Your baby’s umbilical hernia is a mild condition that appears as a lump in the belly button. Hernia occurs when part of the intestine can pass through the abdominal muscle, usually in the umbilical ring area, which is the point at which the baby received oxygen and food during its development in the mother’s uterus.
Hernia in infants is generally not a concern and does not even require treatment, as in most cases the hernia goes away on its own until age 3.
- Umbilical hernia produces no signs or symptoms.
- Only one lump is noticed during the pediatrician’s assessment or when the baby cries or evacuates.
- For example.
- However.
- Other types of hernias can cause swelling of the area.
- Pain and vomiting.
- And it is important to take the baby to the emergency room for the best treatment to be evaluated and the best treatment can be indicated.
- Which in these cases may be involving a small surgical procedure.
Umbilical hernia in infants usually does not result in signs or symptoms, only when the child laughs, coughs, cries or escapes and returns to normal when the child goes to bed or relaxes.
However, if the size of the hernia increases or despite any of the symptoms listed below, it is important to consult an emergency physician, as it may not be just an umbilical hernia:
Diagnosis of umbilical hernia in a baby is done by a physical examination by a pediatrician, who pals the belly button area and sees if there is an increase in volume in the area when the child exerts. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the extent of your hernia and the likelihood of complications.
The development of umbilical hernia occurs by non-closing after the birth of the umbilical ring, which corresponds to the place where the umbilical cord passes, causing a space in the abdominal muscle, which allows the passage of part of the intestine or tissue. Fat.
Although umbilical hernia is common in premature babies, it can also occur in adults due to obesity, excessive physical exertion or as a result of changes in the urethra or cystic fibrosis, for example. Learn more about umbilical hernia.
Most umbilical hernia cases do not require treatment, as the hernia disappears spontaneously until age 3, however it is important that the child is accompanied by a pediatrician to evaluate the development of the hernia or the onset of signs or symptoms.
When the hernia does not go away until age 5, treatment may be necessary, which occurs in a small number of cases. For example, small surgery, which has an average duration of 30 minutes and should be performed under general anesthesia, may be necessary, although the child does not need to be hospitalized. See how umbilical hernia surgery goes.