How common are inguinal hernias in babies?
Inguinal hernias occur in 1% to 5% of healthy, full-term baby boys. Up to 30% of premature babies are born with an inguinal hernia. What risks are associated with inguinal hernias? Your child will need a simple surgery to fix the inguinal hernia. Rare but serious complications can develop if your child doesn’t receive treatment:
What is a hernia in a child?
A hernia is a bulge of tissue that protrudes through the muscle. Children who have hernias are often born with them, though they may not be noticeable right away. The areas around the groin and belly button are the most common areas for hernias in babies and young children.
What is the most common type of hernia in boys?
Epigastric hernias. In this type of hernia, which occurs most frequently in boys, there is a protrusion through the abdominal muscles between the chest and the belly button, causing a lump in that area. Surgery is required to fix this type of hernia. Hiatal hernias.
Is it normal for a baby to have a hernia in belly?
Finally,umbilical hernias appear in babies born with a weakness in the belly button. This type of hernia is very common, and not something that should concern parents, Dr. Kabeer says. Present when a baby cries, strains or coughs, these hernias cause no discomfort and rarely prompt larger problems, he says.
Is it common for kids to get a hernia?
Hernias are fairly common in kids. Babies, especially preemies, can be born with them. Some babies are born with small openings inside the body that will close at some point. Nearby tissues can squeeze into such openings and become hernias.
Is a hernia in a child serious?
If your child has an incarcerated hernia or a strangulated hernia, it's a medical emergency. Get medical care for your child right away if they develop any of the following symptoms: Severe pain or tenderness. Redness and bruising around the site of the bulge.
How do you know if a child has a hernia?
The main sign of an inguinal hernia is a visible bulge under the skin in the groin or scrotum. A child can have a bulge in one or both sides of the groin. Other signs can include: pain, especially when bending over, straining, lifting, coughing, or crying.
What causes hernia for kids?
A hernia can develop in the first few months after a baby is born. It happens because of a weakness in the abdomen muscles. Straining and crying don't cause hernias. But the increased pressure in the belly can make a hernia more easily seen.
How long does it take a child to recover from hernia surgery?
After surgery to repair a hernia, your child is likely to have pain for a few days. Your child may also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common. Your child should feel better after a few days and will probably feel much better in 7 days.
How does a 4 year old get a hernia?
This type of hernia is caused by an opening in the muscle behind the child's belly button, or umbilicus. The opening allows the nearby intestine to push out into a pouch or sac that bulges out below the skin. Inguinal hernias are more common in boys (and premature babies), but girls get them too.
What can be mistaken for hernia?
What else can be mistaken for a hernia? While a hernia is the cause for most people who experience lumps in their abdomen, there are several other possibilities such as a hematoma, lipoma, a gynecological issue in women, or an undescended testicle in newborn boys. In rare cases, a lump may indicate a tumor.
Do hernias happen suddenly?
A hernia can appear suddenly after bending, coughing, laughing, or lifting weights or heavy items, or it can form slowly over weeks or months. Symptoms may improve when you lie down, relieving pressure on the area.
What are the 3 types of hernias?
Common types of hernias include umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, and femoral hernia.
Are hernias painful in children?
Pediatric hernias generally don't cause pain until the tissue gets incarcerated but it can be hard to spot because the tissue retracts. “Umbilical hernias are more obvious—they cause a lump underneath the belly button, but many parents don't realize that it's a hernia causing it.
Can a hernia go away on its own?
Hernias don't go away on their own. Only surgery can repair a hernia. Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia.
Will the emergency room fix a hernia?
Incarcerated Hernia – Some patients show up with a hernia that can not be pushed back in, with or without severe pain. Patients without severe pain can have urgent surgery within a few weeks. Patients with severe pain often need emergency surgery and are best evaluated in an emergency room.
What are the 3 types of hernias?
Common types of hernias include umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, and femoral hernia.
When is a hernia an emergency?
Symptoms of a hernia in need of emergency treatment include: Severe pain, swelling or redness at the hernia site. Hernia bulge growing quickly. Nausea and/or vomiting.
