The hernia symptoms in children are very evident upon close examination. Find out here about the causes, symptoms and treatment measures for this type of abnormality…
Hernia is a condition where the tissue of the body extends itself through a hole formation in other tissues, leaving it poking through this opening. The opening then leads outward through the muscular wall of the abdomen, where some of these can occur in other parts of the body as well. There are two kinds of hernia, namely umbilical and inguinal. Umbilical hernia occurs most commonly in infants and slightly older children, with some adults also facing this problem.
The first sign of noticing this problem is when the belly button takes on a bulging look where the intestine pushes against it as it protrudes. Inguinal hernia takes place in adults and can prove to be life-threatening if no medical attention has been taken up. Some of these cases can lead up to the intestine pushing forward in larger clumps, complicating the situation as it progresses, where most cases are put through surgical methods to be corrected.
Hernia Causes in Children
The causes of hernia in children and infants take place when the opening of the baby’s abdominal muscles that the umbilical cord passes through, doesn’t fuse together properly when the muscles later have to join together after it has been removed (umbilical cord that is). Due to the weakness of the abdominal wall upon improper joining of the muscles, it leads to umbilical hernia in children. It is hereditary in nature and can affect one’s kids, because it is carried forward through one’s birth and can be passed on from one generation to the next.
Hernia Symptoms in Children
Like I mentioned earlier, the first sign of noticing that an infant or child is suffering from umbilical hernia, is when there is a slight bump around the navel area. This protrusion can range in size from ½ an inch to about 2 inches in diameter, where any kind of size should be immediately taken into medical consultation. Sometimes, the bulge can move inward, when a baby lies down flat, and will only appear when the baby either cries, coughs or moves about in agitation.
Although painless when it comes to some children and babies, these can later in their adult life lead to painful incidents because of it being left untreated during birth. If babies seem to experience pain it could be that he/she is feeling that discomfort around the abdomen, which is seen in some kids. When things advance to a more problematic stage, the bulge will take on a swollen, discolored look and is then tender to the touch; you’ll have to get checked out. Some kids and babies also throw up frequently as a problem effect of hernia, where treatment can be given to solve the problem at the hand.
Hernia Treatment for Children
The reason for pain developing in some umbilical hernia cases, is when sugar supply is discontinued when the tissue in the abdomen becomes trapped and cannot make itself further back into the abdominal cavity. It can lead to other complications if left untreated, therefore it is important to immediately treat this problem when noticed. Surgery is advisable only when a child is seen to have the bulge even after the ages of 1 or 2 or when the intestines then start to get blocked or if it still hasn’t gone by age 4.
Surgery is invasive, where a small incision is made at the base of one’s bellybutton, where the hernia causing tissue is then pushed back into the abdominal cavity, through the abdominal wall where it is then stitched up. Recovery time can range from 2 hours to four weeks, depending on the ability to heal and resume one’s routine. The cost of hernia surgery ranges from $4800 – $5000 depending on different states.
The hernia symptoms in children are not hard to read especially since the protrusion around the navel is a sure sign of them going through umbilical hernia. Be sure to get in touch with a doctor about the situation and get the necessary treatment done as soon as possible.
