Hernias occur when a part of any tissue or organ in the body like a loop of the intestine or omentum(a curtain of fat inside the abdomen) pushes itself through a weak spot or an opening in the muscle wall. It can go through to a space where it normally does not belong. This can result in a lump or a bulge.
Types of Hernia in Children
Each kind of hernia requires a special kind of medical attention. Some of these hernias in children are as follows.
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Epigastric Hernia
Epigastric Hernias occur when a part of the intestine or omentum bulges through the muscles of the abdomen between the chest and the belly button.
These hernias are usually small and appear with no particular symptoms except occasional pain. The large ones, however, cause symptoms, and they do not heal by themselves, but they can be treated with surgery.
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Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical Hernias occur when the part of the intestine or omentum bulges through the wall of the abdomen inside their belly button. It can appear as a bump underneath the belly button. It is not usually painful but sometimes it can cause serious problems if it becomes irreducible.
It usually closes by itself by the time the child turns two. If it does not go away, doctors will treat it with the help of surgery.
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Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal Hernias happen when the part of a child’s intestine or omentum pushes through the opening in the abdomen’s lower part. It is caused by the presence of a patent processes vaginalis. Inguinal hernias are notorious for causing serious complications must be promptly treated. Treatment is done with a surgery
Symptoms of Complicated Hernia in Children
- A round and full belly
- Vomiting
- Fussiness
- Soreness and belly pain
- Fever
- Discoloration and redness near the part of the hernia
Treatment Option
Inguinal, Umbilical, and Epigastric Hernias in children can be treated with surgery by Dr.Vishesh Dikshit at Umarji Mother and Child Care Hospital, Pune