Hernias (umbilical hernia, groin hernia)

What is hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ inside the body sticks out through another part where it doesn't belong. For this to happen, there must be an opening or weakness in the muscle wall, tissue or membrane that normally holds the organ in place.

There are many types of hernias, but the most common ones in children involve two potentially weak points in their abdominal muscle wall.

These are called umbilical (the area around the navel or belly button) or inguinal (the place in the groin where the testicles descend to the scrotum during development) hernias.

If what's inside the abdomen presses against these weak areas, a pouch or hernia can develop there. This pouch may contain intestines or just fatty tissue. These hernias can be present at birth or may appear later in childhood. They often change size with movement or activity, such as growing bigger with crying, lifting or straining.

Hernias in children sometimes arise as a result of obesity, chronic constipation, or too much coughing or screaming; that is, anything that increases pressure inside the abdomen.

Treatment / What you should do

A hernia should always be evaluated by a doctor.

An umbilical hernia will almost always disappear on its own over time without special treatment.

If the hernia does not go away, is very large, or causes symptoms, it may be necessary to close up the abdominal weakness with an operation.

Because inguinal hernias can become incarcerated or strangulated, they usually are repaired with surgery.

Prevention

It is impossible to prevent hernias in children.

However, you can decrease the risk of developing a hernia by treating medical problems that can lead to hernias.

Preventing excessive weight gain in your child, treating your child if she is constipated, and having your child checked if she has a chronic cough are a few things you can do to lower the risk of developing hernias.