Umbilical Hernia
About Umbilical Hernia?
Types of Umbilical Hernia
Infant Umbilical Hernia
Usually resolves on its own by age 1-2.
Adult Umbilical Hernia
Often related to abdominal pressure and requires surgical intervention.
Causes
Understanding the causes of umbilical hernia !
In infants: Umbilical hernias occur when the umbilical ring fails to shut after birth, causing hernias to grow until they normally seal by the ages of 4 to 5.
In adults: Umbilical hernias are caused by abdominal pressure and weakening muscles, with risk factors including being assigned female at birth, obesity, repeated pregnancies, abdominal fluid (ascites), and past surgery.
What Happens if Umbilical Hernia is Untreated?
Adult umbilical hernias don't resolve on their own and can lead to complications like incarceration or strangulation.
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More about Umbilical hernia
Prevention
Preventing Umbilical Hernias involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being cautious:
There is nothing you can do to keep your child from developing an umbilical cord hernia. Adults are not always able to prevent illness.
As an adult, you can lower your risk of developing a hernia by avoiding repetitive activities that put strain on your abdomen. Maintaining a healthy weight might also minimise your risk of acquiring a hernia.
Early Signs
Recognising early indicators of an umbilical hernia is crucial for appropriate treatment:
- Visible Bulge: Look for a soft lump or enlargement near the navel.
- Discomfort or Pain: Feeling discomfort or slight pain, particularly while bending or coughing.
- Change in Belly Button Appearance: Take note of any changes in the form or size of the belly button.
- Lying Flat or Gently Pushing the Bulge Back Provides Pain Relief.
Symptoms
The symptoms of umbilical hernia are identical in adults and children. The most common symptom is a noticeable protrusion on or near your belly button that feels mushy to the touch. In some people, it is constantly visible. Sometimes the bulge is only visible when your abdomen is under pressure.
- For example, you might not notice the bulge unless you carry something heavy. In neonates and babies, the bulge may not form until they cry.
- They are normally painless in children. Adults with umbilical hernias are more likely to feel uncomfortable, dull pain, or pressure.
- Symptoms that should alert you to a problem with your hernia requiring immediate attention (such incarceration or strangling) are
- Your abdominal discomfort is sharp, sudden, or worsening.
- Bulge of red, darker, purple, and firm.
- Bloody stool (poop).
- Nausea and vomiting.
Umbilical Hernia Treatment
Umbilical hernias can only be treated via hernia repair surgery. During the surgery, a surgeon creates incisions (cuts) to access the hernia and push the tissue back into position. They then strengthen the abdominal wall muscles to keep the tissue in place. To reinforce the tissue barrier, they may employ a material known as surgical mesh.
Recovery
Recovering from Umbilical Hernia surgery requires patience and care:
Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
Manage Pain: Take prescribed pain medications and avoid strenuous activities.
Incision Care: Keep the incision area clean and dry to prevent infection.
Dietary Considerations: Consume a balanced diet rich in fibre to prevent constipation.
Gradual Activity: Gradually resume normal activities under medical guidance.
Regular Check-ups: Attend follow-up appointments for monitoring.