A hernia arises when an organ or a part of your body protrudes through a weak muscle structure in your body. In this case, an umbilical hernia arises when your intestine or a nearby organ pushes through and protrudes from your belly button (navel).
An umbilical hernia is most common in infants, where the abdominal muscles are weak and not fully formed. However, it can also happen in adults.
You can identify an umbilical hernia through certain symptoms. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common symptoms of umbilical hernia, as well as its diagnosis and treatment procedures. Read till the end to know all about umbilical hernia symptoms.
Symptoms Of Umbilical Hernia In Adults
An umbilical hernia is a minor complication common in many adults. It has some very obvious symptoms that can make its diagnosis easier. Below are those symptoms.
1. Visible Bulge Near The Navel
As discussed, an umbilical hernia occurs when an organ bulges through a weak muscle structure near the navel. This can result in a visible bulge near the area that can be seen by the naked eye.
Most times, the bulge will be visible when you cough, strain, or put some pressure on your abdomen. Other times, the bulge will be less visible.
2. Pain Or Discomfort
The continuous pushing and bulging of the organs against your belly button can be annoying. This discomfort, often associated with umbilical hernia pain, is especially noticeable when you cough or strain, which can increase pressure on your abdomen.
3. Swelling And Tenderness
The area surrounding your navel has a weak muscle structure. This can cause swelling and tenderness that worsens due to an umbilical hernia.
4. Digestive Issues
Most of the time, in an umbilical hernia, the organ that pushes through the muscle wall is your intestine. This can disrupt your digestive process and cause issues with digestion.
Symptoms In Adults Vs. Children
An umbilical hernia occurs mostly in children. However, it can also cause adults. There are some minor differences between umbilical hernia in adults and children. Let’s look at these differences in the below table.
| Adults | Children |
|---|---|
|
Appears like a bulge near the navel. Visible when straining or coughing. |
Appears like a bulge near the navel. Visible when crying, coughing, or straining. |
|
Can be painful and cause discomfort. |
Usually painless and causes no discomfort. |
|
Higher risk of incarceration or strangulation |
It is mostly a minor issue with a lower risk of complications. |
|
Usually, surgery is required to treat the issue. |
Often disappears on its own or might require a minor surgery. |
Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention
The above symptoms we discussed are some common symptoms that do not cause many complications. However, the symptoms listed below can indicate a severe complication that requires immediate medical assistance.
- Sudden, severe, persistent pain
- Redness or swelling in the hernia site
- Discoloration of bulge
- Inability to push the bulge back in
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tender and firm bulge
- Fever
All these symptoms can indicate an incarceration, strangulation, or an infection. It is best to consult the best hernia surgeon immediately for timely assistance.
Factors That May Worsen Symptoms
An umbilical hernia is a complication that can be fairly easy to treat and manage. However, there are some factors that can worsen the situation and make treatment difficult. Below is a list of such complications.
- Increased abdominal pressure due to activities like coughing, lifting heavy weights, etc., can put pressure on the abdomen.
- Excess weight (obesity) puts pressure on your abdominal muscles.
- Pregnancy can also cause complications as the fetus develops and starts to increase in weight.
- Health issues like constipation and chronic cough can cause pressure on your abdominal wall and worsen the situation.
Diagnostic Process
An umbilical hernia is usually diagnosed through a physical examination for both infants and adults. Your doctor will ask you to cough or pick something up to ckeck the bulge.
For babies, they touch and feel the bulge that arises when it cries or coughs. During this procedure, your doctor will determine whether the hernia can just be pushed back gently or whether it requires a surgery. They will also check for any complications like incarcerations or strangulations, which require immediate medical attention.
You will also be recommended a blood test to check for infections, along with scans like MRI, CT, ultrasound to check the seriousness of the hernia.
Treatment Options
Most times, the hernia will resolve itself for babies. This happens within their first year of age. If the issue is minor, the doctor will also gently push the intestine back into its place, leaving the muscle structure to form back on its own.
If the condition did not resolve itself by the time the baby turns 3, your doctor might recommend surgery. However, an umbilical hernia in infants usually goes away by the time they turn 5.
For adults, the doctor will mostly recommend a surgery to treat the issue. Based on your condition, your doctor will recommend a open or laparoscopic surgery. Discuss with your doctor before choosing the treatment method for your surgery.
Conclusion
Umbilical hernia is a complication that can be easily treated if you are admitted during the early stages. So, if you see a visible bulge in your or your infants belly when you cough or strain, immediately consult a hernia specialist. The doctor will assess your condition and provide the best treatment.
FAQs
An umbilical hernia is formed when the muscles in your midline don’t form properly, allowing for internal organs to push through the muscle layer. This can happen in both infants and adults and can be treated both surgically and non-surgically based on the condition.
Yes. in most cases, an umbilical hernia will go away by itself in infants as they grow. Adults, however, might require a doctor’s assistance to treat the issue.
An umbilical hernia is usually harmless in infants and goes away before ages 4 or 5. It is also quite harmless in adults if it was found earlier and treated on time.
