Umbilical hernia signs and symptoms

How hernia develops?

Adults may develop hernia because of growing overweight and straining the abdominal area. It can also develop because of a long-lasting cough or after the pregnancy. However, according to the study, the risk of developing umbilical hernia during pregnancy amounts to only 0.08%.

Umbilical hernia mainly develops because the opening in the abdominal muscle that let the umbilical cord pass-through is not able to close completely. The problem mostly arises in babies than adults.

African-American babies, babies born at a low weight, and premature babies are likely to develop the condition. Although, there is no difference in the percentage of occurrence between a baby girl and Babyboy, as per the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Centre.
However, other conditions include:

• Frequent pregnancies
• The abdominal cavity containing excess fluid
• Abdominal Surgery
• Having twins or triplets

What are the signs and symptoms of hernia?

When you grow an umbilical hernia, you will notice a lump in your navel area. It will appear more obvious when the infant is crying, laughing, coughing or going to the toilet. However, when a child is lying down and relaxing, the lump may shrink back. Moreover, in most condition, umbilical hernia in babies are harmless and painless.

However, in adults, the hernia can be painful. The main symptom that you may notice is the bulging or swelling near the navel area. In such conditions, it is essential to go through surgical treatment.

Furthermore, if you notice the below symptoms, it is an indication of immediate medical treatment:

• The baby begins to vomit suddenly
• The child is in extreme pain
• The bulging part, i.e. in both children and adult, is swollen, tender or discolored.

What are the associated complication that may arise because of the umbilical hernia?

There is no threat of complications as such arising in children. But there are cases of additional complications in both adult and children after the umbilical cord’s incarnation.

As a result of hernia, it becomes impossible to push back the intestines back into the abdominal. Thus, the body does not get enough blood supply, leading to severe pain and even killing tissues. This could result in a deadly infection or even death.

This is the reason why the umbilical hernia requires immediate surgery. Also, make sure to contact the emergency room or a doctor immediately after your intestine becomes strangulated or obstructed. You may recognize strangulated umbilical when you start experiencing the following conditions:

• Constipation
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Extreme abdominal pain
• Discoloration or redness
• Bulging lump in the abdomen

What kind of doctor to approach when you grow a hernia?

Its best to start with a primary care provider in case you have a hernia. However, if the condition is worse, and you need surgery to repair the hernia, you must look for a general surgeon.

If you are not sure if the problem is a hernia or not, don’t wait to seek help. This is because a neglected hernia can grow larger, darker and more painful over time. It can further lead to complications and urgent surgery. On the other hand, if you seek help early, there is a great chance of successful surgery, less pain and better recovery.

What can you expect from the surgical treatment of hernia?

The doctor or physicians will give you full instruction to follow after the surgery. This instruction mainly includes a diet plan, how to avoid physical strain and how to take care of your incision area. Generally speaking, there is a great chance that the hernia may return regardless of the repair operation. This is mainly because of protracted healing or tissue weakness. Moreover, obesity and smoking are also the main cause of hernia recurrence.

Conclusion

Hernia repair surgery is relatively simple and includes common procedures. Most of the children are able to return home without any complication the same day of the surgery. However, it is not something to ignore, so make sure you are getting it cured as soon as you notice its symptoms.