Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (kənˈjenɪtəl daɪəˈfragmætɪk hɜːrˈniːə) is a birth defect of the Diaphragm. The etymology of the term comes from the Latin congenitus meaning "born with," the Greek diaphragma meaning "partition," and the Greek hernia meaning "rupture."
Definition
A Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a condition that occurs when the Diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, fails to close during prenatal development, and the contents of the abdomen (stomach, intestines) migrate into the chest through this hole.
Symptoms
Symptoms of CDH can include difficulty breathing, bluish-colored skin due to lack of oxygen, and absence of breath sounds on one side of the chest.
Causes
The exact cause of CDH is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Treatment
Treatment for CDH usually involves surgery to repair the diaphragmatic defect, but the prognosis depends on the severity of the hernia and associated conditions.
Related Terms
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