What to do if I think my child has a hernia?
A doctor should always see your child for a hernia diagnosis. In some cases, inguinal hernias can become life-threatening, and require urgent medical attention.
What can a hernia be mistaken for?
What else can be mistaken for a hernia? While a hernia is the cause for most people who experience lumps in their abdomen, there are several other possibilities such as a hematoma, lipoma, a gynecological issue in women, or an undescended testicle in newborn boys. In rare cases, a lump may indicate a tumor.
What is a hernia in a baby?
Umbilical hernias. Finally,umbilical hernias appear in babies born with a weakness in the belly button. This type of hernia is very common, and not something that should concern parents, Dr. Kabeer says. Present when a baby cries, strains or coughs, these hernias cause no discomfort and rarely prompt larger problems, he says.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
Aside from the obvious bulge, symptoms of hernias can include pain and swelling. Babies who have an obstruction often exhibit abdominal distention, vomiting, redness and pain. If this occurs, parents should seek emergency treatment immediately, Dr. Kabeer cautions. Short surgery, recovery.
How many umbilical hernias go away?
Dr. Kabeer estimates that 85 percent of umbilical hernias go away with time. That said, if a child still has a protrusion by age 3 or 4, CHOC surgeons will repair the hernia, Dr. Kabeer adds.
How long does it take for a hernia to heal?
Recovery is also relatively fast following hernia repair surgery, Dr. Kabeer says. School-aged children are back to normal after about a week , and younger children recover even faster.
Can a hernia be a bump?
Spotting a lump or bump on a child’s body would be scary for any parent, but mom and dad can rest assured : Hernias are common and their repair is among the most common procedures performed on kids, a CHOC pediatric general surgeon says. Just in time for national Hernia Awareness Month, Dr. Mustafa Kabeer offers detailed information on this common ...
Can a hernia be harmful?
Though often harmless, some hernias prompt concern because the protruding organ or tissue can get stuck in the opening, which can compromise blood flow, Dr. Kabeer says. This can damage the protruding part, such as the intestines or even an ovary in girls.
Who is the doctor for hernia awareness?
Just in time for national Hernia Awareness Month, Dr. Mustafa Kabeer offers detailed information on this common ailment.
What is a hernia in a baby?
A hernia is a bulge of tissue that protrudes through the muscle. Children who have hernias are often born with them, though they may not be noticeable right away. The areas around the groin and belly button are the most common areas for hernias in babies and young children. An umbilical hernia is a bulge in the belly button, ...
How long does it take for a hernia to heal?
Recovery is relatively fast following hernia repair surgery. School-aged children are back to normal after about a week, and younger children recover even faster. Parents who notice a hernia on their child’s body should make an appointment with their pediatrician to help determine the type and course of treatment.
Why is an inguinal hernia repaired?
It should be repaired in a timely manner because it can cause discomfort, and on rare occasions, lead to the intestine being stuck in the hernia.
Where are hernias in children?
The majority of hernias in children — about 80 percent — are inguinal hernias, which means they are in the lower part of the abdomen, near the groin. In boys, the protruding piece of intestine may enter the scrotum, which can cause swelling and pain. In girls, the swelling is usually in the labia or the groin.
What is the most common hernia in a newborn?
These hernias are more common in children who were born prematurely. Umbilical hernias. These hernias are common in newborns and babies younger than 6 months. They happen when the opening in the abdominal wall, where the umbilical cord exits the abdominal wall, fails to close. Your baby's belly button may look enlarged and swollen.
How do you know if you have an inguinal hernia?
Infants 6 months old and younger with inguinal hernias have a much higher risk of strangulation than do older children and adults. Signs that the hernia may have strangulated include: Nausea and vomiting. Abdominal bloating. A bulge that becomes enlarged and red and tender to the touch.
What is an incisional hernia?
Incisional hernias. The incisional hernia occurs after abdominal surgery. The intestines may protrude through the abdomen around a surgical incision. Your child will need another surgery to fix this hernia.
