
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hirschsprung's disease history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Hirschsprung’s disease is commonly diagnosed within the neonatal period. The cardinal symptoms of Hirschsprung’s disease include abdominal distension, delayed passage of meconium (not passed until 24-48 hours after birth), and vomiting.
History
History
- Delayed passage of meconium (not passed until 24-48 hours after birth).
- Ninety-four percent of Hirschsprung’s disease cases are diagnosed before the patient reaches 5 years of age.
- History of longstanding recurrent constipation relieved by laxatives.
- History of progressive abdominal distention, colicky pain, or acute intestinal obstruction.
Symptoms
Symptoms
The cardinal symptoms of Hirschsprung’s disease include:
Other common symptoms that can be observed in patients with Hirschsprung’s disease include:
- Constipation
- Malabsorption
- Poor weight gain
- Slow growth (0-5 years child)
- Watery diarrhea[1][2]
Adult Hirschsprung’s disease
- Hirschsprung’s disease is uncommon in adolescence.
- It appears as an ultra-short segment disease.
- Presents as a long-standing constipation requiring frequent laxatives.
- Other symptoms may include:
References
References
- ↑ Stanescu AL, Liszewski MC, Lee EY, Phillips GS (2017). “Neonatal Gastrointestinal Emergencies: Step-by-Step Approach”. Radiol. Clin. North Am. 55 (4): 717–739. doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2017.02.010. PMID 28601177.
- ↑ Das K, Mohanty S (2017). “Hirschsprung Disease – Current Diagnosis and Management”. Indian J Pediatr. doi:10.1007/s12098-017-2371-8. PMID 28600660.
- ↑ Crocker NL, Messmer JM (1991). “Adult Hirschsprung’s disease”. Clin Radiol. 44 (4): 257–9. PMID 1959304.
- ↑ Wheatley MJ, Wesley JR, Coran AG, Polley TZ (1990). “Hirschsprung’s disease in adolescents and adults”. Dis. Colon Rectum. 33 (7): 622–9. PMID 2193786.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]}Â ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]
