Hirschsprung's disease

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors

Preparing for your appointment Tests and diagnosis Treatments and drugs Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Hirschsprung's disease is a condition that affects the large intestine (colon) and causes problems with passing stool. It's present when a baby is born (congenital) and results from missing nerve cells in the muscles of a portion of the baby's colon.

Children with Hirschsprung's disease can be constipated or have problems absorbing nutrients from food. In severe cases of Hirschsprung's disease, a newborn child experiences an obstructed colon and is unable to have a bowel movement. In mild cases, doctors may not detect Hirschsprung's disease until later in a child's life.

Surgical removal of the diseased portion of the child's colon is the only treatment for Hirschsprung's disease. After surgery, nine out of 10 children pass stool normally.

NEXT:

Symptoms