The Real Cottles: 10.2009

What is Hirchsprungs Disease?

Hirschsprung's Disease is a congenital condition which can cause extreme constipation, pain, and fatal intestinal blockage. Anemia, bloody stools and diarrhea may also be noted with the condition. Surgery, though intensive, can treat the causes and most children with Hirschsprung's Disease lead normal lives after surgery.
Hirschsprung's Disease manifests as a lack of appropriate nerve cells in the large intestine or colon. When the body cannot sense that the colon is full with waste products, the intestine can back up. In infants this may be seen as infrequency of bowel movements, which may be accompanied by painful spasms. Because of larger bowel movements, the sensitive skinaround the anus can tear, causing blood in the stool. Blood may also pool in the large intestine.

10.15.2009