Two types of hernia commonly found in children are Inguinal hernia and Umbilical hernia. Most medical literature indicates that in many cases, inguinal hernias affecting a child do not show any obvious symptoms. However, you as the parent of a child should be alert if you see your child straining to cry or cough, straining during bowel movements, or displaying a visible bulge in the tummy or belly button region when standing upright.

Symptoms of Inguinal hernia in a child
The symptoms associated with Inguinal hernia in a child include:

A bulge in the lower tummy region around the pubic bone

A sharp burning sensation in the affected tummy region

Severe discomfort or pain in the lower belly while bending, lifting, or coughing

Constant feeling of pressure in the groin area.

If for some reason, this condition leads to a strangulated hernia cutting off blood supply to your child’s intestine, then immediate surgery will be required to repair the hernia and restore blood supply. A strangulated hernia can turn into a very serious condition if left untreated.

Symptoms of Strangulated hernia in a child
Here are some obvious symptoms of strangulated hernia in a child that require immediate medical attention:

Nausea and vomiting

High Fever

Rapid heart rate

Pain the groin region

A protruding bulge with discoloration

Caution: If you notice any of the above symptoms in your child, immediately consult with a doctor.

Symptoms of Umbilical hernia in newborns
Umbilical hernia is caused by some fat or fluid particles pushing through a weak spot in the child’s stomach muscles during birth. This condition will usually cause a bulge around the newborn baby’s belly button and make the belly button look swollen. Many babies suffer from umbilical hernia at birth.

A soft bulge in the belly button.

The doctor is unable to push the bulge back in

The bulge is more visible when the baby is an upright position

The baby strains while coughing, crying, or passing bowels

Neoalta’s Hernia Clinic in Mumbai offers treatment for varied types of hernia ailments including Inguinal and Umbilical hernias in children. The multidisciplinary team of Laparoscopic Surgeon, Thoracic Surgeon, and Pediatric surgeon provides excellent holistic treatment for child’s overall rehabilitation after hernia surgery if one is required to cure the child.