Diaphragmatic hernia: Diaphragmatic hernias most commonly affect the left side of the diaphragm; that muscle between the abdominal cavity and the chest. A hernia is a hole or defect in the muscle. In the case of a diaphragmatic hernia, this hole creates an unusual connection between the abdomen and chest. The normally higher pressure within the abdomen will push abdominal organs from the abdomen up into the chest.
Answered 4/30/2019
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More vulnerable side: When there is a developmental defect in the breathing muscle, it is more likely to effect the left side toward the back. The pressure of the womb can cause the intestine to migrate up into the chest cavity during pregnancy and interfere with lung formation.If the defect is small, babies swallowing air at birth creates extra pressure and may push it up later.
Answered 4/24/2016
1.8k views
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
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