Problem

Hirschsprung's disease

Other Names:
Giant colon
Megacolon
Nature:
Hirschsprung's disease is caused by the absence of nerve cells in the wall of the bowel. This means that the muscles of a portion (usually) of the bowel do not contract, the bowel remains collapsed and stools cannot pass. Bowel contents build up behind the obstruction. Most often it begins in the last foot or two of bowel, called the sigmoid colon and rectum. The disorder rarely involves the entire bowel. Symptoms include constipation, abdominal swelling, and vomiting. Symptoms in older children include passing small watery stools, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite.
Incidence:
Hirschsprung's disease affects mainly infants and children. although some people do not develop symptoms until childhood or even adulthood.
Broader Problems:
Disorders of the bowel
Congenital abnormalities
Disorders of gastric motility
Subject(s):
Medicine → Pathology
Medicine → Intestinal tract
Problem Type:
G: Very specific problems
Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST