
That's because in the womb, an unborn baby's cells develop on a pathway that starts at the top of the intestine and ends near the rectum. It's more common for nerve cells to stop developing closer to the rectum. When it affects a shorter length of the colon closer to the rectum, it's called short-segment disease. When Hirschsprung disease affects the entire large intestine, it's called long-segment disease. This prevents the intestine from relaxing, which can cause a blockage of digested material and make it hard for poop to pass. This is controlled by nerves between the layers of muscle tissue in the intestine.Ĭhildren who have Hirschsprung disease are missing those nerves along part of the length of the intestine.
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Normally, the intestine moves digested material through the gut by a series of contractions called peristalsis. Most commonly, it involves the part of the colon close to the anus (where poop leaves the body). Hirschsprung disease prevents bowel movements (stool) from passing through the intestines due to missing nerve cells in the intestine. Older kids with Hirschsprung disease might have a growth delay because the condition can affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Symptoms in these cases are usually milder but can be long-lasting (or Less severe cases might not be spotted until a child is a little older, or sometimes even later. This red flag can be very valuable in diagnosing the condition.

not be able to pass stool within the first or second day of lifeĪ newborn who can't poop within the first 48 hours of life is often how doctors find Hirschsprung disease.Children with severe cases usually will have symptoms within the first few days of life. The symptoms of Hirschsprung disease can vary depending on how severe it is and how long the affected piece of intestine is. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hirschsprung Disease? So it's important to diagnose and treat Hirschsprung disease as early as possible. Sometimes it leads to serious colon problems, like enterocolitis and toxic megacolon, which can be life-threatening. Hirschsprung disease can cause constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Fortunately, most children who have surgery are able to pass bowel movements (BMs) normally. Most of the time, the problems with pooping start at birth, although in milder cases symptoms may appear months or years later.

It makes them have trouble emptying their bowels. Hirschsprung (HERSH-sproong) disease affects the intestine of newborns, babies, and toddlers.
