What are the symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease in adults?

Typical symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease in adults include long-term constipation, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and difficulty defecating. In severe cases, it can cause intestinal obstruction, malnutrition, and other problems. You should go to the hospital for professional evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. The following is a detailed analysis of its specific symptoms and coping methods.

1. Constipation

The most common symptom of Hirschsprung's disease in adults is long-term, intractable constipation. This is due to the lack of intestinal ganglion cells, which causes some intestinal muscles to fail to move normally, resulting in stool retention. Constipation usually begins in childhood, but some mild cases may not become obvious until adulthood.

Solution:

-Drug adjustment: Laxatives such as lactulose can be used to help soften stools, but they need to be used in the short term to avoid dependence.

-Dietary adjustments: Increase dietary fiber intake, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, to promote intestinal motility.

-Improve your lifestyle habits: Maintain a regular schedule and bowel movement. Holding back bowel movements for a long time will aggravate the condition.

2. Abdominal bloating

Common abdominal distension is caused by the accumulation of feces and gas in the intestines, and patients often feel uncomfortable with gastrointestinal distension. In severe cases, abdominal distension may affect appetite and aggravate constipation.

Solution:

-Drug relief: You can use drugs to relieve gastrointestinal flatulence, such as simethicone, but you need a doctor's guidance.

-Massage to promote gas expulsion: Gently massaging the abdomen in the direction of the intestines (clockwise) can help expel gas.

3. Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is also a common symptom of Hirschsprung's disease in adults, especially when the lesion is obvious. It is often caused by accumulation of intestinal contents, secondary infection or obstruction.

Solution:

-Seek medical attention promptly: Abdominal pain and discomfort should not be ignored, especially severe abdominal pain, which may indicate serious complications such as intestinal obstruction.

-Hot compress relief: Applying a hot water bottle to the abdomen can relieve pain to a certain extent, but it is not a fundamental solution.

4. Difficulty in defecation

The resistance of stool to passing through the diseased intestinal segment increases, and patients may need to exert greater force during defecation, which may even lead to anal fissures or hemorrhoids.

Solution:

- Use force scientifically: Avoid exerting excessive force during bowel movements. You can use warm water sitz baths, lubricants, etc. to assist.

-Physical therapy: Severe defecation difficulties or complete obstruction require medical intervention, such as enema or surgery.

5. Complications

Patients who delay treatment may face serious complications such as intestinal obstruction and intestinal rupture, which may even endanger their lives, so they need to be taken seriously. When the symptoms are severe, it may also cause absorption disorders, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.

For the symptoms of adult congenital megacolon, early identification and intervention are particularly critical. Those with intractable constipation, obvious abdominal distension, abdominal pain or abnormal bowel function should go to the hospital as soon as possible for further examination, such as intestinal angiography or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment usually includes symptomatic treatment and surgery (such as megacolon resection) to eradicate the cause and avoid complications. Maintaining intestinal health and normal bowel movements are crucial to improving the patient's quality of life.

If the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention actively and follow the doctor's advice for treatment to avoid the progression of the disease and greater impact on your life.