Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital disease whose symptoms have been seen since the newborn. Although this disease is rare, you still need to be aware of it. One of the symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease in infants is difficulty defecating (BAB).
Hirschsprung's disease is caused by a disturbance in the nerves that control the baby's large intestine. This condition causes the large intestine to not be able to push feces or stool properly, so that stool gets trapped and accumulates in the baby's intestines. As a result, the baby becomes difficult to defecate.
Risk Factors and Symptoms of Hirschsprung's Disease in Babies
Under normal circumstances, nerve cells should form throughout the intestine, including the large intestine. This formation process actually occurs during pregnancy. However, in infants with Hirschsprung's disease, these nerve cells are not fully formed.
In fact, these nerve cells have an important role in squeezing and pushing feces out of the digestive tract. Imperfections in the shape of this nerve eventually cause blockages and cause feces or baby stools to not be able to pass through the anus.
Actually, the exact cause of Hirschsprung's disease in infants is not known for certain. However, this condition is known to occur due to a genetic disorder.
There are several factors that are thought to make a baby more at risk of being born with Hirschsprung's disease, including:
- Have a biological family member who suffers from Hirschsprung's disease
- Male gender
- Suffering from other congenital diseases, such as Down syndrome
Babies with Hirschsprung's disease may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
- No bowel movements for 48 hours after birth
- Distended or bloated stomach
- Fussy
- Bloody stools
- Vomiting or green or brown discharge
Although generally the above symptoms can be found in newborns, sometimes the symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease may arise when the child is older.
Symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease in children can be slightly different from those in infants, including distended stomach, frequent abdominal pain or constant constipation, loss of appetite, bloody bowel movements, and not gaining weight or experiencing growth and development disorders.
Handling Hirschsprung's Disease in Babies
Hirschsprung's disease is a disease that requires immediate medical attention. Treatment will depend on the age of the baby and how severe the symptoms are. Generally, doctors will perform surgery to treat Hirschsprung's disease.
The operation aims to remove the abnormal part of the intestine, then replace it with a healthy part of the intestine, so that the large intestine can function normally as usual.
After the operation is complete, the baby or child may be fussy and feel pain during bowel movements. In addition, they may experience constipation.
Babies who have recently had bowel surgery for Hirschsprung's disease will need nutrition through breast milk or formula. Provision of these intakes aims to make the baby's stool softer and prevent dehydration.
As for older children, high-fiber foods can be given after he has had surgery. In addition, children must also be ensured to get enough water intake.
After understanding the information above, now you know that Hirschsprung's disease in babies is not a condition that can be taken lightly. If your baby has symptoms of this disease, take him to the doctor immediately, okay?
In addition, because Hirschsprung's disease is genetic, if you or your father have a family history of this rare disease, you should first consult with your doctor when planning a pregnancy. The goal is to determine the risk of Hirschsprung's disease passed on to the baby and be aware of it.
