It’s not uncommon for healthy diets to escape us, leading to discomfort and abdominal pain. But a 23-year-old Chinese man, Zhou Hai, experienced extreme pain and difficulty breathing due to 28.6 pounds of feces impacted in his colon. Thankfully, doctors removed the affected part of his colon, caused by Hirschsprung’s disease, and he is now on the road to recovery.
“It looked like it could explode at any time,” said Yin Lu of Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, he and others performed the surgery. (2)
Hirschsprung’s disease, which prevents bowel movements due to missing nerve cells in the colon, can lead to dangerous complications if left untreated, such as abnormal dilation of the colon. Symptoms include a swollen belly, vomiting, constipation, and fatigue.
Why Did Zhou Hai Suffer with Hirschsprung’s Disease for So Long?
Despite experiencing constipation since birth, Hai’s condition was not properly addressed, and he relied on laxatives, which were insufficient to clear his colon. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention for prolonged discomfort.
