The term hernia refers to the protrusion of an organ through an opening in the wall that normally contains it. In a diaphragmatic hernia, a defect in the wall of the diaphragm allows organs from the abdomen to push through. According to the book "Introduction to Surgery" by David Levien, diaphragmatic hernias can contain several different organs, including the stomach, small and large bowel, and the liver. Cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia can be very dangerous and even fatal.
Shortness of Breath
The most common and most dangerous complication of diaphragmatic hernia is respiratory failure. According to a 1996 article in the journal "Clinical Perinatology" by Desmond Bohn, as the abdominal organs protrude through the diaphragm, they can compress the lungs. The effect of this can be dramatic in a fetus or infant since it can significantly stunt lung development. Even in less dramatic cases, a diaphragmatic hernia can cause shortness of breath due to decreased lung volume.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
In people with a diaphragmatic hernia, the stomach can protrude through the diaphragm into the chest. Normally, the muscle of the diaphragm prevents stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus, but that mechanism is missing in people with a diaphragmatic hernia. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with this type of hernia can develop heartburn, belching, chest pain and nausea.
Heart failure
As the abdominal organs push through a diaphragmatic hernia, they can compress the major blood vessels coming from of the heart. People with this condition can experience severe complications that result in the failure of the heart to provide blood flow to the remainder of the body. According to the book "Surgery" by Josef Fischer, as the heart works harder to pump blood against the added pressure from the hernia, it can sustain damage, which can lead to failure.
References
- "Introduction to Surgery"; David Levien; 2004
- Mayo Clnic: Hiatal Hernia
- "Surgery"; Josef Fischer; 2006
- Journal "Clinical Perinatology"; Postnatal Management of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia; Desmond Bohn; 1996
