What is Diaphragmatic Hernia?

It is a condition in which the abdominal organs pass into the chest cavity due to an abnormal opening in the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm is a muscular wall that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. What is diaphragmatic hernia? It can cause organ displacement and various health problems.

What are the symptoms of diaphragmatic hernia?

It is a health problem that occurs when the abdominal organs slide into the chest cavity due to the opening in the diaphragm muscle. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of hernia, its size, and which organs it affects. Diaphragmatic hernias seen in adults usually develop slowly, so symptoms appear over time.

When the lungs are compressed, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or a feeling of tightness in the chest may occur. Reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and frequent burping may occur due to the stomach shifting upward. A stinging sensation or abdominal pain may occur in the chest area. A diaphragmatic hernia can put pressure on the heart, causing irregular heartbeats. A long-lasting dry cough may occur due to irritation of the esophagus.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia Symptoms are more severe in babies with this condition. Respiratory distress occurs due to the lungs not being fully developed. The skin may turn bluish due to lack of oxygen. Babies may have difficulty sucking and swallowing. When symptoms are noticed, a doctor should be consulted for early diagnosis.

What Causes Diaphragmatic Hernia?

Diaphragmatic hernia, It occurs due to a congenital opening in the diaphragm muscle or a weakness that develops later. This condition causes the abdominal organs to shift into the chest cavity. It can be seen in both babies and adults for different reasons.

In babies, it occurs as a result of the diaphragm not fully developing in the womb. The exact cause of this developmental disorder is unknown. However, it is thought that some factors may be effective. The risk is higher in babies with a family history. Hereditary predisposition may facilitate the occurrence of the disease.

Infections during pregnancy can negatively affect the development of the diaphragm. Inadequate nutrition or exposure to toxic substances can also cause this condition. The failure of the diaphragm to close completely can cause a hernia. A poorly developed diaphragm tissue also facilitates the occurrence of the disease.

In adults, diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the diaphragm muscle weakens or gets damaged over time. The main causes of this are trauma, aging and chronic diseases. Traffic accidents or falls can cause tears in the diaphragm. Blows to the abdomen or chest can also cause a hernia.

Lifting excessive weight increases intra-abdominal pressure. Chronic coughing or constant straining can also strain the diaphragm muscles, causing a hernia. The elasticity of the muscles decreases with age. The weakened diaphragm muscle becomes more prone to hernia formation.

Diaphragm muscles can be damaged if exposed to stomach acid for a long time. This increases the risk of developing a stomach hernia. Both congenital and acquired diaphragmatic hernia It can be treated when diagnosed early. Therefore, a doctor should be consulted when symptoms are noticed.

How is Diaphragmatic Hernia Treated?

Diaphragmatic hernia, is treated with different methods depending on the patient's general health and the size of the hernia. Treatment options include medication and lifestyle changes for mild cases and surgery for advanced cases.

In mild diaphragmatic hernias, medication is used to prevent stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus. Acid suppressing medications reduce stomach acid and relieve reflux symptoms. In addition, medications that regulate stomach movements help the patient relax by speeding up stomach emptying.

Avoiding oily, spicy and acidic foods can reduce heartburn. Eating small, frequent meals facilitates digestion. Raising your head while lying down can prevent stomach acid from leaking into your esophagus. This reduces reflux symptoms.

Being overweight can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which can worsen hernia symptoms. Therefore, it is important to maintain an ideal weight. Smoking and alcohol can increase stomach acid and trigger reflux. Avoiding these can help relieve symptoms.

For patients with advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required. Especially congenital hernias or large hernias should be repaired with surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is a procedure performed with a closed surgery technique. In this method, small incisions are made, the hernia area is repaired and the stomach is fixed in place. The treatment method should be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition. Early diagnosed cases can usually be treated more easily.

What is Diaphragmatic Hernia? What is the Post-Treatment Process?

Diaphragmatic herniais a health problem that occurs due to an opening or weakness in the diaphragm muscle. This causes the abdominal organs to shift into the chest cavity. Various symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and digestive problems may be observed.

It can be present at birth or develop later in life. Trauma, aging, or long-term stomach problems can cause this disease. Mild cases can usually be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

When treated with surgery, the recovery process varies from person to person. Depending on the surgical method used, there are some points that patients should pay attention to. Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery are usually discharged within 1-2 days. This period may take longer for patients who undergo open surgery.

Liquid foods should be consumed in the first days after surgery. Then, a gradual transition to soft foods and a normal diet is made. It is recommended to avoid fatty and spicy foods. Heavy lifting should be avoided in the first few weeks after surgery. Avoiding sudden movements also speeds up the healing process. Taking light walks is good for the patient. Acidic and fizzy drinks should not be consumed. Elevating the head while lying down can prevent stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus.

The full recovery process is usually completed within 4-6 weeks. During this period, doctor check-ups should not be neglected. If symptoms persist or new complaints occur, a doctor should be consulted. What is diaphragmatic hernia? Patients seeking answers to the question should be aware of the post-treatment process.