Symptoms
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Causes
What you can do
- List any signs or symptoms you or your child has had, and for how long.
- Bring in a photo of the hernia if signs of the problem aren't always evident.
- Write down key medical information, including any other health problems and the names of any medications you or your child is taking.
- Write down questions you want to be sure to ask your doctor.
Complications
Umbilical hernias in babies may relieve and heal without treatment within a couple of years. For all others, hernias usually don’t go away without hernia-repair surgery. Once a hole (hernia) develops in the abdominal wall, there usually will be no improvement without surgical intervention, because it cannot repair itself.
How painful is an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernias in babies may relieve and heal without treatment within a couple of years. For all others, hernias usually don’t go away without hernia-repair surgery. Once a hole (hernia) develops in the abdominal wall, there usually will be no improvement without surgical intervention, because it cannot repair itself.
How do you treat and repair an umbilical hernia?
Can I heal an umbilical hernia without surgery?
Should I get my umbilical hernia repaired?
When should I worry about my umbilical hernia in adults?
A bulge in the belly button or surrounding region (often most visible when coughing or straining) Pain at the hernia site. Constipation. Sharp abdominal pain and vomiting can mean the hernia is strangulated (note: if you are experiencing these symptoms please seek immediate medical attention as surgery may be required) ...
How do I know if my umbilical hernia is serious?
Bulge in or near the bellybutton that usually gets bigger when straining, lifting or coughing. Pressure or pain at the hernia site. Constipation. Sharp abdominal pain with vomiting — this can be a sign of a strangulated hernia and is a medical emergency.
Is it dangerous to leave an umbilical hernia untreated?
An umbilical hernia is not dangerous in itself, but there is a risk that it will get trapped (incarcerated). This can cut off the blood supply to the contents of the hernia, causing life-threatening conditions such as gangrene or peritonitis (if this happens, the hernia is said to be strangulated).
Do umbilical hernias in adults always need surgery?
Umbilical hernias don't always require surgical repair. Surgery is needed when the hernia: causes pain. is larger than half an inch.
How do I know if my umbilical hernia is strangulated?
Symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia include:Abdominal pain and tenderness.Constipation.Fever.Full, round abdomen.Red, purple, dark or discolored bulge.Vomiting.
What type of hernia is most severe?
Strangulated hernias are life threatening and require emergency medical care.
Can a umbilical hernia rupture?
Complications of an umbilical hernia that require immediate surgical intervention are incarceration or strangulation and in extremely rare cases, rupture, when the skin over the hernia breaks open, exposing the tissue inside the hernia sac.
What happens if hernia bursts?
Spontaneous rupture of an abdominal hernia is very rare and usually occurs in incisional or recurrent groin hernia. The rupture of abdominal hernia demands emergency surgery, to prevent further obstruction, strangulation of bowel and to cover its contents.
Does umbilical hernia make your stomach big?
An umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel. In babies who have an umbilical hernia, the bulge may be visible only when they cry, cough or strain. Umbilical hernias in children are usually painless. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood may cause abdominal discomfort.
What aggravates an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernias in adults are generally caused by high amounts of pressure in the abdomen. Things like straining during a workout, pregnancy, and weight gain can all lead to umbilical hernias.
How long is recovery from umbilical hernia surgery?
Umbilical hernia surgery recovery time is about two weeks. This two week restriction helps reduce pain after surgery, and likely reduces the risk of a hernia recurrence.
How do they fix an umbilical hernia in adults?
The only way to repair an umbilical hernia is through surgery. An umbilical hernia repair surgery helps to push the sac back into place and strengthen the abdominal wall. There are two types of surgery available to repair the hernia.
What are the risk factors for umbilical hernia?
In adults, the risk factors associated with an umbilical hernia include: Overall abdominal pressure. Obesity. Ascites, or fluid in the abdominal cavity. Multiple pregnancies. Prior abdominal surgery. Chronic peritoneal dialysis. High work activity, like lifting and carrying heavy loads. Chronic cough.
What happens if a baby has a hernia?
You or your baby vomits. The hernia becomes swollen, tender, painful, and/or discolored.
What is the term for a hernia in the womb?
Umbilical hernia is a condition that occurs when tissue, like intestines, protrude through weakened muscles around the navel (umbilicus). This condition occurs mostly among infants. There is a small opening in a baby’s abdominal muscles made by the passage of the umbilical cord while in the womb.
How old does a hernia need to be to be closed?
For infants, the condition usually corrects itself by the time the baby is one or two years old. If by the age of four, the hernia has not yet closed, surgery may be required. For adults, serious complications can arise, particularly incarceration or obstruction of the intestines, if treatment is not provided.
What are the factors that characterize those persons most at risk for this type of hernia?
The factors characterizing those persons most at risk for this type of hernia are dependent on if it is an infant or an adult. 1.1 Risk Factors for Infants. Infants overall are most at risk, but the risk increases if any of the following factors are present: Premature.
Can an umbilical hernia be traumatic?
