CHILDREN’S HEALTH: HERNIA

Signs and symptoms

The key sign of a hernia is a bulge in one of the typical locations: just above the crease of the groin; in the scrotum of a boy; in the labia majora of a girl; below the crease of the groin; just above or below the navel; or at the navel.

A hernia in any of these locations is called a simple hernia if the contents of the sac can be reduced (pushed gently back into the abdominal cavity). If a hernia cannot be reduced, it is called incarcerated. Simple and incarcerated hernias often produce no discomfort or pain; they may merely cause a sense of heaviness. If the blood supply to the contents of the hernia is cut off, it is said to be strangulated. A strangulated hernia causes intense pain and swelling.

Home care

If there is any sign of a hernia, see your doctor.

A simple hernia can be temporarily reduced by gentle pressure while the child is relaxed – in a tub of warm water if necessary. Trusses and belts to keep a hernia reduced are useless and may be harmful or even dangerous. Strapping an umbilical hernia is considered of no benefit.

Precautions

• A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency that requires immediate (within hours) surgical correction. Signs that a hernia has become strangulated are swelling; severe pain; and sometimes nausea, vomiting, and extreme weakness or collapse. If any signs of a strangulated hernia appear, take your child to a doctor or hospital emergency department immediately.

• Never attempt to reduce a strangulated hernia.

Medical treatment

Surgical repair is required for all except umbilical hernias. An umbilical hernia usually cures itself. Since inguinal hernias often appear on both sides, the surgeon may correct both sides even though only one side is visibly herniated.

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