When my baby was born two months ago, he was having trouble passing

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When my baby was born two months ago, he was having trouble passing his first stool and spitting up. They did an x-ray in the hospital and they said everything looked normal. However, when I came home and went online I discovered that what they were looking for was Hirshsprung disease. Is it likely that the x-ray was accurate enough to detect a problem? Should I be concered?

Sonia

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Male , Age: 2 months

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Hello,

Has your baby continued to have problems?

Vicky B. RN

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Reply to Vicky B's Post: Hello VIcky, I just saw your answer today on Sept 11, 2006.

Well, he seems to be doing well and his peditrician does not seem concerned. I know some of the problems is slow growth and development, swollen abdomen, vomitting, constipation and anemia, he only has been constipated a handful of times, but has not experienced the rest of the symptoms. He's over 13lbs and is more than average for an 11 week old baby. Should I be concered, is the x-ray sufficent enough?? What is your specialized area??

Sonia

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on September 11 2006 at 2:30 PM

It sounds like you have a healthy baby! Babies and toddlers sometimes experience constipation. It only becomes worrisome if it is a constant thing they are needing to be treated for.

If it becomes a continual problem that you have to see your baby's doctor for, then Hirschprung's becomes more likely. Your pediatrician knows what to look for so I would trust his or her ability to recognized a chronic problem.

You are doing a great job as a mom!

(I worked as a Pediatric ICU nurse as my "specialty" Images available only to Customers.

Vicky B. RN

If my answer was helpful to you, please click the "Accept" button. If you would like additional information, please choose "Reply" and I will be glad to help you further.

Reply to Vicky B's Post: I've read Hirschsprung can be fatal for a child. When does it become a life or death issue?

Sonia

Sonia,

Hirshprung is a disease that can be treated and is usually not fatal. The important thing is to see the pediatrician for regular checkups and keep an eye on the constipation. That would be the most telling symptom at the age of your baby. If your baby develops a swollen abdomen and vomitting as well, or a fever and diarrhea, this would be considered serious and the doctor should be seen soon.

Hirshprung can be easily diagnosed starting with a barium enema x-ray and if necessary a biopsy of the large intestine. If a person is diagnosed with Hirschsprung's then the portion of the large intestine that is affected will be surgically removed and the intestine is either reattached to a healthy portion, or brought to the surface of the abdomen through a stoma.

Here is a good reference website about Hirschsprung's Disease:

What I need to know about Hirschsprung's Disease

Please let me know if I can help you further!

Vicky B. RN

If my answer was helpful to you, please click the "Accept" button. If you would like additional information, please choose "Reply" and I will be glad to help you further.

Reply to Vicky B's Post: The baby had an x-ray done in the hospital and the doctor at the hospital said everything looked fine. How accurate is the x-ray?? The baby hasn't had hard stool, he sometimes doesn't go and pushes alot.

However, when he does the stool is watery with white curds. And I noticed that this only happens when I give formula as a supplement (I'm breastfeeding). He won't go for a few days and when I stop giving him the formula he'll start to go normal.

Sonia

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on September 13 2006 at 11:18 AM

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