What is an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia is a bulge in the navel (belly button) area, which can protrude and become large. Many children are born with an umbilical hernia, but adults can also develop the condition — especially women.

Symptoms

An umbilical hernia may not show symptoms, but the most common sign is a protruding belly button, which becomes more noticeable in babies when they cry and in adults when they strain their abdomen. It can bulge out, and the lump may become relatively large.

Causes

Umbilical hernias occur more frequently in women, premature babies or those born underweight, and individuals with Down syndrome. Excess abdominal fat can also be a contributing factor.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an umbilical hernia is made by observing the bulge in the belly button. The medical team may also consider the patient’s history and perform an abdominal wall ultrasound.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent an umbilical hernia.

Treatment

Many umbilical hernias close on their own. If that doesn’t happen, surgical intervention may be recommended for correction. If the hernia becomes trapped, it is considered a medical emergency.

Duration

In most cases, the umbilical hernia resolves within the first few years of a child’s life. In other cases, it persists until treatment is completed.

Is it contagious?

An umbilical hernia is not a contagious condition.

Can it occur more than once?

An umbilical hernia can appear at birth or later in adulthood. In both cases, treatment tends to resolve the condition permanently, with a low risk of recurrence.

By Einstein Editorial Board