My son’s constipation

My five-year old son has always been constipated from childhood. Now, he seems to be getting worse with a protruding abdomen. In addition, he can’t go to toilet unless I give him a laxative. Please, advise.

Aisha (by SMS)

Your son’s case tallies with Hirschsprung’s disease. The condition sometimes occurs in families and might, in some cases, be associated with a genetic mutation. It occurs when nerve cells in the large intestine don’t form completely.

Nerves in the large intestine control the muscle contractions that move food through the bowels. Without the contractions, stool stays in the large intestine to cause constipation and in some cases, a swollen stomach and vomiting.

Although a disease that is usually detected at birth, the condition could have all along been undetected in your son until now. Since surgery may be required to solve the problem, it will be appreciated if you can let your son see a Pediatrician for an expert assessment.

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