Diaphragmatic hernia

Alternative names:

congenital hernia of the diaphragm; hernia - diaphragmatic

Symptoms:

• severe breathing difficulty
• bluish coloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen
• breathing, absent temporarily

Signs and tests:

The pregnant mother may have shown signs of polyhydramnios (excessive amounts of amniotic fluid).

Examination of the infant shows:

• chest movements asymmetric with breathing
• breath sounds absent on the affected side
• bowel sounds heard in the chest
• concave abdomen that feels less full on examination by touch (palpation)

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