Overview of Umbilical Hernia In Children
An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of the lining of the abdomen through the area around the navel.
Causes of Umbilical Hernia In Children
It occurs when the muscle the umbilical cord passes through does not close after birth. People of African descent are more susceptible to Umbilical hernias.
Some Umbilical hernias are linked with rare conditions like Down syndrome. However, most are not related to any disease.
Symptoms
Umbilical hernias are usually painless.
A soft swelling over the belly button and when the baby sits up, cries, or strains, the swelling then bulges.
The bulge may reduce when the infant lies down. The bulge varies in width; from less than 1 centimeter to over 5 centimeters.
Exams & Tests
The disease is usually detected during a physical exam.
Treatment ofUmbilical Hernia
Most Umbilical hernias heal on their own.
Surgery to repair the hernia is necessary only when:
- The hernia remains after the child turns 3 or 4 years old.
- The intestine or other tissue bulges out and loses blood supply (becomes strangulated).
