Pediatric hernias are relatively common and can affect children of any age, ranging from birth to adulthood, and are far more common in premature babies. There are several variations of hernias, most of which require surgical intervention to prevent complications.
A hernia occurs when a portion of an organ, such as the intestines or bowel, protrudes through abdominal muscles into a cavity it is not supposed to be in. When the tissue pushes through the surrounding muscle, it results in a palpable lump.
Depending on the severity of the hernia, it may cause nothing more than a lump. More severe hernias, if left untreated, can cause strangulation of the bowel, causing death to the tissue and an inability to pass waste. This can be very deadly to your child. If your child has a hernia, consult your pediatrician and pediatric surgical team.
Understanding Pediatric Hernias
- Inguinal Hernia – a hernia that occurs in the groin, most commonly when the intestine enters the scrotum. 80-90% of inguinal hernias occur in the right testicle.
- Epigastric Hernia – a hernia that occurs in the upper abdomen above the navel and below the breastbone. These are common at birth.
- Umbilical Hernia – a hernia at the belly button. This is common at birth and is the least concerning hernia.
- Hiatal Hernia – a hernia that occurs when the top part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm.
A chronic cough may present with the following symptoms, depending on the underlying cause:
- Persistent coughing that lasts more than four weeks.
- Coughing that worsens at night or after physical activity.
- Accompanying symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or nasal congestion.
- Episodes of gagging or vomiting after intense coughing.
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Hernias are common in children. In fact, they are so common that hernia repair surgery is the most common pediatric surgery.
Common symptoms of hernias include:
- Swelling or a palpable bulge at the hernia site
- A smooth mass that is “squishy” and non-tender
- Pain in the hernia area that is worse upon straining or use of the muscle affected
- Difficulty passing stool or gas
- Persistent crying
It is important to know that most hernias do not cause major problems and some can resolve on their own. However, once an organ or part of the intestine has become strangulated by the surrounding muscle, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention.
How Alaska Pediatric Specialties Can Help:
At Alaska Pediatric Specialties, performing surgery on children is our specialty. We can safely perform hernia repair through a number of options. Our pediatric surgical team will work with you and your pediatrician to develop a plan to correct your child’s hernia using the least invasive method. The skilled pediatric surgical team at Alaska Pediatric Specialists has performed hundreds of hernia repair surgeries on Alaskan children and can help you rest assured that your child is in the best hands.
For more information, visit these online resources:
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical care if your child experiences:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
- Coughing up blood.
- High fever or severe fatigue.
- Sudden worsening of symptoms.
Supporting Your Child
Managing chronic cough requires patience and persistence. You can support your child by:
- Encouraging them to stay hydrated, which can help soothe the throat and thin mucus.
- Keeping their environment clean and free from allergens and irritants.
- Following the prescribed treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments.
With the right care, most cases of chronic cough can be successfully managed, allowing your child to return to a healthy and active life.