Symptoms of Hirschsprung disease appear at a few months old

Hirschsprung disease usually develops symptoms within the first few months of life, manifesting as digestive problems such as difficulty defecating, abdominal distension, and vomiting. If a baby is found to have persistent difficulty defecating or abdominal distension, he or she should be examined and treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

1. Abnormal defecation in the early stage

The main feature of Hirschsprung's disease is intestinal nerve dysplasia, which leads to intestinal muscle movement disorders. After the birth of a newborn, the earliest symptom is delayed meconium excretion, usually more than 48 hours. Some babies may experience constipation, and even defecation is difficult, and even requires auxiliary measures to complete. This is an important sign of the disease, and parents need to pay attention to it.

2. Abdominal distension and vomiting

Failure to pass stools normally causes the contents of the intestine to back up, causing abdominal distension. As the backlog increases, bilious vomiting may occur, manifesting as vomiting of yellow-green liquid in the form of jets. Symptoms of abdominal distension and vomiting can interfere with the baby's normal feeding and weight gain, so this is another sign that must be addressed early.

3. Chronic symptoms

If not diagnosed and treated within a few months, long-term constipation can lead to chronic symptoms such as severe malnutrition, growth retardation, and recurrent intestinal infections. Some infants may even experience an intestinal obstructive crisis, a medical emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention.

Given these early symptoms, if Hirschsprung's disease is suspected, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Usually a rectal biopsy, barium enema, or abdominal X-ray is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment options include:

1. Surgical treatment

Surgery is currently the main treatment for this type of disease. Common surgical methods include intestinal resection or transanal intestinal pull-out, which aims to remove the intestinal segment lacking functional ganglion cells and restore normal intestinal function.

2. Diet adjustment

Before and after surgery, it is recommended to feed diarrhea formula, low-residue food, and avoid high-fiber diets that cause intestinal burden. Breastfeeding is usually beneficial in reducing the risk of intestinal infection and promoting intestinal health.

3. Postoperative care

After surgery, children need to focus on wound healing and preventing infection. Good intestinal function recovery may also require medications or auxiliary treatments to promote defecation. Follow-up examinations can help detect and resolve postoperative complications in a timely manner.

Early identification of Hirschsprung's disease symptoms is crucial to a child's health. If parents find abnormalities in their babies, they should communicate with the doctor immediately. Through timely intervention and scientific treatment, most children can return to normal life.