Hernia Conditions in Toddlers?

(March 24, 2010)

Two types of hernia – umbilical and inguinal – may sometimes be found in toddlers. While they may sometimes disappear on their own, as the baby’s muscles become stronger, surgery may be required if they persist or become ‘strangulated’.

When some body organs protrude through a hole in some body tissues, causing a lump, it is called a hernia. Hernias are generally painless, and appear only intermittently as a visible swelling or lump, during coughing, crying or straining. This puts pressure inside the abdomen, causing the hernia to protrude, but it usually goes back into place again.

However, hernias can become painful if the blood supply to these trapped tissues become restricted. If the protrusion becomes permanently stuck, it is called a ‘strangulated hernia’. This is very painful and can also lead to damage of the trapped and surrounding tissues.

Umbilical hernia: Umbilical hernia is quite common and may affect 20 per cent of all children. They are more commonly found in premature babies, or those with Down’s Syndrome, or if there is a familial tendency.

This hernia appears as a bulge at the site of the navel (the umbilicus), and varies in size from that of a small plum to a pea. They usually protrude when the baby cries or strains, and are caused by weakness in the abdominal walls surrounding the navel. They are not usually painful.

Most umbilical hernias get rectified on their own by the time a toddler is 3 to 8 years old. This is because the abdominal walls become stronger. No surgery is needed unless the hernia becomes strangulated. However, you may need to consult a doctor if there is vomiting or constipation along with pain. Surgery may also be required if the hernia has not rectified by the time of puberty.

Inguinal hernia: This occurs in boys and is related to the development of the testes. The testes first develop inside the abdomen and descend into the scrotum during he seventh month of pregnancy. They pass through the abdominal wall, via the inguinal canal. Once they reach the scrotum, the opening in the abdominal wall should close. When it does not, it results in a hernia.

The inguinal hernia is seen as a swelling in the groin in boy babies. Sometimes it is visible only when the baby is crying or straining. These hernias have a tendency to get stuck, so it is advisable to get it rectified by surgery. The surgery is done under general anesthesia via a small incision in the groin.

Submitted by P T on March 24, 2010 at 03:34