Question
A 20-day-old baby has abdominal distension and hardness, with the condition lasting for over a week. The baby is able to eat, drink, defecate, and urinate. A doctor has initially diagnosed it as pediatric megacolon.
Answer
Abdominal distension is a common symptom of the digestive system, which may be caused by excessive gas in the gastrointestinal tract or poor digestion and absorption. Normally, the gastrointestinal tract can hold about 150 milliliters of air. When too much air is swallowed or intestinal gas production increases, and the gas cannot be expelled through the anus, abdominal distension occurs. Common causes include swallowing disorders, acute gastric dilation, pyloric obstruction, intestinal obstruction, intestinal paralysis, constipation, liver and gallbladder diseases, as well as certain systemic diseases. A doctor has initially diagnosed it as pediatric megacolon, suggesting further investigation into the cause and treatment methods.