Umbilical Hernia Symptoms

Hernia is said to have occurred when the contents of the body cavity spill out of the membrane that contains them. Hernia is a generic term which refers to bulges in any part of the body. However, most types of hernia occur in the lower half of the body and are related with abdominal wall. These hernias are mostly the result of part of an intestine bulging out or a lump of fatty tissue of abdomen. Hernias may occur in other parts of the body as well. Umbilical hernia is said to have occurred, when the bulge is visible around the navel region. It is actually a protrusion of intestine in the umbilical region. Although, most hernias are asymptomatic, there can be some symptoms of umbilical hernia. The symptoms vary as per the underlying cause.

Causes
There are several causes of umbilical hernia. Mostly, weakening of the muscles of abdominal cavity is the primary cause of umbilical hernia or belly button hernia. In infants, it occurs due to non closure of the opening of the muscle which is responsible for feeding the developing fetus. In adults, it may result due to persistent strenuous activities like coughing, straining, lifting heavy objects, etc. Sometimes, hernia even runs in the family. Accumulation of fluid in the body cavity, chronic lung disease and obesity are some other causes that also contribute to umbilical hernia.

Symptoms in Children
In babies, the lump around the navel is barely noticeable. It is a soft lump of size of about 1 to 2 inches. You will be able to see the lump only when the baby strains himself, that is during activities like crying, laughing, sitting up, etc. The hernia is mostly harmless and needs no medical intervention, especially in children of age 1 to 2 years. The hernia first grows with the baby but later subsides as the opening closes on its own.

Symptoms in Adults
The symptoms of umbilical hernia in adults is pretty much similar to those in children. However, in case of adults, the size of hernia is quite large and it is only noticeable during strenuous activities. However, in certain cases the hernia may be large enough so that it is visible even during relaxed state. If the hernia results after post pregnancy then a respiratory tract infection is mostly accompanied by it. Hernia may not be always associated with pain. The color of the hernia may change from reddish to bluish black, which often indicates strangulation of hernia, meaning the blood supply may be cut off. This is an emergency which warrants immediate medical intervention. Strangulated hernia may lead to threatening situations like gangrene, peritonitis, etc. Complications may also arise if the hernia traps a bowel inside it.

Treatment
Surgery is the only treatment option available to cure umbilical hernia completely and permanently. There are basically two type of surgeries, open surgery and keyhole surgery. Mostly, open surgery is recommended, as it pushes the contents back in the abdominal cavity and strengthens the abdominal muscles with a synthetic wire mesh. Keyhole surgery is recommended for patients with recurrent hernias.

Umbilical hernia symptoms are almost non existent, except for mild, rare pain. Thus, you should watch your navel area for a lump, if you experience pain in that region. You should immediately consult a physician if you suspect the lump to be hernia. Your physician may be able to diagnose the problem and recommend you a proper treatment.