<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img src="/nairobi/PublishingImages/hepatitis%20B%20Dr%20Opio%20body%20image.jpg" alt="" style="margin: 5px;"/></span> </p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Most people know about hernias in adults, but children also get them. A hernia happens when there's a weakness in the abdominal wall, allowing tissue—often the intestines or fat—to push through and form a bulge. In children, the most common types are inguinal and umbilical hernias. Inguinal hernias affect up to 5 in every 100 full-term baby boys, and as many as 30% of premature babies. Umbilical hernias are also common, appearing in about 10 out of every 100 babies. These are conditions every parent should understand.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through an opening in the abdominal wall into the groin. It usually shows up as a bulge in the groin or scrotum and becomes more noticeable when a child cries, coughs, or strains. These hernias don't go away on their own and need surgery to avoid complications.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Signs of an inguinal hernia include a visible bulge in the groin or scrotum, swelling that may disappear when the child relaxes, or discomfort—especially in older children during activity. Infants may become irritable or cry due to discomfort. Redness, tenderness, or vomiting can signal a strangulated hernia, which is an emergency.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Inguinal hernias should be repaired soon after diagnosis to prevent problems like bowel obstruction or strangulation. If left untreated, the hernia can grow, cause more pain, or trap the bowel, cutting off its blood supply—a dangerous situation that requires immediate surgery. Both open and laparoscopic repair are safe options and are typically done as day-care procedures. There are no non-surgical treatments; surgery is the only cure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">An umbilical hernia happens when part of the intestine protrudes through the opening in the abdominal muscles at the belly button, creating a soft bulge. It's especially easy to notice when a baby cries. These hernias form when the opening that once allowed the umbilical cord to pass through doesn't fully close after birth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Most umbilical hernias are painless and can be pushed back easily. They usually close on their own between ages two and four. Only about ten percent persist and require surgery. However, if the hernia becomes firm, swollen, or painful, it may be a sign of strangulation and needs urgent medical care. Surgery is the only effective treatment for hernias that fail to close by age four or those that develop complications earlier.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">These procedures are best handled by a qualified paediatric surgeon. Most childhood hernias repairs are done as day-care surgeries, meaning the child goes home the same day. The risks are minimal, and recovery is usually quick.<strong style="text-decoration: underline;"></strong><em style="text-decoration: underline;"></em><em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong><em>By Dr Fariha Fazal, Senior Instructor of Paediatric Surgery at Aga Khan University's Medical College and Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi</em></strong>
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