One out of every five babies are born with umbilical hernia. Usually, it is a disease of infants and gets corrected on its own while growing up. Let’s have a brief introduction of umbilical hernia and its treatment.

What is Umbilical Cord?

Umbilical cord is the connection between a mother and child during pregnancy. The umbilical cord passes through the belly button. Ideally, this opening closes on its own shortly after birth.

When does Umbilical Hernia arise?

When the opening of the belly button does not close, the intestine or surrounding tissues bulge out of the weak spot near belly button. Thus, the condition of umbilical hernia arises.

This type of hernias usually do not induce any pain or discomfort. Statistically, 90 percent of babies suffering from umbilical hernia get cured of it on its own. But, if it does not close by the time the child reaches the age of 4, then treatment is required.

Infants having Umbilical Hernia

Babies who are either born premature or with low birth weight or belongs to African-American origin are more prone to developing this kind of hernia. It can be found in both, girl and boy.

Adults having Umbilical Hernia

It is mostly a disease of infants, but it can occur to an adult as well. It occurs in adults when the weak spot experiences too much pressure. Contributing factors for the same can be:

1. Multiple pregnancies
2. Being overweight or obese
3. Having twins or triplets or more
4. Presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity
5. Previous stomach surgery
6. Persistent cough

Diagnosis of Umbilical Hernia

It can be easily detected in children, especially while crying or laughing. It can be visually distinguished by presence of a swelling near the belly button. In case of adult, the swelling near the navel, which may also induce pain, is a sure shot way of distinguishing umbilical hernia.

Complications associated with Umbilical Hernia

As already mentioned, umbilical hernia is usually not associated with any major trouble. However, it becomes quite serious and needs immediate treatment, if the umbilical cord is incarcerated. A physical examination is done to determine whether the cord is incarcerated or not. During this examination, the surgeon tries to push it back inside the abdominal cavity. If it can’t be pushed back, then it is already incarcerated. Such condition arises when the protruded part does not get enough blood supply and might end up developing gangrene and serious infection.