What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the belly button (umbilicus). This type of hernia is particularly common in infants but can also occur in adults.
What causes an umbilical hernia?
Several factors can contribute to the development of umbilical hernias, including:
- Weakness in the abdominal muscles near the belly button. This weakness can be present from birth or develop later in life.
- Activities or conditions that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as obesity, pregnancy, or excessive straining during bowel movements.
- Some individuals may be more susceptible to developing them based on family history.
What are symptoms of an umbilical hernia?
The most common symptoms of an umbilical hernia include:
- Bulge or protrusion near the belly button that may become more prominent when coughing, crying (in infants), or straining.
- Discomfort or tenderness around the belly button, especially when touching the area or engaging in activities such as lifting heavy objects.
- Nausea or vomiting, particularly if the protruding tissue becomes trapped or twisted (incarcerated or strangulated hernia).
How do you treat umbilical hernias?
In infants, umbilical hernias often resolve on their own without treatment by the age of 1-2 years. Your doctor may recommend a watchful waiting approach and monitor the hernia regularly for any changes.
If the umbilical hernia persists beyond infancy or causes significant symptoms, surgical repair may be recommended. During surgery, the protruding tissue is repositioned, and the weakened abdominal wall is reinforced with stitches or a synthetic mesh.