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Infant Hiatal Hernia Symptoms

With a Hiatal Hernia, a small part of the top of the stomach attaches to the esophagus, pushing up through the diaphragm. An infant can have a Hiatal Hernia with absolutely no symptoms. It can also cause a host of gastroesophogeal problems. Sometimes these symptoms will need to be controlled with medication or even surgery.

  1. Irritability

    • A baby cannot communicate the pain of heartburn a Hiatal Hernia can cause. Instead, there may be constant crying or irritability that could be mistaken for colic.

    Frequent Vomiting

    • Whether it is actual vomiting or constant "spitting up," a baby with a Hiatal Hernia often has reflux where the food/liquid comes back up the esophagus.

    Bad Breath

    • A Hiatal Hernia can cause an acid taste/smell. This is from the backflow of acid in the esophagus.

    Ear, Nose and Throat

    • Reflux disease from a Hiatal Hernia can cause ear, sinus and throat soreness and infections. In some cases, the aspiration of fluid can also cause respiratory problems that will present as coughing or wheezing.

    Not Eating

    • An infant with a Hiatal Hernia may not want to eat much or at all. This could be from the nausea, pain of heartburn or the discomfort of reflux.

    Considerations

    • Most of the symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia can be avoided. The infant should not be laid down immediately after eating. Holding the child upright for at least 30 minutes and frequent burping can keep Hiatal Hernia symptoms in infants under control.

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