Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

WikiDoc Resources for Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Articles
Most recent articles on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Most cited articles on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Review articles on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Articles on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ
Media
Powerpoint slides on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Images of Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Photos of Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Podcasts & MP3s on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Videos on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Evidence Based Medicine
Cochrane Collaboration on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Bandolier on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) TRIP on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Clinical Trials
Ongoing Trials on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) at Clinical Trials.gov Trial results on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Clinical Trials on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) at Google
Guidelines / Policies / Govt
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) NICE Guidance on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) NHS PRODIGY Guidance FDA on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) CDC on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Books
Books on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
News
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) in the news Be alerted to news on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) News trends on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Commentary
Blogs on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Definitions
Definitions of Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Patient Resources / Community
Patient resources on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Discussion groups on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Patient Handouts on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Directions to Hospitals Treating Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Risk calculators and risk factors for Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Healthcare Provider Resources
Symptoms of Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Causes & Risk Factors for Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Diagnostic studies for Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) Treatment of Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
CME Programs on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
International
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) en Espanol Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) en Francais
Business
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information) in the Marketplace Patents on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)
Experimental / Informatics
List of terms related to Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (patient information)

Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty

Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.

What is a diaphragmatic hernia?

A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe. The opening allows part of the organs from the belly (stomach, spleen, liver, and intestines) to go up into the chest cavity near the lungs.

What are the symptoms of a diaphragmatic hernia?

Severe breathing difficulty usually develops shortly after the baby is born, because of ineffective movement of the diaphragm and crowding of the lung tissue, which causes collapse. The reason why this occurs is not known.

Other symptoms include:

• Bluish colored skin due to lack of oxygen
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Fast heart rate (tachycardia)

What are the causes of a diaphragmatic hernia?

A diaphragmatic hernia is caused by the improper joining of structures during fetal development. As a result, the abdominal organs such as the stomach, small intestine, spleen, part of the liver, and the kidney appear in the chest cavity. The lung tissue on the affected side is thus not allowed to completely develop.

Who is at risk for a diaphragmatic hernia?

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is seen in 1 out of every 2,200 to 5,000 live births. Most affect the left side. Having a parent or sibling with the condition slightly increases your risk.

How to know you have a diaphragmatic hernia (Diagnosis)?

The pregnant mother may have excessive amounts of amniotic fluid. Fetal ultrasound may show abdominal contents in the chest cavity.

Examination of the infant shows:

• Irregular chest movements
• Absent breath sounds on affected side
• Bowel sounds heard in the chest
• Abdomen feels less full on examination by touch (palpation)

A chest x-ray may show abdominal organs in chest cavity.

When to seek urgent medical care

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911). A diaphragmatic hernia is a surgical emergency.

Where to find medical care for Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Directions to Hospitals Treating Congenital diaphragmatic hernia