What is the Alternative Treatment Availble for Hirschprung Disease?

Abstract

Hirschsprung Disease is a rare birth defect which affects the large intestine (colon) of the affected infants/children. The congenital condition causes difficulties in passing stool because of the absence of intestinal nerve cells in a segment of the bowel. Hirschsprung Disease is a potentially life-threatening condition which mostly requires a surgical procedure for treatment. Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company offers some excellent herbal formulations for managing the condition in a safe and natural manner.

Hirschsprung Disease: Overview

Hirschsprung Disease is a rare disorder which is present in babies at birth. In newborn babies affected by this disorder, a specific type of nerve cells called ‘ganglions’ are missing in a part of the bowel – generally the rectum and the sigmoid colon – or the whole of the large intestine, and sometimes even the later part of the small intestine. The ganglion cells support the bowel’s ability to move stool through the intestine.

The absence of the nerve cells in children suffering from Hirschsprung Disease causes blockages in the bowel, because of which the normal movement of the stool through the bowel gets affected. The stool moves the bowel only till the part which lacks ganglion cells; and, after that, the movement of the stools either slows down or stops completely. The key indication of Hirschsprung Disease is that newborn babies affected by the condition are unable to pass stool within 48 hours after birth.

Hirschsprung Disease is also known as Congenital Aganglionic Megacolon. The disease can affect both boys and girls. However, risk of the occurrence of the condition is higher in boys as compared to girls. In addition, the risk of the disease is also fairly high for children with Down syndrome, congenital heart defects, and other medical conditions present at birth. Children who have a parent or sibling with Hirschsprung Disease are also at a high risk of developing the condition.

Hirschsprung Disease: Causes

Hirschsprung Disease occurs in infants because ‘ganglion’ nerve cells in the colon are not completely formed during the early stages of development of the baby in the mother’s womb.

The exact cause behind the occurrence of this congenital condition is not clearly known. Nonetheless, doctors believe that the condition either runs in the families in some cases or is apparently linked to genetic mutations in other cases. The genetic syndromes commonly associated with Hirschsprung Disease are Mowat-Wilson, Cartilage-Hair hypoplasia, Waardenburg, and Bardet-Biedel.

Hirschsprung Disease: Symptoms

Hirschsprung Disease’s main symptom – that is, difficulty in bowel movements – usually appears in new-born babies within the first two days after birth. But, in a large majority of cases, babies affected by the disease start showing the symptoms within the first or second month of life. In some mild cases, the symptoms of the disease may even remain undetected until childhood.

Besides difficulty in bowel movements, some of the other common symptoms of Hirschsprung Disease are:

• Swollen stomach
• Vomiting
• Chronic constipation
• Gas or abdominal bloating
• Unexpected fever
• Diarrhea (mostly with blood)
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Delayed growth or delayed milestones.

Hirschsprung Disease: Treatment

Hirschsprung Disease requires timely treatment because it can be a potentially fatal condition. The disease can put the affected infants/children at a high risk of developing a serious intestinal infection called Enterocolitis.

The most common treatment of Hirschsprung Disease is a surgical procedure which either bypasses the affected section of the colon, or removes all/part of the colon. The surgical procedure usually performed by a pediatric surgeon to treat Hirschsprung Disease is a pull-through procedure or an ostomy surgery.

Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal formulations for natural management of Hirschsprung Disease:

1. Arvind Asav

Arvind asav is a classical Ayurvedic medicine – available in liquid form – which is considered an excellent health tonic for infants and children. It is prepared from Arvind (Kamala or lotus) and a combination of several other beneficial herbal extracts. The herbs combined for preparing this product include Kamala (Nelumbium speciosum), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Mansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Utpala (Nymphaea stellata), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaka (Terminalia belerica), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Karchoora (Curcuma zedoaria), Trivrut (Ipomoea turpethum), Nili (Indigofera tinctoria), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Parpata (Fumaria parviflora), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Madhooka (Madhuca indica), Yashtimadhu/Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Mura (Selinum candollei), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), and Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa).

The use of Arvind asav is beneficial for managing Hirschsprung Disease because the herbal ingredients can synergistically improve physical and mental strength of children, and manage a number of pediatric ailments like indigestion, intestinal gas, abdominal distension, frequent loose stools, low immunity, poor appetite, anorexia, weakness of the bones, and delayed milestones.

Dosage: 5 drops, twice daily.

2. Infee Syrup

The preparation of this syrup involves the use of two main herbs – Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). The syrup is an extremely beneficial Ayurvedic medicine which can ensure healthy growth of infants.

The use of this syrup can benefit children affected by Hirschsprung Disease because of the ability of the herbal components to protect children against gastrointestinal tract infections, support healthy growth, manage indigestion, treat heartburn, boost the immune system, increase body stamina, manage inflammation, treat peptic ulcers, support recovery in weak/ailing children, and pacify Vata and Pitta doshas.

Dosage: 5 drops, twice daily.

3. Chawarka

Chawarka is an amazing herbal product prepared from a combination of four potent herbs which are known for their carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, sedative, and digestion-supporting properties. The four herbs are: Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), and Makoy (Solanum nigrum).

The use of Chawarka is beneficial in managing the symptoms of Hirschsprung Disease in children because of the combined ability of the herbs to regulate appetite, support healthy digestion, strengthen the intestines and abdominal muscles, boost metabolism, treat flatulence, reduce inflammation, manage indigestion, manage colic and stomach ache, and treat disorders like diarrhea and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Dosage: 5 drops, twice daily.

Conclusion

The herbal formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for managing Hirschsprung Disease are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs. The formulations do not contain any artificial colors, starch, yeast, chemicals, preservatives, binders, fillers, or additives. However, it is recommended that children affected by Hirschsprung Disease should be given the herbal formulations under the guidance and supervision of an expert Ayurveda practitioner.