Umbilical Hernia Causes
An umbilical hernia occurs around the bellybutton, or navel.
When this happens, fatty or bowel tissues protrude through a weakened area of the abdominal wall.
Umbilical Hernias in Infants Every 1 in 10 infants is affected by hernia.
During the 9-month period a fetus is in the womb, the umbilical passes through an opening of the abdominal wall.
In most cases, this opening closes just before or soon after the baby is born.
Sometimes, this opening does not seal completely and leaves the area weakened.
When this happens, an umbilical hernia can occur.
It looks like a lump around the bellybutton, and may protrude more when the infant is crying, laughing or moving around.
Most often, this lump is not painful.
After 12 months, the hernia should close on its own.
Most commonly, this is the case and it is not a cause for concern.
If, after four years, the hernia is still present, surgery may be required to solve the problem.
If your infant is showing considerable signs of distress and sickness, such as vomiting, seek medical attention.
Umbilical Hernias in Adults Hernias in adults are less common than they are in children, but they can still occur.
If an adult's abdominal wall did not heal properly as an infant, even if they did not experience a hernia as an infant, they can still develop an umbilical hernia later in life.
Some of the common causes of umbilical hernias in adults include: · Multiple pregnancies · Abdominal surgery · Heavily lifting/bending · Abdominal cavity fluid · Obesity · Persistent cough Women are more at risk for an umbilical hernia than men are.
The likelihood of occurrence is equal for male and female children.
Diagnosing an Umbilical Hernia To have this diagnosed, a doctor performs a non-invasive examination that might consist of ultrasounds or abdominal x-rays.
Sometimes a diagnosis can be made by an examination with the hands; although, the hernia does not always show itself and the symptoms are not always present At-Risk Populations for Hernias There are those who are more at risk for a hernia than others are.
They are: · Those with cystic fibrosis · Those with dysplasia of the hip · Men whose testes have not descended · Women with urethra abnormalities · African-American infants are more likely to have this type of hernia · Those with a family history of hernias as infants If you are concerned that you or your child may have a hernia, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing extreme pain, nausea or vomiting, it could be an indication that the hernia has become strangulated and you need to seek medical attention immediately.
Nothing is more important than your child's health.
When this happens, fatty or bowel tissues protrude through a weakened area of the abdominal wall.
Umbilical Hernias in Infants Every 1 in 10 infants is affected by hernia.
During the 9-month period a fetus is in the womb, the umbilical passes through an opening of the abdominal wall.
In most cases, this opening closes just before or soon after the baby is born.
Sometimes, this opening does not seal completely and leaves the area weakened.
When this happens, an umbilical hernia can occur.
It looks like a lump around the bellybutton, and may protrude more when the infant is crying, laughing or moving around.
Most often, this lump is not painful.
After 12 months, the hernia should close on its own.
Most commonly, this is the case and it is not a cause for concern.
If, after four years, the hernia is still present, surgery may be required to solve the problem.
If your infant is showing considerable signs of distress and sickness, such as vomiting, seek medical attention.
Umbilical Hernias in Adults Hernias in adults are less common than they are in children, but they can still occur.
If an adult's abdominal wall did not heal properly as an infant, even if they did not experience a hernia as an infant, they can still develop an umbilical hernia later in life.
Some of the common causes of umbilical hernias in adults include: · Multiple pregnancies · Abdominal surgery · Heavily lifting/bending · Abdominal cavity fluid · Obesity · Persistent cough Women are more at risk for an umbilical hernia than men are.
The likelihood of occurrence is equal for male and female children.
Diagnosing an Umbilical Hernia To have this diagnosed, a doctor performs a non-invasive examination that might consist of ultrasounds or abdominal x-rays.
Sometimes a diagnosis can be made by an examination with the hands; although, the hernia does not always show itself and the symptoms are not always present At-Risk Populations for Hernias There are those who are more at risk for a hernia than others are.
They are: · Those with cystic fibrosis · Those with dysplasia of the hip · Men whose testes have not descended · Women with urethra abnormalities · African-American infants are more likely to have this type of hernia · Those with a family history of hernias as infants If you are concerned that you or your child may have a hernia, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing extreme pain, nausea or vomiting, it could be an indication that the hernia has become strangulated and you need to seek medical attention immediately.
Nothing is more important than your child's health.
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