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Symptoms of a Hernia in a Baby

Hernias are a common condition in babies. They happen when part of a tissue or organ protrudes into a space where it doesn't belong. In the vast majority of infant cases, a section of the intestines has pushed through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. The most obvious sign of a hernia is a lump or bulge under the skin. Umbilical hernias occur around the belly button, while inguinal hernias are in the groin area. Many cases can be monitored and allowed to heal on their own. However, a relatively simple surgery is sometimes required.

  1. Risk Factors

    • Certain groups are more likely than others to develop hernias. One of the biggest risk factors is being a premature baby, because the abdominal muscles are not as developed as they are in full-term babies. Prematurity also increases the chances of more unusual types of hernias in openings that haven't closed before birth. Other risk factors include having a family history of babies with hernias, being African American, hip dysplasia, undescended testes, cystic fibrosis, and certain genital and urinary developmental abnormalities.

    Reducible Hernia Symptoms

    • A reducible hernia is one in which the bulge isn't stuck in the muscle wall. A doctor can gently push it back through the opening. Reducible hernias are sometimes only visible when the baby is crying, coughing, standing or straining--actions in which the abdominal muscles are stretched. When they occur in the belly button region, they usually heal on their own within a year or two. Treatment isn't necessary unless there are complications. However, hernias in the groin area always require surgery, even if they are reducible.

    Incarcerated Hernia Symptoms

    • An incarcerated hernia is more serious. This is when the tissue has become trapped in the opening. There may be no additional signs in the beginning, but a bowel blockage can occur. Symptoms such as constipation, vomiting, and irritability indicate an incarcerated hernia. A baby might react in pain when the area is touched. The abdomen can become swollen as a result of a blockage, and the area around the bulge might become discolored. Call your pediatrician right away or go to an emergency room if you suspect an incarcerated hernia.

    Strangulated Hernia Symptoms

    • In a strangulated hernia, the blood supply to the trapped tissue has been cut off. This causes increased and eventually constant, severe pain. Other possible symptoms include fever, redness and inflammation around the lump, vomiting, and constipation. A baby who has a visible bulge along with some of these symptoms should be taken to a hospital. Strangulated hernias are medical emergencies that require immediate surgery.

    Diagnosis

    • Pediatricians can usually diagnose the presence of hernias by looking for them. Quick visual examinations of infants' entire bodies are typically done at well baby visits. However, parents should contact their pediatrician if they notice symptoms between appointments. Ultrasounds and x-rays are sometimes used to get a better look at the hernia and help determine a course of action. Surgery can be performed at any age if it's deemed necessary.

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