Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Pain around the bellybutton area
- Swelling in the area
- Discoloration of the bellybutton area
- Vomiting
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
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What are the signs of an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernias are common and typically harmless. Umbilical hernias are most common in infants, but they can affect adults as well. In an infant, an umbilical hernia may be especially evident when the infant cries, causing the bellybutton to protrude. This is a classic sign of an umbilical hernia.
How do you treat and repair an umbilical hernia?
How painful is an umbilical hernia?
Is umbilical hernia dangerous in adults?
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) ...
What food causes umbilical hernia?
Fatty Food - Saturated or trans fats food items such as red meat, processed food, high-fat dairy products, hydrogenated vegetable oil should be strictly avoided because these food items lead to inflammation and an increase in weight that possess the risk of increasing the problem of hernia.
Do umbilical hernias go away in adults?
Umbilical hernias in adults are less likely to go away on their own. They usually grow larger over time and often require surgical repair.
How serious is a navel hernia?
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).
Can losing weight fix an umbilical hernia?
Losing weight relieves excess pressure on the abdomen, which can prevent a hernia from developing, improve hernia symptoms, and avoid complications such as strangulation. Weight loss alone may be all you need to reduce the size of your hernia and eliminate pain.
What should you not drink with a hernia?
Hiatal Hernia: Foods That May Cause SymptomsCitrus foods, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, and orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and lemonade.Chocolate.Fatty and fried foods, such as fried chicken and fatty cuts of meat.Garlic and onions.Spicy food.Peppermint and spearmint.More items...•
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 weight gain cause hernia?
Sudden weight gain, chronic coughing and heavy lifting can contribute to a hernia developing. People can prevent hernias by controlling coughing, avoiding muscle strain and losing weight. You should see a doctor before a hernia becomes serious.
How can I fix my 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.
Do umbilical hernias affect bowel movements?
Symptoms of umbilical hernia Cries. Strains while making a bowel movement. Coughs.
What organ is behind the belly button?
Periumbilical pain is a type of abdominal pain that is localized in the region around or behind your belly button. This part of your abdomen is referred to as the umbilical region. It contains parts of your stomach, small and large intestine, and your pancreas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 ...
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 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: ...
How many babies have umbilical hernias?
About 20 percent of babies are born with an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias are generally painless and don’t cause any discomfort. About 90 percent of umbilical hernias will eventually close on their own, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
What are the symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia?
Symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia include: fever. constipation.
What is the term for a hernia in the abdomen?
An umbilical hernia occurs when the abdominal wall layers don’t join completely, and the intestine or other tissues from inside the abdominal cavity bulge through the weak spot around the belly button. About 20 percent of babies are born with an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias are generally painless and don’t cause any discomfort.
How does the umbilical cord connect to the fetus?
The umbilical cord connects a mother and her fetus while in the womb. Babies’ umbilical cords pass through a small opening between their abdominal wall muscles. In most cases, the hole closes soon after birth. An umbilical hernia occurs when the abdominal wall layers don’t join completely, and the intestine or other tissues from inside ...
How do doctors diagnose umbilical hernias?
How doctors diagnose umbilical hernias. A doctor will perform a physical exam to determine if an infant or adult has an umbilical hernia. The doctor will see if the hernia can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity (reducible) or if it is trapped in its place (incarcerated).
Can umbilical hernias be painful?
However, umbilical hernias can cause discomfort and be very painful in adults. Surgical treatment usually is required. The following symptoms may indicate a more serious situation that requires medical treatment: the bulge (in both children and adults) is very tender, swollen, or discolored.
Can a baby have a hernia?
Umbilical hernias can usually be seen when your baby is crying, laughing, or straining to use the bathroom. The telltale symptom is a swelling or bulge near the umbilical area. This symptom may not be present when your baby is relaxed. Most umbilical hernias are painless in children. Adults can get umbilical hernias as well.
Why do babies have umbilical hernias?
Causes of umbilical hernias. Before a baby is born, they rely on the umbilical cord for nutrients and oxygen. The cord extends from the baby's abdomen to the placenta. After birth, the cord is no longer necessary and doctors separate the baby from the cord. Usually, after the cord is gone, the gap in the abdominal muscles close up naturally.
What causes a hernia in the abdomen?
There are several reasons that adults can develop umbilical hernias, including: 1 Repeated abdominal muscle strain 2 Chronic health conditions that put strain on the abdomen, like ascites or chronic cough 3 Muscle weakness due to age 4 Obesity 5 Pregnancy, particularly pregnancies with more than one fetus
What does an umbilical hernia look like?
Umbilical hernias look like a small bulge coming from a baby’s belly button. The bulge usually isn't big and probably won't hurt or cause discomfort. You may notice that it looks smaller when the baby is lying down. It might be more noticeable if your baby is crying or straining their abdominal muscles.
Why does my belly button bulge out?
They happen when the abdominal muscles don't seal up entirely after the umbilical cord is removed. A small section of the intestine will poke through the gap and cause the belly button to bulge out. These hernias are not painful and are not usually dangerous.
How long does it take to get a hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery requires general anesthesia and takes place in a hospital. The whole operation should only take 20–30 minutes. Most people can go home the same day. Your doctor will make a small incision near the belly button and move the intestines back into the abdominal cavity.
How to tell if umbilical hernia is causing pain?
A doctor can identify an umbilical hernia by examining it . They may press on it gently to see if it can be pushed back into the abdomen. They will ask if it is causing any pain or discomfort
What happens if a hernia is strangulated?
A strangulated hernia needs emergency surgery to repair. Otherwise, the intestine can lose blood supply and the tissue starts to die. Once that happens, your surgeon will need to remove that part of the intestine.
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 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.
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.
What happens if a baby has a hernia?
You or your baby vomits. The hernia becomes swollen, tender, painful, and/or discolored.
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.
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 common is an umbilical hernia?
Risk Factors and Causes of Umbilical Hernia. About 1 in every 6 kids develops an umbilical hernia. Boys and girls are at equal risk. They’re more common in African American children, premature babies, and babies born at a low birth weight. These hernias can crop up years later in adults for other reasons.
Why do my hernias grow up?
These hernias can crop up years later in adults for other reasons. Pressure may build up in your belly and push the tissue out. This can happen if you have fluid buildup in your belly called ascites that may result from alcoholism. Pressure can also build up in your belly from: Chronic cough. Chronic constipation.
How to remove a hernia sac?
For open surgery, your doctor will make a small cut below your belly button, push the tissue back into your abdomen, and remove the hernia sac. The surgeon will use stitches to sew up the opening and attach the belly button to the abdominal muscles.
How long does it take to get a hernia removed from a child?
Your child might need surgery for an incarcerated hernia or a hernia larger than three-quarters of an inch across. This outpatient surgery only takes about an hour. Your child won’t need to stay overnight.
What happens if you have a hernia in your abdomen?
The opening in the abdominal muscle wall can trap the intestinal tissue that pokes through. This is an incarcerated hernia. Trapped tissue may not be able to get enough blood. This can cause pain and damage to the tissue. If the trapped tissue gets no blood, the tissue dies. This is a strangulated hernia.
What does it mean when a baby has a bulge in hernia?
If the bulge looks red, swollen, or changes color, or if your baby is vomiting and seems to be in pain, it may be a sign of an incarcerated hernia. These are rare. But if you notice these signs, see your pediatrician at once.
Does an umbilical hernia close?
The umbilical opening should close soon after birth. Sometimes, it doesn’t fully seal and an umbilical hernia occurs. Umbilical hernias often make the belly button stick out. Here’s information about umbilical hernias that explains what they are and where they come from.
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.
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.
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.