When you think of a hernia, you probably picture the injury occurring in an adult, because hernias typically develop in an older population. However, a hernia can occur in infancy or during childhood, and these can sometimes be more serious because kids can’t always easily explain what they are experiencing. Today, we share some tips for recognizing the signs of hernias in children and infants, and we explain how these injuries are treated.
Understanding Pediatric Hernias
Hernias occur when part of an organ or bodily tissue pushes through a hole in the muscle wall that is supposed to contain it. There are a number of different types of hernias, but in children, there are two common kinds of hernias that develop:
- Umbilical Hernias – These hernias are typically found near the navel area.
- Inguinal Hernias – These hernias are found in or around the groin area.
Both of these types of hernias are retractable types, meaning they only appear when the muscle wall is strained, and then they can slip back into place. Umbilical hernias can sometimes retract and correct themselves, while inguinal hernias are the main source of complications and surgery among infant hernias. It’s also worth noting that babies who are born prematurely are about 30 percent more likely to be born with an inguinal hernia, and males account for about 80 to 90 percent of cases.
Recognizing The Signs of Pediatric Hernias
Since some children are born with hernias, you can’t do much to prevent them from forming, but it’s important to know what signs to look for so they can be addressed before they cause any damage. Signs that may indicate your child is suffering from a hernia include:
- A noticeable lump underneath the belly button
- Abdominal pain
- Irritability
- Constipation or vomiting
- In boys, adjusting or pulling on the testicles
- Infants pushing or playing with a spot or lump on their body
- A lump that appears and disappears on an ongoing basis
Getting medical attention for your child’s hernia is important, because left untreated they can become incarcerated or strangulated. Incarcerated hernias stay outside the muscle wall and do not retract, which can lead to strangulation issues like blood flow restriction and tissue death.
Child Hernia Surgery in Minnesota
If you believe your child is suffering from an hernia, set up a consultation with a pediatric hernia surgeon. A corrective procedure can be performed in about a half an hour, and your child is typically discharged within an hour or two of the procedure’s completion. This surgery can fix the problem and prevent further tissue damage, so don’t delay. Reach out to Dr. Koeplin with any questions or to set up an appointment.
