Hernia in Babies

Hernia in Babies

Hernia in infants is a disease that often occurs in children, and will usually be diagnosed in children from 1 year of age. Knowledge about hernias in children is needed so that complications can be prevented.

Hernias occur when the muscles that support the body's organs weaken or become abnormal, so they are unable to hold the organs in their proper position. This condition can not only be experienced by adults, but also babies. Hernias are often referred to as hernias.

The most common hernias in infants and children are umbilical hernias and inguinal hernias. Both of these can be found in baby boys or girls and often don't complain of pain or fuss, but if not handled properly they can have bad consequences.

Types of hernias in babies:

1. Umbilical hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the small intestine pushes through the opening for the umbilical cord. It most often occurs in children under 6 months of age.

This type of hernia in children is not painful and most cases do not cause problems. In most children, this type of hernia will close on its own before the age of 1 year.

Surgery usually has to be done if the umbilical hernia is still open and doesn't close on its own when the child is 2 years old.

2. Inguinal hernia

80% of hernia types in children are inguinal hernias or scrotal hernias.

This condition is when the intestine or bladder sticks out of the lower abdominal wall. this can also happen when it enters the inguinal canal in the groin.

This is divided into two types of inguinal hernias in children, namely:

• Direct inguinal hernia

This type of hernia occurs when a weak spot develops in the lower abdominal muscles.

This is because the network is able to push into these weak points.

• Indirect inguinal hernia

Occurs when the inguinal canal (small passage through the lower abdominal wall) fails to close before birth. These hernias are more common in children who were born prematurely.

In boys, part of the intestine that sticks out of its place can enter the scrotum or testicles, causing them to swell and feel painful.

Meanwhile, in girls swelling usually occurs in the labia or groin.

Hernia symptoms in children generally include:

• There is a lump in the groin near the thigh

• A baby who cries constantly

• A lump that gets bigger when standing or straining

• Lumps will disappear when lying down or in a relaxed position

• Feeling pain around the stomach

• Soft bulge when held

Causes of Hernias in Children

1. Congenital birth

The cause of inguinal hernias in babies can occur since in the womb, during pregnancy, all babies in the womb have an area from the stomach to the genitals called the inguinal canal.

In boys, this duct allows the testicles to move from the abdomen to the scrotum, a cause of hernias in children. This occurs when an indentation of the intestine slips into the duct, through a weak muscle in the abdominal wall.

2. Disorders of Organ Formation

Hernias in children are usually accompanied by urinary and reproductive tract problems. In umbilical hernias in infants, the process is also related to the formation of organs in the womb.

While still in the womb, the fetus has a small hole in the abdominal muscles. After birth, these openings close. However, sometimes the muscle does not close completely in some babies.

Mother immediately take the child to the hospital if:

• The child feels pain in the protruding area around the navel or groin

• Child vomiting accompanied by an enlarged lump

• A lump in the navel or groin that has become larger or has changed color

• Navel or groin will be very painful when pressed

The doctor will physically examine the hernia in the child and determine whether the lump can be re-inserted into the stomach (reducible) or has settled in place (incarcerated).