Umbilical hernias cause a bulge or swelling around the belly button, with symptoms including abdominal discomfort and a visible bump. While usually not serious, complications can occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Diagnosis is through physical exam and surgery is recommended for adults.
An umbilical hernia, a medical condition most often seen in children, is evident by the bulge or swelling it causes around the belly button. The most common umbilical hernia symptoms revolve around this swelling. The bump is between about 0.39 inches (1 cm) and 1.96 inches (5 cm) wide and is usually painless in babies, but is more visible when the baby cries, sits up, or strains. When the baby is lying down or quiet, however, it may become less visible or disappear. In adults, one of the umbilical hernia symptoms that you may experience is abdominal discomfort.
This medical condition is common. In the womb, a baby is connected to its mother through an umbilical cord, which is attached to a small opening in the baby’s abdominal muscles. The opening is supposed to close before or after birth, but when it doesn’t completely, it results in an umbilical hernia. Newborns who are black, have a low birth weight, or are premature are typically more likely to get an umbilical hernia. In adults, those who have had multiple pregnancies, lift weights, or are obese are more likely to acquire the condition.
The most common symptoms of umbilical hernia are usually not serious, but complications can occur. The intestines can become trapped in the opening, resulting in a condition called an incarcerated hernia. This can lead to a reduction in the blood supply to the intestines. Total loss of blood supply, a condition called a strangulated hernia, can result in tissue death or infection. Both an incarcerated hernia and a strangulated hernia require immediate medical attention.
When someone has an umbilical hernia, there may be serious signs that they should see a doctor. Some of these signs, in combination with umbilical hernia symptoms, are if the individual appears to be in pain or vomiting. Also, the bump might be discolored, overly swollen, or tender.
An umbilical hernia is diagnosed through a physical exam. Usually, the hernia closes on its own when the affected child is about four years old. If not, a doctor will need to close it during surgery. Some children may need to have surgery before age 4; this is usually under dire circumstances. It is usually recommended that an adult with an umbilical hernia receive the surgery.
During surgery, your doctor will reposition any intestines or tissue, if necessary, into the abdominal cavity and then stitch the opening closed. This is done through a small incision below the navel while the patient is under general anesthesia. The chances of an umbilical hernia recurring after surgery are slim.
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