Hiatal Hernias in Children: What You Need to Know
Is your infant or child up all night crying or complaining about stomach pain and acid reflux? Perhaps they just don’t want to go to bed or have stomach problems after eating. If your gut is telling you that something is going on, you’re probably right. In today’s blog, we’re going to chat about hiatal hernias in children – a more common condition than you might think. We’ll answer some questions we hear here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, like what causes a hiatal hernia in kids, are hiatal hernias common in children, and how is a child diagnosed with a hiatal hernia.
Common Questions About Hiatal Hernias in Children
What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
We’ve covered this question in detail in the following blogs, but a quick summary is in order. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the upper stomach slips through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is supposed to tightly hold the upper stomach in place, but there is an opening that allows the esophagus to pass through. Certain situations can cause this opening to widen and loosen, allowing the upper stomach to slide into the chest cavity. This causes pain, reflux, difficulty swallowing, and other symptoms.
Check out these linked articles for more information:
What Does a Hiatal Hernia Feel Like?
Everything You Need to Know About Hiatal Hernias
Can Children Get Hiatal Hernias?
Absolutely, children can get hiatal hernias, too! Children may not be able to communicate their symptoms to us as well as we could to a doctor, however. It’s important to always listen to your child and investigate if they aren’t feeling well. To some parents, a hiatal hernia can be mistaken for an untimely, recurring stomach upset.
What Causes Hiatal Hernias in Kids?
The same causes of hiatal hernias in adults also apply to children. Exposure to second-hand smoke, obesity, wearing tight clothing, straining during bowel movements because of constipation, frequent coughing, and frequent vomiting. Essentially, anything that puts pressure on this fragile opening can cause it to enlarge and increases the risk of hernia.
Are Hiatal Hernias Common in Children?
Hiatal hernias aren’t the most common form of hernia in children, infants, and babies, but they aren’t as rare as you might think. In fact, some mild hernias present with no symptoms and resolve on their own, making for statistics that are likely inaccurate.
How Is a Child Diagnosed With a Hiatal Hernia?
If you suspect that there is something going on with your child, always take them to their pediatric doctor first. You can get more information about what might be going on and see what you need to do to rule out other conditions. If your child’s doctor decides that a hiatal hernia is likely, they will order a test called an endoscopy. Other tests include a chest x-ray, barium swallow, or esophageal manometry.
How Are Pediatric Hiatal Hernias Treated?
As we mentioned above, many pediatric hiatal hernias resolve on their own. However, some more serious cases (paraesophageal hernias) may require surgical repair of the hernia. In the meantime, your child’s doctor will likely prescribe medication to help with any acid reflux symptoms and ask you to make changes to your child’s diet and lifestyle. This will include eliminating reflux triggers, sleeping with the upper body elevated, avoiding cigarette smoke, and avoiding tight clothing.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention for My Child?
If your child suddenly takes a turn for the worse, you sense that they are in medical danger, they start vomiting blood or coffee-ground-looking chunks, they are in inconsolable pain, or they develop a fever, contact an emergency doctor right away.
The Tampa Bay Reflux Center: Hiatal Hernia Treatment for Adults and Children
Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we know how difficult it is for you and your child to be dealing with persistent reflux and hernia issues. Our team of reflux experts can help your child find the relief they need to function and sleep properly. Contact our team or ask for a referral today.