Doctor Describes Different Kinds of Hernias and Their Symptoms in Infants and Kids

In infants and young children, the condition known as a hernia occurs when tissue or part of the intestines pokes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. The most prevalent kind, which affects the area of the groin, is an inguinal hernia. Especially while crying or straining, they are often seen as a protrusion or swelling. Umbilical hernias, which appear as a protrusion close to the belly button, are frequent in newborns.

Even though hernias in infants and young children don’t usually hurt, it’s still vital to get them checked out by a pediatric surgeon to avoid consequences.

We spoke about the signs, causes, and treatments of hernias in children and infants with Dr. Pranav Jadhav, a pediatric urologist and consultant neonatal and pediatric surgeon at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children in Pune.

A hernia is a visible bulge that develops when there is a weakening or hole in the abdominal wall that permits tissue, such as fat or the intestines, to protrude. Although they are more prevalent in adults, hernias may occur in newborns and children as well.

What Kinds Of Hernias Are There In Infants And Children?
Usually located in the groin region, inguinal hernias often manifest as a little protrusion that extends into the scrotum or labia. These are typical in young children and newborns. The location where the umbilical cord was fastened to the belly button or navel is where umbilical hernias develop. They usually appear when the muscles around the belly button are unable to contract after the postpartum severance of the umbilical cord. When a section of the intestine is imprisoned in the abdominal orifice, it might result in a strangulated hernia. Children’s inguinal or umbilical hernias are caused by abdominal wall holes that don’t shut correctly, enabling organs to protrude through. These hernias may appear early in infancy or later in life.

What Are Some Of The Elements That May Increase A Child’s Risk Of Hernia Development?
One of them is birth weight; newborns that are underweight or prematurely born are more prone to hernias. Inguinal hernias may occur more often in boys and in those who have a family history of the condition. Genetic abnormalities and medical disorders like cystic fibrosis may raise the likelihood of hernias.

What Indicates a Hernia in Infants and Children?
A protrusion or swelling at the navel or groin, pain or sensitivity in the lower abdomen or groin, inexplicable sobbing or agitation, and a bulge that becomes bigger when you cough, cry, or exert yourself are all signs of a hernia in children or infants.

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Lastly, Dr. Pranav said that most pediatric umbilical hernias heal on their own, thus surgery is not necessary until the kid is 2 to 2.5 years old. But early action is required if they become irreducible. Because inguinal hernias are unlikely to cure on their own and have a high risk of irreducibility and imprisonment, surgery must be performed as soon as feasible.