A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an
abnormal opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you
breathe. The opening allows part of the organs from the belly
(stomach, spleen, liver, and intestines) to go up into the chest
cavity near the lungs. Hernia - diaphragmatic; Congenital hernia
of the diaphragm Causes, incidence, and risk factors: A
diaphragmatic hernia is caused by the improper joining of
structures during fetal development. As a result, the abdominal
organs such as the stomach, small intestine, spleen, part of the
liver, and the kidney appear in the chest cavity. The lung
tissue on the affected side is thus not allowed to completely
develop. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is seen in 1 out of
every 2,200 to 5,000 live births. Most affect the left side.
Having a parent or sibling with the condition slightly increases
your risk. Severe breathing difficulty usually develops shortly
after the baby is born, because of ineffective movement of the
diaphragm and crowding of the l