Question
My child is just a few months old, and I’ve noticed that they are having difficulty breathing and are frequently coughing. We took them to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said they have congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It’s heartbreaking to see such a young child suffering from this. Will this disease have no impact on the child’s future? What treatment methods are available for this condition now?
Answer
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a rare defect in abdominal wall development, characterized by a full-thickness defect at the umbilical region, with internal organs potentially prolapsing. This is an abnormal condition during the formation of the abdominal wall. Surgical repair is the only method to save and treat this disease. After surgery, the infant needs to be placed in a humidicrib with 100% humidity. For cases requiring oxygen, once the condition is stable, it typically only involves increasing the oxygen concentration in the inhaled air. Additionally, the infant needs to be in a semi-sitting position to reduce pressure on the diaphragm from abdominal organs. Furthermore, a drainage tube is required for water-sealed drainage in the affected side of the chest. As for the impact on the child’s future, each individual case may vary. However, most infants can achieve good treatment outcomes and normal growth and development through surgical repair. Nevertheless, depending on specific circumstances, long-term follow-up and medical intervention may be necessary. Therefore, it is recommended that you maintain close contact with your doctor, follow their advice, and ensure that your child receives the best treatment and care.