To a lesser extent, umbilical hernias also occur in adults. But when it happens to an adult, it can be a medical emergency. Having a hernia can be a traumatic experience. Our personal injury lawyers answer common questions you may have about this type of hernia: 1.
Is it painful to have a bulge in your navel?
Likewise, as an adult, if you feel a bulge in the navel area, but it is not painful or associated with any other problem, speak to your physician about it. There is no need to make an immediate appointment. You are in pain or your baby appears to be in pain due to the hernia. You or your baby vomits.
How to tell if you have a strangulated umbilical hernia?
Symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia include: Abdominal pain and tenderness. Constipation. Fever. Full, round abdomen. Red, purple, dark or discolored bulge. Vomiting. The provider may order blood tests to look for signs of infection resulting from the strangulated intestine.
What percentage of babies have umbilical hernias?
Unlike most hernias, which develop in adolescence or adulthood, 20 percent of babies are born with umbilical hernias. An umbilical hernia occurs at the umbilicus (belly button) when a loop of intestine pushes through the umbilical ring, a small opening in a fetus’ abdominal muscles through which the umbilical cord—which connects a fetus ...
What does it mean when a hernia is incarcerated?
The provider will also look for and complete a medical history to determine if the umbilical hernia has become incarcerated (trapped within the abdominal opening), a serious medical condition in which the protruding intestine becomes trapped and deprived of blood supply.
What causes a small hole in the umbilical cord?
Umbilical Hernia Causes. After birth, the umbilical cord is no longer necessary, and the opening in the abdominal muscles closes as the baby matures. Sometimes, these muscles do not meet completely, leaving a small hole or gap.
When do umbilical hernias close?
Nearly all umbilical hernias will have closed without surgery by age 5. In general, if the hernia becomes bigger with age, is not reducible or is still present after age 3, the child's provider may suggest that the hernia be repaired surgically.
Can a loop of the intestine cause a hernia?
A loop of intestine can move into and even penetrate the opening between abdominal muscles and cause a hernia. Umbili cal hernias occur most often in infants but can also occur in adults. The most common causes of umbilical hernias in adults are: Chronic health conditions that raise abdominal pressure, including: ...
Where is the umbilical hernia located?
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of your intestine bulges through the opening in your abdominal muscles near your bellybutton (navel). Umbilical hernias are common and typically harmless. Umbilical hernias are most common in infants, but they can affect adults as well.
How do you know if you have an umbilical hernia?
In babies who have an umbilical hernia, the bulge may be visible only when they cry, cough or strain. Umbilical hernias in children are usually painless. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood may cause abdominal discomfort.
What is a hernia in children?
Umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel. It occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles. Umbilical hernias in children are usually painless.
Why does my umbilical cord close?
Causes. During gestation, 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 abdominal wall, an umbilical hernia may appear at birth or later in life. In adults, too much abdominal pressure contributes ...
What causes a hernia in the abdomen?
In adults, too much abdominal pressure contributes to umbilical hernias. Causes of increased pressure in the abdomen include: 1 Obesity 2 Multiple pregnancies 3 Fluid in the abdominal cavity 4 Previous abdominal surgery 5 Long-term peritoneal dialysis to treat kidney failure
What to do if your baby has a hernia?
If you suspect that your baby has an umbilical hernia, talk with the baby's doctor. Seek emergency care if your baby has an umbilical hernia and: Has tenderness, swelling or discoloration at the site of the hernia. Similar guidelines apply to adults. Talk with your doctor if you have a bulge near your navel.
Do black babies have umbilical hernias?
In the United States, black infants appear to have a slightly increased risk of umbilical hernias. The condition affects boys and girls equally. For adults, being overweight or having multiple pregnancies may increase the risk of developing an umbilical hernia. This type of hernia tends to be more common in women.
What are the complications of an umbilical hernia?
Other complications specific to umbilical hernia repair are uncommon but include: 1 damage to other organs in the abdomen - this is more likely if the operation is done using keyhole surgery and further surgery may be needed to repair any damage 2 pain or numbness in the lower abdomen - this may last several months 3 re-occurrence - it's possible the umbilical hernia may re-occur
How long does it take to repair a hernia?
A synthetic mesh may be used to strengthen the wall of the abdomen. The skin cuts are closed with stitches. The operation takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the method used.
What is the purpose of a hernia repair operation?
About the operation. The aim of a hernia repair operation is to push the contents of the bulge back into the abdomen and strengthen the abdominal wall. There are two main types of hernia repair operations - open and keyhole. In most cases, the operation is an open repair, which involves a small cut just below your belly button.
How long is a cut in the abdomen?
Open surgery. A single cut (5 to 10cm long) is made just below or above your belly button, and the bulge is pushed back into place. Your surgeon may stitch a synthetic mesh over the weak spot to strengthen the wall of the abdomen. The skin cut is closed with stitches and covered with a dressing.
What are the complications of a syringe?
Most people are not affected. The possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, excessive bleeding, infection or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).
Is it safe to repair a hernia?
Umbilical hernia repair is commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications of this procedure.
