Some inguinal hernias “stick out” at all times, while others are not noticeable at all times. Hernias that are reducible on their own will usually appear only when the child is coughing, laughing, crying, or doing something else that strains the abdominal region. They are often also more noticeable when the child is standing. [2] X Research source
Checking for inguinal and other kinds of hernias should be part of all regular pediatric infant and child physical exams. Practically speaking, every inguinal hernia will (or at least should) result in a surgical intervention. Even if the hernia resolves on its own, it will almost certainly recur over and again if the opening in the inguinal canal is not closed. Any inguinal hernia should be examined by a doctor or qualified Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP). If the hernia does not pull back in on its own or is not “reducible” (able to be pushed back in) by the physician, immediate surgery is the most likely recourse. Otherwise, a simple surgical procedure done within a short period of time is usually advisable.
Incarcerated hernias are not immediately harmful, but they can quickly become “strangulated” hernias, which are and must be surgically repaired as soon as possible.
If your child has a protruding hernia along with substantial pain in the general area; vomiting or nausea; noticeable irritability; fever; or if the bulge hardens or becomes red or discolored, assume it is strangulated and take the child to the nearest emergency room or call 911 or your emergency services number immediately. Do not wait. Act at once. Be safe, not sorry.
Most umbilical hernias are inherently reducible; that is, they appear and retract on their own. They appear most often when the child is crying, and may also appear when strain is placed on the abdominal muscles (coughing, hearty laughing, etc. ). So, if you spot a potential umbilical hernia and then it goes away, do not immediately assume it is gone for good. Keep checking occasionally, especially as the child has a crying fit, for instance.
It is possible that the doctor will simply tell you to keep an eye on the umbilical hernia and report any changes or new symptoms. You do not need to rush your child to the emergency room if you suspect an umbilical hernia, unless there are significant additional symptoms (vomiting, severe pain, redness or hardness, fever, etc. ) that indicate a major problem and you should seek a qualified pediatric emergency room as soon as possible. In manly cultures, parents by tradition will try and reduce the umbilical hernia affixing old coins secured with adhesive to the belly button. Unfortunately, this practice increases the risk of infection of the umbilicus with common germs or worse with dangerous germs such as botulism and should be avoided.
If the hernia recurs beyond the age of four or five, is larger than two inches in diameter or grows in size, or causes pain, it should probably be dealt with surgically. In the rare instance that an umbilical hernia presents along with other symptoms associated with potentially dangerous hernias — such as ongoing nausea or vomiting, significant pain, or redness, discoloration, or swelling — seek medical attention right away.
Common risk factors for childhood hernias include: family history (increases likelihood by 10%); premature birth (increases likelihood by 30%); male gender (hernias are significantly more common in males of any age); cystic fibrosis or similar conditions; chronic cough; chronic constipation; excess body weight; and prior hernias. [9] X Research source Umbilical hernias are more common in children with African ancestry. [10] X Research source
For instance, it is possible for a child to have a hiatal hernia (in which the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest) due to a birth defect, but this type of hernia usually happens in adults over the age of 50. See How to Know if You Have a Hernia for more examples of hernia types.
Go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you suspect a strangulated hernia, in which blood flow is being cut off to a part of the protruding organ. Watch for significant pain, nausea or vomiting, or redness, discoloration, fever, or continued swelling. Umbilical hernias often disappear without recurring on their own; inguinal hernias may disappear but will almost always recur without eventual surgical intervention. Either way, play it safe and contact your doctor. Other serious hernias include: diaphragmatic hernias, a rare birth defect in which organs in the abdomen push through an abnormal opening in the diaphragm and enter the chest cavity;[13] X Research source brain herniation, when brain tissue moves to an abnormal position within the skull, usually caused by a head injury, tumor, or other trauma that causes brain swelling; [14] X Research source gastroschisis or omphalocele, a birth defect in which the baby’s intestines are outside of his body when he is born. [15] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Consult this detailed wikiHow article on hernias for a wide range of information regarding the identification and treatment of various types of hernias.
