What is Hirschsprung disease?Hirschsprung (HIRSH-sproong) disease is a problem in the bowel that keeps poop (stool or feces) from moving. The disease is present at birth (congenital), but your child may not have symptoms right away. Show
A healthy bowel squeezes with a wave-like motion to move stool along the digestive tract. Special nerve cells (ganglion cells) all along the bowel help make this motion. In children with Hirschsprung disease, these nerve cells are missing in part of the bowel. Most often, nerve cells are missing from the end of the large bowel (colon) or the rectum, where stool collects before leaving the body. Less often, these nerve cells also are missing from part of the small bowel. In the parts of the bowel where nerve cells are missing, the bowel squeezes shut and stool stops moving. Your child can have ongoing constipation, and their bowel can get blocked. Hirschsprung disease raises your child’s risk for an infection in the colon called enterocolitis (en-teh-roh-kuh-LY-tis). The infection can be life threatening. Get medical help right away if your baby has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease and is very sleepy with fever, swollen belly or diarrhea. These may be signs of a serious problem.
Hirschsprung Disease at Seattle Children’sBecause Hirschsprung disease is rare, most doctors see only 1 child with this condition in their lifetime. Seattle Children’s treats many children with Hirschsprung disease each year. We see patients from newborns to young adults and can give your child all the care they need. We also provide second opinions. Call the Reconstructive Pelvic Medicine Program at 206-987-1240 to request an appointment, a second opinion or more information. Providers, see how to refer a patient.
Symptoms of Hirschsprung Disease
Diagnosing Hirschsprung DiseaseIn about half of children with Hirschsprung disease, doctors diagnose the condition soon after birth. Most other children with Hirschsprung disease are diagnosed by the time they are 1 year old. Rarely, the condition is diagnosed later. Because the condition is so rare, many doctors have little experience with it.
Treating Hirschsprung DiseaseChildren with Hirschsprung disease need surgery and regular follow-up visits. Some children need treatment after surgery for problems with their digestive tract or bowel control. At Seattle Children’s, our surgeons and other experts from Reconstructive Pelvic Medicine provide all the care your child needs.
Which of these manifestations would a child with Hirschsprung's disease is expected to have?abdominal distention (stomach bloating) gradual onset of vomiting. fever. constipation or failure to pass regular bowel movements.
What is the clinical manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease?Typically, the most obvious sign is a newborn's failure to have a bowel movement within 48 hours after birth. Other signs and symptoms in newborns may include: Swollen belly. Vomiting, including vomiting a green or brown substance.
What are three 3 clinical manifestations of Hirschsprung's disease in an infant?Children with this disorder are missing nerve cells in all or part of the large intestine. Without these nerve cells, stool can't move forward through the large intestine. This can cause constipation, swelling, pain, and infection. Most children with Hirschsprung disease show symptoms in the first few weeks of life.
What complications can occur with Hirschsprung's disease?What are the complications of Hirschsprung disease?. swelling of the abdomen.. fever.. diarrhea.. vomiting.. lack of energy.. rectal bleeding.. shock link.. |