Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which an opening in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs such as the stomach, intestines, and liver to move into the chest cavity during fetal development, compressing the developing lungs and heart. This impairs normal lung growth, a condition called pulmonary hypoplasia, and can also disrupt pulmonary blood vessel development leading to pulmonary hypertension after birth. It occurs in roughly 1 in 2,500 to 3,000 live births and is usually detected on a prenatal ultrasound during the second trimester. Severity varies widely depending on which side is affected, the extent of lung compression, and whether other organ systems or genetic syndromes are also involved, and affected newborns typically require immediate specialized neonatal intensive care and surgery within the first days to weeks of life.

The most common symptoms include: severe difficulty breathing at birth; bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis); rapid breathing; sunken or scaphoid-appearing abdomen. Early recognition is key to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

No, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia is not contagious. It cannot spread through casual contact. However, certain risk factors and genetic predispositions may increase susceptibility.

Treatment options include: Management begins with prenatal planning and delivery at a center with neonatal surgical capability; followed by immediate respiratory stabilization using gentle ventilation strategies and; in severe cases. Treatment should always be guided by a qualified Pediatric Surgery specialist. Do not self-medicate.

While Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia cannot always be fully prevented, several measures can reduce risk: prenatal diagnosis via routine ultrasound for early delivery planning; delivery at a tertiary care center with neonatal surgical support; genetic counseling for families with a prior affected pregnancy.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. This is a serious condition — go to the emergency room or call 112 if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.