Is Hirschsprung's disease life-threatening?

Hirschsprung's disease is life-threatening, and early diagnosis and timely treatment are key. Treatment options include surgery, medication, and nutritional support, with the specific choice depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's age.

Hirschsprung's disease is a disease of intestinal dysfunction caused by the loss of ganglion cells in the intestinal wall, which mainly affects newborns and infants. The degree of danger depends on the extent of the lesion, complications and the timing of treatment. Failure to treat it in time may lead to serious complications such as intestinal obstruction, toxic megacolon, and even life-threatening.

1. Genetic factors are one of the main causes of Hirschsprung's disease. About 15% of cases have a family history, which is related to gene mutations such as RET and GDNF. Families with a family history are recommended to undergo genetic counseling and prenatal screening.

2. Environmental factors play a supporting role in the occurrence of diseases. Exposure to certain chemicals or infections during pregnancy may increase the risk of fetal disease. Pregnant women should avoid contact with harmful substances and pay attention to health care during pregnancy.

3. Among physiological factors, abnormal development of intestinal ganglion cells is the core pathological change, leading to intestinal motility dysfunction. This requires professional pathological diagnosis and evaluation.

4. Trauma is not the direct cause, but it may aggravate the condition. During the nursing process, care should be taken to avoid abdominal trauma.

5. The pathology progresses from mild to severe. In the early stage, it may only manifest as constipation, but in the late stage, it may develop into complete intestinal obstruction. Regular physical examinations and early intervention are essential.

Treatment options include:

1. Surgical treatment is the main method. Common surgical procedures include Swenson surgery, Duhamel surgery and Soave surgery, which should be selected according to the patient's specific situation.

2. Drug treatment includes gastrointestinal prokinetic drugs such as domperidone and cisapride, and intestinal flora regulators such as bifidobacterium preparations.

3. During nutritional support therapy, high-fiber diets such as whole wheat bread and oatmeal, and foods rich in prebiotics such as bananas and onions can help improve intestinal function.

Patients with confirmed or suspected Hirschsprung disease should seek medical attention immediately and have a professional doctor develop a personalized treatment plan. Regular follow-up and long-term management are essential to improving prognosis. Patients and their families should actively cooperate with treatment and pay attention to daily care to reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.