Both children and adults can develop an umbilical hernia. In children, the great majority of these hernias seem to close up on their own, whereas an umbilical hernia in an adult can become serious if it’s not treated in a timely manner. In either case, let’s find out if umbilical hernias are serious.
Common in Young Children
Twenty percent of babies are born with an umbilical hernia. It occurs at the navel, or belly button, when some intestine pushes through the umbilical ring. This is a small opening in the abdominal muscles of a fetus where the umbilical cord passes. They become obvious because they protrude when the baby cries.
These hernias happen most often in newborns, and 90% will close by the time the child is five years old.
These hernias in children are mainly harmless and do not cause pain, but if your baby has any discoloration at the site, vomits, or appears to be in pain, call your doctor right away.
Adults With Umbilical Hernias
Too much abdominal pressure is usually the main cause for an adult umbilical hernia. Adults who develop an umbilical hernia commonly have similar risk factors.
The risk factors may include the following:
- Being overweight
- Multiple pregnancies
- Previous abdominal surgery
- Fluid in the abdomen
- Long-term peritoneal dialysis for treating kidney disease
Umbilical hernias seem to be more common in women.
Risks of Umbilical Hernias for Adults
Yes, an adult umbilical hernia can become serious and are prone to complications.
No, an adult hernia will not go away on its own; it must be repaired.
It can become a serious situation if some of the protruding intestine becomes incarcerated or trapped, and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. This reduces the blood supply to that section of the intestine, can come very painful, and requires immediate surgery.
If the trapped portion of the intestine is totally cut off from its blood supply, this can be a life-threatening situation which can lead to infection spreading throughout the abdomen.
Don’t wait to seek treatment!
Contact Michigan Hernia Surgery at (248) 551-9090 if you suspect you have an umbilical hernia and want a positive diagnosis and needed repair in Royal Oak.
