The 20 Best Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Doctors Near Me in Lafayette, IN

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a condition present before birth characterized by abnormal development of the diaphragm. The diaphragm normally separates the organs in the abdomen from those in the chest. The severity of CDH may range from a thinned area in part of the diaphragm, to its complete absence. CDH may allow the stomach and intestines to move through an opening (hernia) into the chest cavity, crowding the heart and lungs. This can then lead to underdevelopment of the lungs (pulmonary hypoplasia), which may cause serious complications. CDH may be associated with several syndromes (some caused by genetic changes or a chromosome abnormality), it may be associated with other birth defects, or it may occur with no other abnormalities. It is rarely inherited.