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symptoms of umbilical hernia in adults

by Lula Fay Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Symptoms in adults with umbilical hernias include:
  • 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.

Symptoms

First ... the signs and symptoms of incarcerated and strangulated hernias, which are associated with severe morbidity. Zhong, S. R. L. Y. & Wu, Y. Y. Accidentally found metastatic adenocarcinoma of prostate in an incised inguinal hernia sac.

Causes

The most common symptoms of a defective hernia mesh product include:

  • Bruising
  • Chronic infection
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fever
  • Pain and discomfort

Complications

Symptoms include:

  • Pain around the bellybutton area
  • Swelling in the area
  • Discoloration of the bellybutton area
  • Vomiting

What are the first signs of a hernia?

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.

When should I be seen for my hernia symptoms?

What are the signs of an umbilical hernia?

How do you treat and repair an umbilical hernia?

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 check myself for a umbilical hernia?

You may have any of the following:A bulge or swelling in or near your belly button.A bulge that gets bigger when you cough, strain to have a bowel movement, or sit up.Nausea or vomiting.Constipation.

What happens if you 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).

What causes belly button hernia in adults?

An umbilical hernia can develop when fatty tissue or a part of the bowel pokes through into an area near the navel. In adults, factors that can contribute to developing an umbilical hernia include: being overweight or obese. straining while you are lifting or moving heavy objects.

What does pain from an umbilical hernia feel like?

Symptoms in adults with umbilical hernias include: 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.

Do umbilical hernias affect bowel movements?

Symptoms of umbilical hernia Cries. Strains while making a bowel movement. Coughs.

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.

Can a hernia make your stomach big?

While a hernia may start out as a harmless bulge, it can get bigger and start to hurt. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening. So even if it doesn't seem like a big deal, it's best to see your doctor if you have symptoms of a hernia, like a lump or bulge you can't explain.

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.

Can a hernia cause gas and bloating?

An inguinal hernia can cause someone to feel like they had an enormous meal when in fact they did not. This very common type of hernia can also make you feel bloated accompanied with pain in the groin and lower abdomen. Some of these easy to miss signs of a hernia can be potentially dangerous if not treated.

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.

How can you fix an umbilical hernia without surgery?

In many children, umbilical hernias can often be resolved with simple exercises instead of surgery. For adults, however, surgery is often required, and gentle exercise helps during recovery. Umbilical hernias in adults are generally caused by high amounts of pressure in the abdomen.

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.

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.

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.

How to tell if you have a hernia?

There are a variety of symptoms that are common with an umbilical hernia: 1 A bulge in the belly button or surrounding region (often most visible when coughing or straining) 2 Pain at the hernia site 3 Constipation 4 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).

What is the best treatment for an umbilical hernia?

There are two primary types of treatments for umbilical hernias: surgical treatment and non-surgical treatment . The right type of treatment is largely dependent on your age and the severity of your umbilical hernia. Your surgeon can make a recommendation for the best treatment for your needs.

What is the most common surgical treatment for umbilical hernias?

There are two primary types of treatment used: Open hernia repair - Open umbilical hernia repair is the most common surgical treatment for umbilical hernias. In an open hernia repair, an incision is made near the site of the hernia.

How long does it take for an umbilical hernia to close?

Many umbilical hernias in younger patients will close on their own within the first 2 years of life. In these cases, the hernia will be closely monitored unless surgical intervention becomes necessary. Non-surgical treatment is typically not recommended for adults due to the high risk of serious complications.

What does it mean when you have a bulge in your belly button?

A bulge in the belly button or surrounding region (often most visible when coughing or straining) 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).

Where do umbilical hernias protrude?

An umbilical hernia is a type of hernia where intra-abdominal contents (usually fat but occasionally intestine) protrude through a defect in the abdominal muscles where the umbilical cord once passed. Umbilical hernias are most commonly found in infants, but they can also be found in adults.

Can umbilical hernias cause a bulge in the belly button?

However, umbilical hernias can threaten your overall health when complications occur. If you notice a bulge in your belly button when you cough, bend or lift objects, you may have an umbilical hernia.

Why is my umbilical hernia so painful?

Because a bloated stomach causes discomfort on its own , an umbilical hernia in adults can be quite painful. Bowel movements and coughing exacerbate already present symptoms and in the event of a strangulated hernia, not only is the symptomatic pain persistent, the situation must be treated immediately with surgery as risk for peritonitis, ...

What to do if you have an umbilical hernia and are not a two year old?

Chances are if you have and umbilical hernia and you are not a two year old, you have asked your doctor about it. If you have not, and are having abdominal pain, see your physician as soon as possible.

How long does it take for a hernia to resolve?

In small children however unlike adults, the umbilical hernias usually resolve themselves in a couple of years. Because a bloated stomach causes discomfort on its own, ...

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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: ...

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 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.

How to repair a hernia?

In open surgery, the surgeon will open the site and repair the hernia by using mesh and stitching the muscle together. In laparoscopic surgery, or keyhole, surgery, mesh and sutures will be pass through small incisions. Muscle layers are stitched over the weak area in the abdomen wall, fortifying it.

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