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OVERVIEW
Diaphragm eventration
Hiatal Hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia is caused by the improper joining of CAUSES
structures during fetal development. As a result, the abdominal It involves three major defects.
organs such as the stomach, small intestine, spleen, part of the
liver, and the kidney appear in the chest cavity. The lung tissue A failure of the diaphragm to completely close
on the affected side is thus not allowed to completely develop. during development.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is seen in 1 out of every 2,200 to Herniation of the abdominal contents into the chest
5,000 live births. Most affect the left side. Having a parent or
sibling with the condition slightly increases your risk. Pulmonary hypoplasia
The symptoms include acid reflux, and pain, similar to heartburn, CLINICAL Severe breathing difficulty usually develops shortly after the baby is
in the chest, and upper stomach. MANIFESTATION born, because of ineffective movement of the diaphragm and
In most patients, hiatus hernias cause no symptoms. Sometimes crowding of the lung tissue, which causes collapse. The reason
patients experience heartburn and regurgitation, when stomach why this occurs is not known.
acid refluxes back into the esophagus.
Other symptoms include:
Bluish colored skin due to lack of oxygen
Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
Medical treatment for hiatal hernia may include THERAPEUTIC A diaphragmatic hernia is an emergency that requires surgery.
prescription-strength antacids such MANAGEMENT Surgery is done to place the abdominal organs into the proper
as lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole(Prilosec), position and repair the opening in the diaphragm.
or rabeprazole (Aciphex).
The infant will need breathing support until he or she recovers from
Surgical treatments rarely are necessary or worth the surgery. Some infants are placed on a heart/lung bypass machine,
risk unless an emergency exists, such as a strangulated hiatal which gives the lungs a chance to recover and expand after
hernia. surgery.