Table of Contents
Hernia symptoms in children and babies
Watch for signs of a pinched hernia
When should you see a doctor?
Jakarta, hitclubapk3 Indonesia
—
Hernia
on
child
often not realized because the symptoms can appear and disappear.In fact, this condition can occur from time to time
baby
newborn and is at risk of causing serious complications if not treated immediately.
Pondok Indah Hospital pediatric surgeon, Karmile, explained that hernias in children are generally characterized by the appearance of lumps in certain areas, especially in the groin or navel.
“In the early stages, hernias often come and go. So even if you don’t see a lump when you examine it, you should still be wary of a history of a lump,” he said.
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Hernia symptoms in children and babies
Summarizing from various medical sources, here are some symptoms of hernias that parents need to be aware of:
– Lump or swelling near the groin or navel.
– Pain or soreness around the groin or lower abdomen.
– Crying or fussing for no reason.
– Visible and enlarged bulge when straining, crying and coughing.
But, you also need to know that when the child is calm or sleeping, the lump can shrink or even disappear.In an umbilical hernia, a lump appears in the navel area and is often referred to by parents as a ‘bulge navel’.
Apart from lumps, hernias can also cause discomfort.In older children, complaints may include mild pain, heaviness, or pressure in the groin area which improves with rest.
Meanwhile, in babies, the signs are often non-specific, such as fussiness for no apparent reason, difficulty breastfeeding, or frequent crying.In boys, inguinal hernias can also cause swelling of the scrotum.
Watch for signs of a pinched hernia
Parents need to immediately take their child to the hospital if signs of a pinched hernia appear.The reason is, this condition is an emergency.Symptoms include:
– severe pain,
– the child seems very fussy,
– the lump becomes red, hard, and cannot go back in,
– vomiting, not wanting to eat, fever,
– flatulence,
– defecation accompanied by blood.
According to Karmile, clamping a hernia can disrupt blood flow to the intestines and risks causing tissue damage if treated too late.
When should you see a doctor?
Although not all hernias are immediately dangerous, parents are advised not to delay the examination if they see a suspicious lump.
“Even though the lump is not always visible, telling parents about the history of the lump is important. Don’t wait until it hurts or is pinched,” stressed Doctor Karmile.
Treatment of inguinal hernias in children always requires surgery, because they cannot heal on their own.Meanwhile, umbilical hernias can still be monitored until a certain age, depending on their condition and size.
By recognizing symptoms early, it is hoped that parents will be more alert and immediately seek medical help before the hernia causes serious complications.
(nga/asr)
