What Are Umbilical Hernias

Umbilical hernias are a harmless condition that usually affects babies. The hernia forms when a section of the intestine is pushing through a weak area in the muscles of the abdomen. While this condition is more often found in infants it can affect some adults as well.

The majority of these type of hernias will close by itself by the time the child has turned one. However, there are cases in which it will take slightly longer to heal. If the hernia has not gone away by the time the child is four or if an adult notices that they have one then they should seek medical care and use surgery to repair it.

Umbilical Hernia Symptoms

The hernia will form a bulge close to the navel where the umbilicus is situated. This bulge may be between half an inch to two inches long in diameter. Most people will only notice the bulge while they child is crying, straining, or coughing. As soon as they are quiet or are laying down on their back it will usually disappear.

While the umbilical hernias in children are painless and do not affect the child in a negative way many adults will not be so lucky. In these cases the adult will find great discomfort from the hernia and a slight amount of pain.

Umbilical Hernia Causes

The cause of umbilical hernias in infants will take place when the woman is still pregnant. During this time the umbilical cord will travel through a tiny opening in the abdominal muscles in the infant. The opening will usually close before the mother gives birth. However, if the muscles are not able to connect with each other then the weak are in the abdominal wall will create the hernia during birth or when they are older.

The cause of umbilical hernias in adults can be from quite a few factors in their life. These include heavy lifting, coughing, obesity, fluid contained within the abdominal cavity, or a number of pregnancies.