Understanding Umbilical Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Umbilical hernia is the second most common form of hernia in adults. Umbilical hernia occurs when a part of the intestine or fatty tissue begins to protrude through a weak muscle near the navel. Umbilical hernia occurs when there is a defect in the abdominal wall (below the navel). This hernia is common in newborns and children, but it can also affect adults -

Umbilical hernia is common in infants. This problem can be seen in 10 to 30 percent of children at the time of birth. This hernia can be seen especially in babies born prematurely. Research has shown that 84 percent of newborns born with a weight of 1 to 1.5 kg have umbilical hernia. In most cases, umbilical hernia is cured in infants by the age of 2 years.

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Umbilical hernia occurs in 1 in 10 adults since childhood, while 90 percent have this problem in adulthood. In this condition adults may feel pressure in the abdominal muscles. Problems in lifting weights may increase during pregnancy.

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In case of umbilical hernia, a lump appears in the navel. Umbilical hernia is more clearly visible when someone is laughing or crying. Umbilical hernia can also be visible while coughing, but when the person lies down, this lump shrinks. Symptoms of umbilical hernia can be different in different cases -

The causes of umbilical hernia may vary according to age. This may be seen more in infants and obese people. Apart from this, its risk may also increase in some pregnant women. The causes of umbilical hernia are as follows –

The doctor will perform a physical examination to determine whether an infant or adult has an umbilical hernia. The doctor will see if the hernia can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity or if it is stuck in place. An incarcerated hernia can cause damage because the trapped portion of the herniated material may become deprived of blood supply. This may cause permanent tissue damage.

The doctor may do an abdominal X-ray or ultrasound to see the problem. They may also perform blood tests to detect infection or ischemia.

Complications from umbilical hernia are very rare in children. However, complications can occur in both children and adults if the umbilical cord is prolapsed. If the umbilical hernia cannot be pushed back through the abdominal wall, adequate blood supply does not occur. This can cause pain and even tissue death, resulting in dangerous infections or even death.

An abdominal hernia associated with a trapped intestine requires emergency surgery. If the problem is very serious, contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. Complications associated with umbilical hernia include:

• Fever
• Constipation
• Severe abdominal pain and tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lump in the stomach
• Redness or other discoloration

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Actually, the umbilical hernia of most babies gets cured by the time they are 2 years old. In such cases, there is no need for treatment. At the same time, the chances of hernia healing on its own in adults is very less. In some situations the doctor may advise surgery –

• If the hernia is more than 1.5 cm in children above 2 years of age.
• The intestines are inside the hernial sac.
• Hernia causes severe or severe pain.
• There is a change in the skin at the site of hernia.

If the hernia ruptures, this situation requires emergency surgery. However, hernia rupture is seen in very rare cases. A small operation is done in umbilical hernia. This usually takes 20-30 minutes. In surgery, an incision is made below the navel and the protruding tissue is pushed back into the abdomen.

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Umbilical hernia occurs in any person when some part of the intestine or fat-containing tissue slips out of the hole in the abdominal muscles. In this situation a bulge is visible in the navel. You may also feel pain. Umbilical hernia is most common in infants, but adults may also be at increased risk due to excessive abdominal pressure. Usually hernia heals on its own, but in some situations it may require surgery. Therefore, hernia conditions should not be ignored at all.