- Parents Home
- Para Padres
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Newborn Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Sports Medicine Center
- Videos
- Kids Home
- Para Niños
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Feelings
- Getting Help
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Heart Center
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Staying Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Teens Home
- Para Adolescentes
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
A to Z: Hirschsprung Disease
Hirschsprung (HERSH-sproong) disease is a birth defect that affects the large intestine (colon) of newborns, babies, and toddlers.
More to Know
Hirschsprung disease prevents bowel movements (stool or poop) from passing through the intestines due to missing nerve cells in the lower part of the colon. A blockage forms, causing constipation. If untreated, this can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications.
Most of the time, the problems with pooping start at birth, although in milder cases symptoms may appear months or years later. Symptoms of Hirschsprung disease can include constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, a swollen belly, and difficulty gaining weight.
Keep in Mind
Hirschsprung disease is treated with surgery. The surgeon removes the section of the colon without nerves and reattaches the remaining portion of the colon to the rectum (the area where poop is temporarily stored just before a bowel movement). After surgery, most kids recover well and can pass stool normally with no lasting problems.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.