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What is an Umbilical Hernia?
Umbilical hernias (Also known as Belly Button Hernias) are common in newborns and infants younger than 6 months. They occur when part of the intestines bulge through the abdominal wall next to the belly button. In babies with umbilical hernias, parents may see bulging around the belly button area when the baby cries. Unlike other types of hernias, umbilical hernias may heal on their own, usually by the time a baby is 1 year old. If not, surgery can repair the hernia. Adults can also suffer from umbilical hernia which represents a weakness around the belly button area. Those hernias can be cosmetically bothering to the patients as well as functionally. As long as the hernias are not incarcerated they can be pushed back at any time. Naturally as time goes by those openings can become larger and the advice that should be given to a patient who has an umbilical hernia is for that patient to have it surgically repaired.
Causes of an Umbilical Hernia
Acquired umbilical hernias are common in the obese. Those hernias that protrude through umbilical scar tissue are usually caused by conditions that raise pressure inside the abdomen and distend it.
Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel (umbilicus). The bulge may range from less than one-half inch to about 2 inches (about 1 to 5 centimeters) in diameter. If your baby has an umbilical hernia, you may notice the bulge only when he or she cries, coughs or strains. The bulge may disappear when your baby is calm or lies on his or her back.
*This website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a physician or other qualified health provider can diagnose and treat a hernia.
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