How do you know if you have a hernia?
In most cases, they are diagnosed by a parent who notices a bulge or by a doctor during a routine physical exam. Symptoms of hernias include: Lump in the groin near the thigh. Persistent crying in babies.
What is a direct inguinal hernia?
Direct inguinal hernia. This occurs when a weak spot develops in the lower abdominal muscles and tissues are able to push through the weak spot.
When do umbilical hernias heal?
Umbilical hernias usually heal on their own by the time your baby is a year old. Epigastric hernias. In this type of hernia, which occurs most frequently in boys, there is a protrusion through the abdominal muscles between the chest and the belly button, causing a lump in that area.
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a soft bulge when a section of intestine protrudes internally through the abdominal muscles. There are two places where it can occur.
How long does it take for a hernia to go away?
Hernias appear as a bulge in newborns, but may not be noticeable for several weeks or months after birth. The swelling is more noticeable when baby cries, and goes away when baby relaxes. Symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestine bulges through the abdominal wall in the groin area. In children, mostly boys, this happens when the abdominal wall has a weakness present at birth. Surgery can correct the hernia.
Why do inguinal hernias occur?
Inguinal hernias in children result from a weakness in the abdominal wall that is present at birth. The bulge in the groin might only be noticed when the child is crying, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement, ...
Why do babies have a bulge in their groin?
The bulge in the groin might only be noticed when the child is crying, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement, or it might appear to be larger during these times. Of the newborns who have inguinal hernias, 90% are boys. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
How long does it take to repair a hernia?
Hernias usually need to be surgically repaired to prevent intestinal damage and further complications. The surgery takes about an hour and is usually an outpatient procedure (which means the patient can go home the same day of the procedure).
How long after surgery can a child go home?
Most children will be able to go home a few hours after surgery. However, premature infants and children with certain medical conditions might need to spend 1 night in the hospital for observation.
What doctor gives pain relief to children?
An anesthesiologist (a doctor who specializes in pain relief) gives your child general anesthesia, which relaxes your child's muscles and induces sleep. Your child will not feel pain during the surgery.
Can a 1 year old have a hernia?
If your child is younger than 1 year old, the chance that a hernia will develop on the other side of the groin is very high. Repair of both inguinal areas is, therefore, recommended. If there is not presently a hernia on the other side of the groin area, the muscle wall is reinforced with stitches.
Angela C. Mattke, M.D
Dr. Mattke is the medical editor of Mayo Clinic Guide to Raising a Healthy Child and a pediatrician in the Division of Community Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center in Rochester, Minnesota.
Stephanie F. Polites, M.D., M.P.H
Dr. Polites is a pediatric surgeon in the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center in Rochester, Minnesota.
What causes inguinal hernias in children?
Hernias are more common in premature infants. Your child has a greater risk for a hernia if someone in his family had an inguinal hernia. Certain health problems, such as cystic fibrosis or an undescended testicle, also increase your child's risk for a hernia. A hernia may be caused by an opening in the abdominal wall that does not close at birth. Weakness in the abdominal wall can also cause a hernia.
How to reduce a hernia in a child?
Your child's healthcare provider will examine his abdomen and groin for bumps. He may try to manually reduce his hernia. Manual reduction means your child's healthcare provider will use his hands to put firm, steady pressure on the hernia. He will continue until the hernia disappears inside the abdominal wall.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia happens when organs or abdominal tissue push through a weak spot in your child's abdominal wall. The abdominal wall is made of fat and muscle. It holds the organs in place. The hernia may contain fluid, tissue from the abdomen, or part of an organ (such as an intestine).
What are the signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernias usually do not cause pain. Signs and symptoms may disappear when your child lies flat or relaxes. They may get worse when he cries, coughs, stands up, or strains to have a bowel movement.
How is an inguinal hernia treated?
