A hiatal hernia is a medical condition in which part of the stomach juts up into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm muscle, due to a weakness in the muscle tissue of the diaphragm where the esophagus connects to the stomach. According to MedlinePlus, cases of hiatal hernia in infants are typically congenital. While some infants with hiatal hernias will have no symptoms at all, many experience gastroesophageal reflux, a condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach flow backward into the esophagus. While hiatal hernias are typically treated with medication and diet changes, more severe cases may require surgery.
Heartburn
An infant with a hiatal hernia is likely to experience heartburn due to gastric reflux. According to KidsHealth.org, gastroesophageal reflux can cause heartburn after most meals. Symptoms of heartburn include chest pain and a burning sensation in the chest, neck and throat. Since infants can't vocalize that they are having heartburn, it is important for parents and caregivers to assess for nonverbal cues in infants diagnosed with a hiatal hernia or when a possible hernia is suspected. These nonverbal cues may include irritability or inconsolable crying after eating, refusing to eat and failure to gain weight.
Vomiting
Vomiting due to reflux is another symptom commonly seen in infants with hiatal hernias. Infants may experience wet burps or wet hiccups and frequent vomiting after meals. While most healthy infants typically stop spitting up around 1 year of age, infants with reflux due to a hernia will continue to do so. These infants may also aspirate vomit into the lungs or windpipe, causing choking and wheezing to occur. According to KidsHealth.org, these symptoms may become worse if an infant lies down or is placed in a car seat after a meal.
Strangulated Hiatal Hernia
Strangulated hiatal hernia is a serious medical condition that requires emergency medical attention and surgical intervention. If the part of the stomach protruding through the diaphragm becomes pinched or twisted, it is considered a strangulated hiatal hernia. Strangulation of this tissue is serious because it can cause the herniated area of the stomach to lose its blood supply. According to the Penn State College of Medicine website, symptoms of a strangulated hiatal hernia include severe chest pain, bloating and difficulty swallowing. In addition, this condition may result in infection and the death of the strangulated tissue, notes KidsHealth.org.
