What is Diaphragmatic Hernia?
A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect characterized by a hole in the diaphragm (the large muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen). Abdominal organs (such as the intestines, stomach, and liver) can pass through the opening in the diaphragm and up into the baby's chest. When an organ pushes through a hole, it is called a hernia. A diaphragmatic hernia can prevent the baby's lungs from developing fully, causing the baby to have difficulty breathing at birth.
Causes and risk factors
Although the causes of diaphragmatic hernia in most infants are unknown, researchers believe that some cases of diaphragmatic hernia may be caused by abnormalities in the baby's genes.
Understanding the factors that are more common in children with birth defects will help us learn more about the causes.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about how to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
Diagnosis
During pregnancy, screening tests are done to check for certain birth defects and other conditions. Doctors can usually diagnose a diaphragmatic hernia before the baby is born. Doctors use ultrasound to create images of the diaphragm and lungs to look for abnormalities.
In some cases, ultrasound during pregnancy does not show diaphragmatic hernia. However, after the baby is born, doctors can diagnose the condition by noticing that the baby has trouble breathing. A chest x-ray may show that organs normally found in the abdomen are in the chest, and the lungs appear smaller than usual or are shifted to one side.
Treatment
Surgery is needed to repair a diaphragmatic hernia soon after the baby is born. After surgery, the child will need constant help with breathing until the lungs recover and expand.