Hernias in infants are usually characterized by a bulge around the navel or genitals. Signs and symptoms of a hernia in babies can be different, depending on the type of hernia. If caught early, hernias can be treated before complications occur.
Hernias occur when the muscles that support the organs of the body weaken or experience abnormalities, so they are unable to hold the organs in their proper position. This condition can not only be experienced by adults, but also infants.
Signs and Symptoms of Hernia in Babies by Type
The most common types of hernia in infants are umbilical hernia and inguinal hernia. The following are some of the signs of a hernia in babies by type:
Umbilical hernia in babies
Umbilical hernia is characterized by the appearance of a soft lump in the navel or around the navel. This condition can occur when the umbilical cord hole is not completely closed after the baby is born.
Umbilical hernias are most common in babies with low birth weight and babies born prematurely. The lump that appears will usually enlarge when the baby coughs, laughs, and cries, but will deflate again when still or lying down.
Umbilical hernias in infants generally do not cause pain or other symptoms and will go away on their own after the child is 1-2 years old.
However, if the hernia continues to appear when the child is 4 years old or causes disturbing symptoms, such as a lump that enlarges and changes color or the baby looks fussy and in pain, immediate examination and treatment by a doctor is very important.
Inguinal hernia in babies
Inguinal hernias in infants can be caused by abnormalities or defects in the abdominal wall, so that part of the intestine enters the lower abdominal cavity and sticks out into the groin.
This condition can occur in both male and female babies. However, cases of inguinal hernia are more common in male babies, especially those born prematurely. In addition, babies who have family members with a previous history of inguinal hernia are also at higher risk of developing it.
Inguinal hernia in infants can be detected by paying attention to the area around the genitals. If there is a lump the size of a thumb in the groin or testicles of the baby, especially when he is crying or actively moving and collapses when lying down, the baby may have an inguinal hernia.
Meanwhile, inguinal hernia in baby girls can be in the form of an oval-shaped lump in the groin or labia (pubic lips). In addition to the appearance of lumps around the genitals, inguinal hernias can also cause the baby to be more fussy and have a decreased appetite.
Handling Hernias in Babies
It has been mentioned earlier that most babies who suffer from umbilical hernia can heal on their own after 1–2 years of age.
However, if the lump that appears is painful, hard textured, or doesn't shrink until the child is 2 years old, the doctor will recommend a surgical method. Surgery is also performed if the bulge that appears does not disappear until the child is 4 years old.
Meanwhile, babies with inguinal hernias can only be treated with surgery. This procedure is done to prevent the bulge from getting bigger, hardened, and blackened. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can permanently damage body tissues.
Another thing that you also need to pay attention to is to avoid massaging or pressing the bulge that appears, because this action can worsen the baby's condition.
So that hernias in babies can be detected as early as possible and treated immediately, you must recognize the symptoms. Pay close attention to the condition of your little one every time you bathe him or change his clothes. If you find a lump in the belly button area or lower abdomen, you should immediately consult a doctor.