detected until later in childhood. Uncommonly, Hirschsprung's disease is first diagnosed in adults.
Surgery to bypass or remove the diseased part of the colon is the treatment.
Signs Signs and symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease vary with the severity of the condition. Usually signs and symptoms appear shortly after …show more content…
Enterocolitis can be life-threatening. It's treated in the hospital with colon cleaning and antibiotics.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk of Hirschsprung's disease include:
Having a sibling who has Hirschsprung's disease. Hirschsprung's disease can be inherited. If you have one child who has the condition, future biological children could be at risk.
Being male. Hirschsprung's disease is more common in males.
Having other inherited conditions. Hirschsprung's disease is associated with certain inherited conditions, such as Down syndrome and other abnormalities present at birth, such as congenital heart disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your child's doctor will perform an exam and ask questions about your child's bowel movements. He or she might recommend one or more of the following tests to diagnose or rule out Hirschsprung's disease:
Abdominal X-ray using a contrast dye. Barium or another contrast dye is placed into the bowel through a special tube inserted in the rectum. The barium fills and coats the lining of the bowel, creating a clear silhouette of the colon and …show more content…
If your child eats solid foods, include high-fiber foods. Offer whole grains, fruits and vegetables and limit white bread and other low-fiber foods. Because a sudden increase in high-fiber foods can worsen constipation at first, add high-fiber foods to your child's diet slowly.
If your child isn't eating solid foods yet, ask the doctor about formulas that might help relieve constipation. Some infants might need a feeding tube for a while.
Increase fluids. Encourage your child to drink more water. If a portion or all of your child's colon was removed, your child may have trouble absorbing enough water. Drinking more water can help your child stay hydrated, which may help ease constipation.
Encourage physical activity. Daily aerobic activity helps promote regular bowel movements.
Laxatives. If your child does not respond to or can't tolerate increased fiber, water or physical activity, certain laxatives — medications to encourage bowel movements — might help relieve constipation. Ask the doctor whether you should give your child laxatives and about the risks and