Umbilical Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

According to the International Journal of Contemporary Paediatrics, studies report a prevalence of 11% in paediatric patients, particularly in infants aged 0–1 years, making umbilical hernia a common concern in early childhood.

An umbilical hernia is a condition in which an unusual tissue bulge can be felt over the belly button. It is commonly seen in newborns and infants but can also affect adults. An umbilical hernia is easily treatable, but on rare occasions, it can become a serious condition.

This article discusses umbilical hernia disease, the causes of hernia, and its symptoms.

What Is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the tissue around the small intestine, along with fat and fluid, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the navel. Primarily, hernia symptoms appear as an unusual bulge around the belly button.

Hernia disease is usually seen in infants born prematurely. However, umbilical hernia can also develop in adults due to increased internal strain in the stomach from various factors.

What Are Umbilical Hernia Causes?

Causes of hernia differ in children, females, and males. Some common causes include:

1. Hernia Causes in Males:

• Heavy lifting without proper technique
• Obesity
• Coughing due to smoking, asthma, or lung disease

2. Hernia Causes in Females:

• Pregnancy
• C-section or abdominal surgeries
• Straining during labour

3. Hernia Causes in Infants:

Umbilical hernia in an infant usually resolves by age four or five. Differences in normal vs. infected umbilical cord may contribute to concerns. Causes include:

• Belly button not closed properly after birth
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight

What Are the Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia?

Hernia symptoms vary based on age and gender. In infants, they are usually painless. In adults, discomfort and swelling are common. Hernia symptoms in women may worsen during pregnancy or after surgery. Some common symptoms include:

1. Hernia Symptoms in Males:

• Bulge near the navel that worsens during heavy lifting or coughing
• Pain and discomfort near the abdomen
• Increase in size of the bulge over time

2. Hernia Symptoms in Females:

• Swelling near the belly button after surgery or pregnancy
• Bulge that is tender when touched
• Worsening pain while standing or straining

3. Hernia Symptoms in Infants:

• Soft bulge near the navel, noticeable when crying
• Usually painless and self-resolving
• Growth in the bulge size, rarely causing discomfort

4. Severe Hernia Symptoms — When to Worry?

• Redness and sharp shooting pain in the hernia area
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in stools

If a person experiences persistent pain, vomiting, or a hard, swollen, and red lump, it may indicate serious complications and requires immediate medical care.

How Is Umbilical Hernia Diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose an umbilical hernia through:

1. Physical Examination

The doctor checks for bulging, redness, or tenderness near the belly button. The difference between umbilical hernia before and after treatment is usually significant.

2. Medical History

Patients may be asked about past surgeries, pregnancy, or heavy lifting since these activities can trigger hernia symptoms.

3. Hernia Test and Imaging

• Ultrasound: Helps determine hernia size.
• CT scan / MRI: Used for severe cases to check complications.

Appropriate testing and early diagnosis are important to understand hernia disease and rule out conditions like infections in infants, including differences between a normal vs. infected umbilical cord. Consult a healthcare professional and book a test with Dr Lal PathLabs for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

FAQs

1. What is hernia?

A hernia occurs when a tissue or organ bulges through a weakened part of the surrounding muscles or connective tissues. An umbilical hernia specifically forms when part of the fatty tissue or intestine bulges through a weak area in the abdominal muscles near the belly button.

2. What are hernia symptoms and causes?

Common hernia symptoms include pain, swelling, and visible bulging near the navel. Hernia symptoms in women may worsen during pregnancy, while hernia causes in males often include heavy lifting and abdominal strain.

3. When to worry about hernia pain?

Seek urgent medical care if the hernia becomes red, swollen, or extremely painful. Umbilical hernia before and after treatment often shows significant improvement.

4. What is a hernia test?

A hernia test may include a physical exam, ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, and blood tests to rule out infections. These tests also help differentiate between a normal vs. infected umbilical cord in newborns.