Umbilical Hernia
Publisher/Author
: Pacific Cross
Nội dung bài viết / Table of Contents
This post is also available in: Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles. Umbilical hernias are common and typically harmless.
They are most common in infants, but they can affect adults as well. In an infant, an umbilical hernia may be especially evident when the infant cries, causing the baby’s bellybutton to protrude.
An umbilical hernia appears as a painless lump in or near the navel (belly button).
It may get bigger when laughing, coughing, crying or going to the toilet and may shrink when relaxing or lying down. In many cases, the umbilical hernia goes back in and the muscles reseal before the child’s first birthday. Umbilical hernias can also develop in adults. Without treatment, the hernia will probably get worse over time.
This umbilical hernia can affect patients at any age. It can be managed by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
An umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel (umbilicus). If your baby has an umbilical hernia, you may notice the bulge only when he or she cries, coughs or strains. The bulge may disappear when your baby is calm or lies on his or her back.
Umbilical hernias in children are usually painless. Adults can get umbilical hernias as well. The symptoms are the same — a swelling or bulge near the navel area that can be very painful. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood may cause abdominal discomfort.
There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord passes through a small opening in the baby’s abdominal muscles. The opening normally closes just after birth.
If the muscles don’t join together completely in the midline of the abdomen, this weakness in the abdominal wall may cause an umbilical hernia at birth or later in life. An umbilical hernia can develop when fatty tissue or a part of the bowel pokes through into an area near the navel.
In adults, too much abdominal pressure can cause an umbilical hernia. Possible causes in adults include:
Umbilical hernias are most common in infants — especially premature babies and those with low birth weights. Black infants appear to have a slightly increased risk of umbilical hernias. The condition affects boys and girls equally.
For adults, the risk factors include:
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
How is umbilical hernia diagnosed?
A doctor will perform a physical exam to determine if an infant or adult has an umbilical hernia. The doctor will take a look if the hernia can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity (reducible). They will also examine the baby or adult to determine if the umbilical cord is trapped, or incarcerated. This is a serious complication because the trapped part of the intestine may be deprived of a blood supply.
Your doctor may take an X-ray or perform an ultrasound on the stomach area to ensure that there are no complications. They may order blood tests to look for infections, especially if the intestine is blocked or incarcerated.
Most umbilical hernias in babies close on their own by age 1 or 2. Your doctor may even be able to push the bulge back into the abdomen during a physical exam. Don’t try this on your own, however. Although some people claim a hernia can be fixed by taping a coin down over the bulge, this “fix” doesn’t help and germs may accumulate under the tape, causing infection.
For children, surgery is typically reserved for umbilical hernias that:
For adults, surgery is typically recommended to avoid possible complications — especially if the umbilical hernia gets bigger or becomes painful.
During surgery, a small incision is made at the base of the bellybutton. The herniated tissue is returned to the abdominal cavity, and the opening in the abdominal wall is stitched closed. In adults, surgeons often use mesh to help strengthen the abdominal wall.
Read more: Viral gastroenteritis
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage umbilical hernia?
The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with umbilical hernia:
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