Hirschsprung Disease

Hirschsprung disease is a congenital disorder of the large intestine in which certain nerve cells are missing from a segment of the colon, making it difficult for stool to move through normally.

When it is usually detected: It is often identified in newborns or infants, with difficulty passing stool, abdominal distension, or marked constipation from the first days of life.

Common signs: A delay in the first bowel movement, a distended abdomen, vomiting, or poor weight gain may point toward this condition.

Who treats it? The pediatric surgeon and the pediatric gastroenterologist are the specialists who evaluate Hirschsprung disease, along with the pediatrician. If a baby has significant constipation from birth, it is worth discussing with a professional.