When a part of your intestine bulges through the gap in your abdominal muscles around your belly button (navel), it is called an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias are relatively common and are mostly harmless. Although umbilical hernias are most common in infants, they can also affect adults. An umbilical hernia in an infant might be noticeable when the baby cries, causing the belly button to protrude. It characterizes an umbilical hernia symptom.

Umbilical hernia symptoms

An umbilical hernia causes a soft swelling near the navel. The bulge in an umbilical hernia may be evident when the baby cries, coughs, or strains.

Children's umbilical hernias usually are painless. However, adult-onset umbilical hernias may cause abdominal pain and discomfort.

Diagnosis

A physical examination reveals an umbilical hernia. Complications are sometimes detected via imaging examinations such as an abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan.

Treatment

By the age of one or two, most umbilical hernias in babies have healed independently.

During a physical exam, your doctor may be able to press the protrusion back into the abdomen. However, do not attempt this on your own.

Do not attempt to repair a hernia by taping a coin over the bulge, as some individuals believe. Placing tape or an object over the bulge is ineffective, and bacteria may gather beneath the tape, resulting in illness.

Surgery is usually needed for adults to avoid problems, especially if the umbilical hernia grows larger or bothersome.

The surgeon creates a small incision near the belly button during surgery, returns the herniated tissue to the abdominal cavity, and repairs the abdominal wall opening with stitches. Surgeons frequently use mesh to help reinforce the abdominal wall in adults.

Getting ready for your appointment

Make an appointment with your family doctor or your child's pediatrician if you or your child has umbilical hernia symptoms.

Conclusion

That was some information to help you prepare for your appointment and anticipate what your doctor may say. It comprises any signs or umbilical hernia symptoms you or your child has experienced, and how long they have lasted. If indicators of the condition aren't always visible, bring in a snapshot of the hernia. Make a list of important medical details, such as any underlying health issues and the names of any drugs you or your child are taking.