An umbilical hernia in an infant, a lump around the navel, usually occurs when the intestine or fatty tissue tries to squeeze through the baby’s weakened abdominal muscles. A hernia in babies can take the appearance of a swollen navel. Umbilical hernia in infants is treated as a cosmetic defect. How should it be treated? What are the symptoms?
Umbilical hernia in infants
Umbilical hernia in infants is treated as an abnormal bulge in the navel, occurring as a result of displacement of the contents of the abdominal cavity through the open umbilical ring. It is congenital in children, but it can also appear in adults, due to the weakening of the abdominal wall, and is typical for overweight and obese people, as well as in pregnant women. A hernia in an infant does not have to be dangerous, but the child should always be seen by a specialist.
There are three types of hernias:
- inguinal,
- femoral,
- umbilical.
Each consists of a hernia gate, a hernial sac and the contents of the hernia. Umbilical hernia in an infant is not only a common, but also the least dangerous type of hernia. Most often we find umbilical hernias in infants.
Umbilical hernia in infants- causes
Even during fetal life, the rapidly growing intestine exits through the wide umbilical ring into the umbilical cord due to insufficient space in the abdominal cavity. As the intestine returns to the abdominal cavity, the ring closes and an umbilical hernia appears. Another reason may be the weakened abdominal muscles and due to the crying, screaming of the baby, effort, the muscles in places where their layer is thinner, cannot withstand the pressure and the intestines are pushed apart from the inside, and when they encounter a gap – they slide out through it. This is how a hernia is formed.
Umbilical hernia in infants – what does it look like?
An umbilical hernia in infants is a bulge in the navel – usually soft, easily drainable (i.e. pressed) back into the abdomen. A hernia may be more noticeable when your baby is sitting or standing, and when your baby cries, coughs or passes a bowel movement, the muscles in the abdomen tighten. The size of the hernia varies from child to child, but the bulge is rarely 2,5 cm. A hernia in infants is not always visible immediately, it may appear at a later stage. Umbilical hernia in babies usually does not hurt. When it comes to entrapment there is pain. Then it cannot be drained into the abdominal cavity due to swelling. However, if your child is vomiting or has signs of infection (redness or swelling around the navel), please contact your doctor.
Hernia in infants- treatment
If an umbilical hernia is suspected in an infant, see the pediatrician or pediatric surgeon for help. The doctor diagnoses an umbilical hernia by looking at the abdomen of a small patient. The doctor decides whether the hernia can be squeezed inside, and may apply a plaster that speeds up and supports its recession. Most umbilical hernias do not require treatment as they most often close on their own by the age of 5. If a hernia is trapped, it must be urgently operated on. If the hernia does not regress by the age of five, surgery is also required. Weakened abdominal wall is reinforced with a special mesh.
For hernia-related pains, it is worth using warm compresses, e.g. using a rubber hot water bottle in a fluffy cover, which you can buy at an attractive price on Medonet Market.
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