Your child's inguinal hernia may get better without treatment or he may need surgery. Surgery is done to place the hernia back inside your child's abdominal wall. Surgery may be needed immediately if your child's hernia stops blood flow to his intestines. It may also be done immediately if it causes a hole in his intestines or stops bowel movements.
How can I manage my child's hernia?
Give your child liquids, and foods high in fiber, as directed. Liquid s and fiber may prevent constipation or straining during a bowel movement. This may prevent the hernia from getting bigger. Ask how much liquid to give your child each day and which liquids are best for him. Foods that contain fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains.
How to prevent a hernia from getting bigger?
This may prevent the hernia from getting bigger. Ask how much liquid to give your child each day and which liquids are best for him. Foods that contain fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains. Do not place anything over your child's hernia. Do not place tape or a coin over the hernia.
What Are the Types of Hernias?
Inguinal (pronounced: IN-gwuh-nul) hernias are more common in guys than girls. In an inguinal hernia, part of the intestines protrudes through an opening in the lower part of the abdomen, near the groin, called the inguinal canal.
Where do hernias happen?
Imagine an inner tube poking through a hole in an old tire — that's what a hernia is like. Hernias happen more frequently in certain parts of the body, like the abdomen, groin and upper thigh area, and belly button area. They also can happen in any place where you may have had an incision from surgery.
What is the name of the hernia that protrudes through the lower part of the abdomen?
Inguinal Hernias. Inguinal (pronounced: IN-gwuh-nul) hernias are more likely to occur in guys than girls. More than 70% of all hernias that occur are inguinal hernias, which means that a part of the intestines protrudes through an opening in the lower part of the abdomen, near the groin, called the inguinal canal.
How do you know if you have an inguinal hernia?
If you have an inguinal hernia, you might be able to see a bulge where your thigh and your groin meet. In guys, the protruding piece of intestine may enter the scrotum, which can cause swelling and pain. Other symptoms of an inguinal hernia might include pain when you cough, lift something heavy, or bend over.
Why do hernias develop?
It might take a long time for a hernia to develop or it might develop suddenly. Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain, although the cause of the weakness and the type of strain may vary.
What is a hernia in the body?
A hernia (pronounced: HUR-nee-uh) is when part of an organ or tissue in the body (such as a loop of intestine) pushes through an opening or weak spot in a muscle wall. It can push into a space where it doesn't belong. This causes a bulge or lump.
Can a hernia bulge on the outside of the body?
Unlike the other types of hernia, you won't be able to see a bulge on the outside of your body, but you might feel heartburn, indigestion, and chest pain. Hiatal hernias can be treated with medication and diet changes, but sometimes require surgery. page 2.
What is a hernia in a baby?
What is a hiatal hernia? A hiatal hernia is a condition that causes part of your child's stomach to bulge through the hiatus (small opening) in his or her diaphragm. This part of the stomach may move up and down, or it may get trapped above the diaphragm. Your child may have been born with a large hiatus or with the hiatal hernia.
What are the types of hiatal hernia?
Type I (sliding hiatal hernia): A portion of the stomach slides in and out of the hiatus. This type is the most common and usually causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the esophageal sphincter does not close properly and causes acid reflux. The esophageal sphincter is the lower muscle of the esophagus.
What are the signs and symptoms of a hiatal hernia?
The most common symptom is heartburn. This usually occurs after meals. Your child may not have any signs or symptoms, or he or she may have any of the following:
How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed?
An upper GI series test includes x-rays of your child's esophagus, stomach, and small intestines. It is also called a barium swallow test. Your child will be given barium (a chalky liquid) to drink before the pictures are taken. This liquid helps your child's stomach and intestines show up better on the x-rays. An upper GI series can show if he or she has an ulcer, a blocked intestine, or other problems.
How to help a toddler with stomach issues?
Give your child several small meals during the day. Small meals give his or her stomach less food to digest.
How to help a child with heartburn?
These may include spicy foods, fruit juices, caffeine, chocolate, and mint. Give your child several small meals during the day.
What does a child's vomit look like?
Your child's vomit looks like coffee grounds or has blood in it.