Can you sleep during a hernia surgery?
Umbilical hernia repair is usually done as a day-case procedure under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. Alternatively you may prefer to have the surgery under local anaesthesia. This completely blocks feeling around the belly button area and you will stay awake during the operation.
How common is an umbilical hernia?
They are particularly common in infants born preterm. Up to 75 percent. of newborns with a birth weight of less than 1.5 kilograms (kg) have an umbilical hernia. While the developing fetus is in the womb, the umbilical cord passes through an opening in the abdominal wall. This should close soon after birth.
When does an umbilical hernia close?
In most cases, an umbilical hernia experienced by an infant closes on its own by the age of 3 to 4 years. If a hernia is still present by the time the child is 4 years old, a doctor may recommend surgery.
What happens if you don't poke your bowel?
If this does not happen completely, fatty tissue or part of the bowel can poke through, causing an umbilical hernia. Adults: If there is too much pressure on the abdominal wall, fatty tissue or a part of the bowel can poke through a weak section of abdominal muscle.
What causes a hernia in the umbilical cord?
Causes. The causes of umbilical hernia are different across age groups. Infants: As the fetus develops in the womb, a small opening forms in the abdominal muscles. This opening allows the umbilical cord to pass through. This connects the woman who is pregnant to the baby.
What causes a bulge in the navel?
An umbilical hernia causes a bulge in the area around the navel. Umbilical hernias are common in young infants, but the exact rate is not known because many cases go unreported and resolve themselves without the need for treatment. They are particularly common in infants born preterm. Up to 75 percent.
What is the term for a hernia in the abdomen?
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the bowel or fatty tissue pokes through an area near the belly button, pushing through a weak spot in the surrounding abdominal wall. There are different types of hernia. According to an article in The BMJ, a true umbilical hernia. happens when there is a defect in the anterior abdominal wall ...
What tests are done to determine if a hernia is a hernia?
If the doctor wants to screen for complications, they may request an abdominal ultrasound, X-ray, or blood tests.
Where is the umbilical hernia located?
An umbilical hernia is a bulge through the abdominal wall near your umbilicus (belly button). The hernia may contain tissue from the abdomen, part of an organ (such as the intestine), or fluid.
Why do women get umbilical hernias?
Umbilical hernias usually happen because of a hole or weak area in your abdominal muscles. Umbilical hernias happen more often in women than in men. The following may increase your risk for an umbilical hernia: Being overweight. Age older than 60. Fluid in your abdomen (ascites) A large growth in your abdomen.
What does it mean when your hernia is blue?
Your hernia gets bigger, feels firm, or turns blue or purple. You have severe abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting. You stop having bowel movements and passing gas. You have blood in your bowel movement.
What foods can you eat to help a hernia?
Foods that contain fiber include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Avoid heavy lifting. Heavy lifting can put pressure on your hernia and make it bigger. Ask your healthcare provider how much is safe to lift. Do not place anything over your umbilical hernia.
How to find a hernia?
Your healthcare provider will usually find the hernia during an exam. You may need an ultrasound or x-ray. These tests may show if tissue, fluid, or an organ is trapped inside the hernia. The tests will also help your provider plan your treatment.
Can a hernia go away without surgery?
Your hernia may go away without treatment. Your healthcare provider may be able to reduce your hernia. He or she will put firm, steady pressure on your hernia until it disappears behind the abdominal wall. You may need surgery to fix the hernia if it cannot be reduced.
How to make a hernia worse?
You may want to try core strengthening exercises but sometimes any strain can make hernia worse. There are three stages of a hernia: Reducible: contents slide in and out of hernia. Pain comes and goes. Incarcerated: contents get stuck in hernia and often cause constant ache Strangulated: contents are constricted and blood supply is compromised causing tissue death and possible bowel rupture. Because hernias may progress from 1 to 2 to 3, we repair them at an early stage. However, some hernias may never progress.
What are the stages of a hernia?
There are three stages of a hernia: Reducible: contents slide in and out of hernia. Pain comes and goes. Incarcerated: contents get stuck in hernia and often cause constant ache Strangulated: contents are constricted and blood supply is compromised causing tissue death and possible bowel rupture.
Is a hernia a goldilocks size?
This is most likely for hernias which are 'Goldilocks-sized' - that is, big enough for stuff to get into them, but small enough for the neck to cause a constriction. It's also most relevant for hernias of something important, like a loop of small bowel, rather than a bit of intra-abdominal fat.
Can umbilical hernia be repaired?
An umbilical hernia can easily be repaired during a tummy tuck or without performing a tummy tuck. A hernia is when your intestines have pushed through a small weakness in your abs muscles. This is not usually a problem early on because the intestines can go in and out smoothly. Eventually the intestines can get stuck outside causing changes in bowel movements, pain, infection, or other problems. Therefore, it should usually be corrected by your plastic surgeon. Best of luck, Dr. Karan Chopra ★★★★★ Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon Face ⨀ Breast ⨀ Body Expert Johns Hopkins Trained Cosmetic Fellowship Trained br>