cause

Hernia in infants is a developmental disorder embriologik. Hernias can develop within the first few months after birth because of the weakness in the abdominal muscles. Inguinal hernias and umbilical hernia occurs because of a slightly different reasons.

inguinal hernia

When the growth of male fetuses in the womb until ready to be born, the testicles develop in the abdomen and then move down into the scrotum through an area called the inguinal canal. Shortly after the baby is born, the inguinal canal closes, preventing the testicles move back into the abdomen. If this area does not close completely, a curve of the intestine can enter the inguinal canal through the weakened area of ​​the lower abdominal wall, causing a hernia.

Although girls do not have testicles, they have an inguinal canal, so it can also develop a hernia in that area.

umbilical hernia

As the fetus grows and develops during pregnancy, there is a small hole in the abdominal muscles which allows the umbilical cord connecting mother to baby. Before birth, the opening in the abdominal muscle was closed. Sometimes, the opening does not close completely, and there is still a small hole. A curve of the intestine can move into the hole between the abdominal muscles and cause a hernia.

Increased risk of hernia in infants born prematurely or had a father / mother who has a hernia as a baby.

signs hernia

A hernia is usually present at birth, but may not be visible for several weeks or months after birth. Tension and crying do not cause a hernia, but the pressure on the abdomen can make a hernia more noticeable.

Inguinal and umbilical hernia respectively seen as a bulge or lump in the groin / scrotum and the area around the navel. Lumps may be more noticeable when the baby cries, and probably will shrink or disappear when the baby quiet. Your doctor can push that bulge when the child is lying quietly, making it smaller or go back to the stomach.

danger hernia

Occasionally, the curve of the intestine that protrudes through the hernia could be stuck and can not be pushed back gently into the abdominal cavity. When this happens, part of the intestine can lose its blood supply and damaged. A good blood supply necessary for healthy intestinal function properly. Symptoms that can be seen when it happens, among others:

     * Reddish discoloration of the hernia
     * vomiting
     * Crying or fussing
     * fever

More than two-thirds sandwiched hernia occurs in children aged less than one year. Symptoms of a hernia may resemble conditions pinched or other medical problems. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.

diagnosis

Hernias can be diagnosed by physical examination by your pediatrician. Your child will be checked to determine whether hernianya can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity or not. Your child’s physician may request x-rays or abdominal ultrasound to examine the intestine more detail, especially if the hernia can not be pushed back.

Handling

inguinal hernia

Surgery may be needed to cope with inguinal hernia. This can be an emergency operation which should be done immediately, because the intestine can be trapped in the inguinal canal. Inguinal hernia surgery is usually done so that damage does not occur.

During a hernia operation, your child will receive general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the area of ​​the hernia. Intestinal protrusion is placed back into the abdominal cavity. Abdominal muscles are then stitched. Hernia surgery is usually a fairly simple procedure. Children who have an inguinal hernia repair surgery can often go home the same day.

umbilical hernia

At the age of one year, umbilical hernia in most children have been shut down its own without needing surgery. Nearly all umbilical hernias close by themselves already at the age of 5 years.

There are many opinions about when surgical repair of umbilical hernia is necessary. In general, if the hernia enlarges with age, can not be reduced, or is still present after 3 years of age, your doctor may recommend that repaired surgically.

Always consult with your pediatrician to determine what is best for your child.