Written by Editorial Team
It is a surprising fact that hernias are common in children just like in the case of adults. Babies, particularly preemies, are even found to born with a hernia. The good news is that the hernias in children can be easily treated. Do you know that hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed childhood surgeries? However, recognizing symptoms of hernia in children is significant for getting effective treatment on time and thereby providing fast relief. Read here to know all about hernia in children.
A part of a tissue or organ in the baby’s body (such as a portion of intestine) may thrust through an opening or spot that is weakened in the muscle wall. This protrusion, which looks like more like a lump or a bulge, is known as hernia.
Unlike the hernia seen in adults (where nearby tissues are protruded through the weak spot in a muscle wall), a weakness in the muscle wall is not necessarily the reason of hernia in children. Some babies may have several small openings in their body when they born that will shut itself at some point of time. In such children, hernia can appear in areas that have not yet shut.
Other reasons include:
The two most common kinds of hernias in children are:
Your child’s doctor will do a physical exam to diagnose hernias. The doctor will examine to determine the type of hernia, the size and shape and see if the hernia can be pushed back. He may even perform an X- ray or ultrasound in order to examine the intestine more closely.
The common signs of hernia in children are:
A doctor must assess all hernias. Over a period of time, umbilical hernias usually resolve on their own without any special treatment. However, inguinal hernias more often than not require a surgery as most of the time they can progress toward becoming incarcerated or strangulated. The doctor likewise can suggest an immediate surgery for putting the herniated tissue back in its right space and repairing the abdominal weak spot and keep the hernia from occurring again. Surgery to rectify inguinal hernias can be executed on kids of all ages, including premature babies. The period of recovery after surgery is short and fast for kids. During this period the child is advised to keep away from doing any kind of strenuous activities like riding a bicycle, climbing trees, jumping etc. If you notice any kind of swelling, bleeding, discomfort or fever, seek medical attention immediately.
Yes, they can. They can even have it at birth. Injuries as they grow can also cause this.
Yes, it is. Many new born babies have it too. They can be small or serious.
Children recover better than adults. Hernia might cause trouble years later. Some people don’t have any issues at all.
Initially yes. They will be asked to keep away from strenuous activities. They can slowly expand their activities.
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