What is Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia is a condition in which tissues or organs in the abdomen protrude through a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall in the umbilical region. This weakness usually occurs around the navel and allows internal organs or fatty tissue to protrude through this area. Umbilical hernias can occur in both infants and adults.
Swelling or protrusion in the navel area: The most obvious symptom is swelling around the belly button. This swelling can become more pronounced when coughing, straining or heavy lifting.
Pain or Discomfort: A hernia is usually painless, but in some cases it can cause discomfort or pain in the abdomen.
Nausea and vomiting: If the hernia is stuck (incarceration) or strangulated (strangulation), this serious condition can lead to nausea, vomiting and severe pain.
Congenital Weakness: In infants, umbilical hernia may occur because the abdominal wall around the umbilical cord does not close completely after birth.
Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure: In adults, factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure such as heavy lifting, obesity, pregnancy, chronic cough or frequent constipation can lead to umbilical hernia.
Postoperative Weakness: Weakness in the abdominal wall may develop after surgeries in the abdominal region and this may cause a hernia.
Observation: Umbilical hernias in infants usually heal spontaneously within a few years. However, in adults, especially large or symptomatic hernias may require treatment.
Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention is recommended if the hernia is causing symptoms, is enlarging or is at risk of impingement. During this surgical intervention, the hernia sac is pushed back to close the opening in the abdominal wall and the area is usually reinforced with a mesh.
Emergency Surgery: If the hernia is stuck or strangulated, emergency surgery is necessary. If this condition is left untreated, tissues can be damaged or killed.
An umbilical hernia is usually not a serious health problem, but in some cases it may require medical intervention. In the following cases, it is recommended that you consult a doctor:
Situations where a doctor should be consulted for an umbilical hernia
Sudden enlargement of a bulge or protrusion:
If the swelling or protrusion in the umbilical area suddenly becomes larger or more prominent, this may indicate that the hernia is getting worse.
The hernia causes severe pain:
An umbilical hernia is usually painless, but if severe pain starts to occur, it may mean that the hernia is being compressed or strangulated and may require immediate medical attention.
If the bulge becomes hard and cannot be pushed in:
If the hernial bulge becomes hard and you have difficulty pushing it in or cannot push it in at all, this may indicate an impingement that requires immediate attention.
Development of Nausea, Vomiting and Fever:
These symptoms can be a sign of serious complications such as a hernia impingement or intestinal obstruction and require immediate medical attention.
Discoloration (bruising or redness) in the navel area:
If bruising, redness or skin discoloration is observed in the area of the hernia, this may indicate that blood flow is interrupted and tissues are damaged.
If Hernia Symptoms Affect Daily Life:
If the hernia becomes uncomfortable and makes it difficult to perform daily activities, a doctor should be consulted to discuss treatment options.
In infants
If the hernia does not close by itself:
Umbilical hernia in infants usually closes spontaneously until 1-2 years of age. If it does not close during this period or if a child who is 4-5 years old still has a hernia, surgical intervention may be required.
If the Hernia Becomes Frequent:
If the umbilical hernia in babies becomes prominent, swells frequently and this situation becomes continuous, a doctor should be consulted.
It is important to consult a doctor before the symptoms of umbilical hernia become serious in order to prevent possible complications. If any of the above conditions are among the symptoms you or your child is experiencing, you should not waste time to seek medical help.
