Introduction
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a serious condition where a hole in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to move into the chest, affecting lung development. It is often diagnosed before birth and requires urgent specialized care.

What Is CDH?
The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. In CDH, this muscle doesn’t form completely, leaving an opening (usually on the left side), through which the intestines, stomach, or liver can enter the chest cavity.

Symptoms in Newborns

• Difficulty breathing immediately after birth
• Fast breathing or cyanosis (blue skin)
• Underdeveloped lungs (pulmonary hypoplasia)
• Scaphoid (sunken) abdomen
• Decreased breath sounds on one side

Diagnosis

• Prenatal ultrasound may detect CDH before birth
• Postnatal chest X-ray confirms the diagnosis
• Other tests assess lung function and associated anomalies

Treatment Options

• Stabilization in the NICU (often with ventilators or ECMO in severe cases)
• Surgical repair involves returning abdominal organs to the belly and closing the diaphragm
• Long-term support for breathing and nutrition may be needed

Prognosis
Outcomes vary depending on lung development, presence of other anomalies, and response to treatment. Some infants may face long-term challenges, but survival has improved significantly with modern neonatal and surgical care.