A diaphragmatic hernia is condition that typically arises at birth and occurs when an infant's diaphragm fails to fully develop while the baby is in utero. This type of hernia emerges when a portion of the stomach or intestine pushes up into the chest cavity through a weak spot in the diaphragm muscle. Patients who develop diaphragm hernia symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a medical professional.
Breathing Difficulties
When the abdominal organs migrate into the chest cavity, they can interfere with the normal function of a patient's lungs, causing them to collapse. Consequently, patients with a diaphragm hernia can experience severe breathing difficulties as a symptom of this condition, Children's Hospital Boston reports. Affected patients may experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or an increased breathing rate. Without prompt medical intervention, these lung-related symptoms of a diaphragm hernia can be life-threatening.
Skin Discoloration
Breathing difficulties that arise as a consequence of a diaphragm hernia prevents the body from receive a sufficient supply of oxygen. Decreased oxygen levels within the body can cause patients to develop unusual blue skin discoloration as a symptom of this condition, MedlinePlus reports. Blue skin discoloration is a symptom referred to as cyanosis, and may occur in conjunction with cool or clammy skin symptoms.
Irregular Heart Rate
Abdominal organs within the chest cavity can also disrupt a patient's normal heart function. Affected patients can develop an unusually fast or rapid heart rate, the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford explains. Heart rate irregularities typically occur in conjunction with breathing difficulties, and patients who develop these symptoms require further medical evaluation from a physician.
Chest or Abdominal Deformity
In healthy people, the internal organs within the abdomen provide structure to the shape of the external abdomen. When these abdominal organs shift upwards due to a diaphragm hernia, a patient's stomach or abdominal region can appear concave or pulled in at the belly button. Organ accumulation within the chest can cause this region of a patient's body to appear barrel-like, according to the medical website UpToDate. Chest or abdominal deformity symptoms of a diaphragm hernia can be reduced by a surgeon upon surgical treatment of the hernia. In certain cases, minor physical deformities may be permanent in patients with this condition.
