Because hernias are different. In boys, for example, hernias are found ten times more often than in girls, this is due to the physiological characteristics of the structure of their body. What does any hernia consist of? As a rule, the following elements are distinguished in it: the hernial portal, the hernial sac and the hernial contents. The name of certain types of hernias usually corresponds to their location.
Umbilical hernia
Unlike adults who acquire a variety of hernias through heavy physical exertion, some babies are born with this ailment. And although many mummies believe that a hernia in a child appeared due to the fact that the navels were not correctly bandaged in the maternity hospital, in fact it is rather a manifestation of the physiological immaturity of the baby. On the fourth fifth day after birth, the baby has an umbilical cord. The umbilical ring consists of two parts: from the lower part where the umbilical arteries and the urinary duct pass, and the upper one - where the umbilical vein is located. If this vessel is not completely overgrown, umbilical hernia is formed.
Umbilical hernia is easy to detect when the baby cries. Through weakness of the abdominal muscles or too great a distance between the rectus abdominal muscles forming the muscular hollow ring, with strong crying and anxiety, intraperitoneal pressure rises, children may also develop an umbilical hernia. In the area of the navel there is a swelling, and through this space comes the hernial sac. Umbilical hernia is probed under the skin as a soft elastic ball. Be sure to keep track of its density. When the baby calms down, the gut or omentum that went into the hernial sac usually returns to the place.
At birth, almost every baby has a minimal defect of the umbilical ring. Umbilical hernia prone to spontaneous closure. In the process of development and growth of the baby, the anterior abdominal wall of the crumb becomes stronger, and the umbilical hernia will pass by itself. In this case, the size of the umbilical ring defect is important: if its diameter is not more than 1.5 cm, then this hernia can be closed independently, most often it occurs to three years of life. If the umbilical ring is much larger diameter, umbilical hernia requires monitoring the baby from the child's surgeon to determine the tactics of treatment.
Inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernias are more common and, as a rule, more common in boys. Approximately from the sixth month of the intrauterine life of the child, the testicles descend from the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal. Then this tube should close, as a result, the communication between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum stops. If this does not happen, as the intra-abdominal pressure rises in the unopened vaginal process of the peritoneum, the contents of the abdominal cavity may leave. This is the inguinal hernia. In girls in the vaginal process penetrate the ovaries or ligaments of the uterus. Inguinal hernia is a frequent pathology and it occurs in more than 5% of children, but in preterm babies they occur 3-5 times more often than among full-term babies. With a strong crying and crying of the child, such a hernia becomes more noticeable. Inguinal hernias of small size almost do not cause pain and easily fit into the abdominal cavity. However, if you noticed a baby bulging, this is an excuse to contact a pediatric surgeon.
When to the doctor?
Parents should remember that a very serious complication of inguinal hernia is its infringement. And if you notice the following symptoms in your baby, this is an immediate reason to call an ambulance.
hernial protrusion became firm;
- the child repeatedly vomits, and he refuses food;
- on touching the hard "bumps" in the groin, the baby reacts with a cry.
Why does a hernia occur?
There are factors that contribute to the appearance of hernias.
- hereditary weakness of the anterior abdominal wall in children;
- high degree of fatness of the kid;
- injuries of the abdominal anterior wall;
- physical overstrain, due to heavy lifting;
- Postoperative scars;
- Difficulty urinating or defecating.
Do not practice self-medication!
You've probably heard that many grandmothers heal a hernia in young children. Some just whisper over them, and with the umbilical hernia it does not do any harm. Such hernias are tightened by themselves. And the grandmother has nothing to do with it. But with inguinal hernia the situation is much more complicated. Some connoisseurs rub their hernial sac with their hands through the skin and, together with the hernia, the structures of the spermatic cord in the boys are damaged, which leads to infertility.
All manipulations with hernias should be performed only by a specialist-a child surgeon. Only he can correct the protrusion of the hernia. If the umbilical wound healed normally, then the doctor will push the hernia, cover with a cotton swab, make two vertical folds near the navel and stick together with a special adhesive plaster. So leave it necessary for 3-4 days. The doctor can teach you how to properly do this manipulation, and you can do it yourself at home. This treatment lasts 3-4 months. If it does not give the desired result, then it is possible that the doctor will offer some other method.
Strengthening the abdominal muscles
To strengthen the anterior muscles of the abdomen with a child, it is necessary to do gymnastics. For example, put your index finger in the hands of the baby, so that he grabs his fingers with it when the crumb lies on the back, and slowly lift it up so that it is in a sitting position. Or, too, when the baby is lying on the back, straight legs in the knee joints gently lift and press against the tummy, so that you feel a slight resistance. More often lay the baby on the tummy before feeding, in this position, the crumb actively lifts the head, moves the handles and legs, thereby straining the abdominal muscles. Also do a light masjik of a tummy, clockwise, it consists in stroking and lightly tingling around the umbilicus. Older children can be recommended squat with support for both hands, and then for one. It is necessary to stimulate coups from the tummy to the back and vice versa. If possible, go with the baby in the pool. Swimming improves the muscles and not only the stomach. But this is only when the umbilical wound has healed well. And remember that all these exercises need to be done, only after restoring the hernia and fixing it with adhesive plaster.
And be sure that everything will do without surgical interventions.