Hirschsprung's Enterocolitis Alert for parents / carers

Information alert box Hirschsprung's-Associated Enterocolitis (HAEC) Alert

It can be difficult to tell whether a child with Hirschsprung's has a tummy bug or enterocolitis.When in doubt, it is best to assume enterocolitis and seek treatment.

Advice for clinicians | Bowel washout

When in doubt, it is best to assume enterocolitis and seek treatment.

Signs of Hirschsprung's-Associated Enterocolitis

• Less interest in feeding, sleepy, excessively tired
• The tummy is distended and hard or tender
• The tummy does not reduce in size with washouts
• The poo:
  
  • is offensive and smelly
    
  • is diarrhoea
    
  • has excess mucous or blood
    
• Persistent milky vomiting
  
• One green (bilious) vomit

Immediate care

• Stop milk feeds or food
• Continue water or dioralyte drinks
• Try an emergency washout
• Take your emergency washout kit with you to hospital
• Seek review at your closest hospital and show them your HAEC Alert.

Your HAEC Alert has information for your local team on immediate care and how to contact your Paediatric Surgeons.