5. Difficulty Feeding and Poor Growth: The Overlooked Challenges of CDH
Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia often face significant feeding challenges, leading to poor growth and development. This section takes a closer look at these issues, unpacking the ways in which they manifest and their broader implications for the affected infant. Difficulty in feeding can stem from various factors, including respiratory distress and the physical displacement of abdominal organs.
The act of feeding requires a coordinated effort between various bodily systems, and in infants with CDH, this coordination can be severely disrupted. Respiratory distress can make it difficult for the infant to breathe effectively while feeding, leading to fatigue and poor intake. Additionally, the herniation of abdominal organs can impact the function of the digestive system, further complicating feeding and nutrition.
Recognizing and addressing feeding difficulties in infants with CDH is critical, as these challenges can have lasting impacts on the infant’s growth and development. Caregivers and healthcare professionals play a key role in identifying these issues early on, ensuring that the infant receives the necessary support and intervention.
Addressing the feeding and growth challenges in infants with CDH often involves a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating nutritional support, respiratory care, and ultimately, surgical intervention to repair the diaphragmatic hernia. The goal is to optimize the infant’s overall condition, ensuring that they are well-nourished and ready for the challenges of surgery and recovery. (5)
