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Signs and symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease (toxic megacolon)

User Hartwig
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Final answer:

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition characterized by missing nerve cells in the colon, leading to symptoms like a swollen belly, vomiting, and constipation. Severe cases can result in toxic megacolon, which includes symptoms such as a swollen abdomen, fever, and diarrhea, and requires immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

Signs and Symptoms of Hirschsprung's Disease

Hirschsprung's disease is a condition that affects the large intestine (colon) and causes problems with passing stool. The disease is present at birth (congenital) and is caused by missing nerve cells in the muscles of part or all of the baby's colon. A baby who has Hirschsprung's disease cannot have a bowel movement in the days after birth. In milder cases, the condition might not become apparent until later in childhood.

Common signs and symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease may include:

Failure to pass meconium shortly after birth

Swollen belly

Vomiting

Constipation or gas, which might lead to diarrhea

In some severe cases, the disease can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as toxic megacolon. Toxic megacolon is marked by:

Widening of the colon (megacolon)

Rapid swelling of the abdomen

Fever

Weakness

Diarrhea

Immediate medical treatment is required if toxic megacolon is suspected to prevent complications such as rupture of the colon, sepsis, and death.

User Lizzie
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