Umbilical Hernia – What is it, Causes and Treatments!
Umbilical Hernia – What it is, Causes and Treatments that we should all know. Also, Umbilical Hernias are very common in infants and young children, especially in babies born prematurely. An Umbilical Hernia appears as a painless lump at or near the belly button . It can get bigger when laughing, coughing, crying or going to the bathroom, and it can shrink when relaxing or lying down.
In many cases, the Umbilical Hernia comes back and the muscles slip before the child’s first birthday. Umbilical hernias can also develop in adults. Without treatment, Umbilical Hernia will likely get worse over time. So, check now Umbilical Hernia – What is it, Causes and Treatments:
What Causes an Umbilical Hernia: During pregnancy, the umbilical cord passes through an opening in the baby’s abdomen (tummy). This opening should close shortly after birth, but in some cases the muscles do not seal completely. This leaves a weak spot in the surrounding muscular wall ( abdominal wall ).
An Umbilical Hernia can develop when fatty tissue or a part of the intestine shrinks through an area near the belly button . In adults, factors that can contribute to the development of an Umbilical Hernia include.
- Being overweight or obese .
- Straining when moving or lifting heavy objects.
- With persistent and heavy cough.
- Having a multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets).
Umbilical Hernia Symptoms: Umbilical hernias can usually be seen when the baby is crying, laughing or straining to use the toilet. The telltale symptom is a swelling or bulge near the umbilical scar.
An Umbilical Hernia can usually be seen after the umbilical stump falls off, within a few weeks of birth. But, some children do not have Umbilical Hernia until they are a little older.
Umbilical hernias can vary in size. They are rarely larger than 2.5 cm in diameter. Most children do not feel the pain of a hernia. Adults can get umbilical hernias too. The main symptom will be the same swelling or bulge near the belly button area .
Umbilical Hernia Treatment: An Umbilical Hernia repairis a relatively simple procedure that typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes to perform. General anesthesia is usually used, so there is no pain while the operation is performed. The weak spot in the abdominal wallis usually closed with stitches in children.
If the Umbilical Hernia is large or in adults, a special mesh can be used to strengthen the area. You or your child should be able to go home the same day the operation is performed, but you may feel a little irritable and uncomfortable as you recover.
Strenuous activities will need to be limited for a few weeks after the operation, and a week or two off school or work is often recommended. Most people can return to all normal activities within a month of surgery.