QOD: My child has a bulge in his groin area. What could it be?
Chances are, your child has an inguinal hernia. This condition, more common in boys, is present in five out of every 100 children.
An inguinal hernia occurs when there is a defect in the muscle or tissue of the lower abdominal wall, allowing the bowel to push through. Usually, your child will be sent to a surgeon, who will schedule surgery to repair the hole in the near future.
Most hernias are not painful and are incidentally noticed by a parent when the infant strains or cries. The hernia may also be noticed by the pediatrician during a routine exam.
Occasionally, the intestine will become trapped in the hole of the abdominal wall, causing a red, painful bulge that cannot be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This incarcerated hernia is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, January 2020
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