Umbilical Hernia Symptoms

There is one type of hernia that affects infants and children more than adults – this is known as the umbilical hernia. This hernia is caused when the a portion of the intestine is pushing through a weak are in the abdominal muscles in or around the area of the belly button. This condition is considered by many doctors to be harmless.

In most cases they hernia will close up before the infant turns one. In some rare cases it may take longer for it to heal. If the child is four and the hernia is still present than the doctor will insist that the child have surgery repair.

You will be able to easily identify the umbilical hernia in your child by the soft lump that will appear at their navel. This lump can be as small as half an inch or as large as two inches in diameter. This lump will be more noticeable when they are crying, coughing, or straining.

Most infants do not even realize their condition and do not suffer any form of pain or discomfort from it. It is possible that adults will suffer from umbilical hernias. This occurs for the same reason as it does infants – but it will cause them more discomfort. Most people will try to relieve this discomfort by pushing the hernia back inside of the stomach.

If they are able to do this then it is a reducible hernia. Many people will wear special hernia belts to keep the hernia in place. However, it is said that the best treatment to relive discomfort and any future problems is through surgery and to repair the weak area in the abdominal wall.

This will help to avoid a strangulated hernia. This is caused when the hernia is twisted among other intestines and will cut off the blood supply to that intestine. This can cause gangrene, infection, and eventually will kill the intestine. It is a serious condition that must be treated immediately.

Written by admin on August 24th, 2009 with 1 comment.
Read more articles on Hernia Symptoms and Umbilical Hernias.

• [+] Digg: Feature this article
• [+] Del.icio.us: Bookmark this article
• [+] Furl: Bookmark this article

Related articles

• Strangulated Hernia (August 24th, 2009)
• Femoral Hernia Symptoms (August 24th, 2009)
• Hiatal Hernia Symptoms (August 24th, 2009)
• Inguinal Hernia Symptoms (August 24th, 2009)
• Abdominal Hernia Symptoms (August 24th, 2009)