Can an umbilical hernia heal itself?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Umbilical hernias can heal on their own, but we need to choose the appropriate method during the treatment process. Generally, if the umbilical hernia occurs before the age of two, we can choose a coin larger than the umbilical ring or a flat board, wrap it in gauze to press against the umbilical ring, and then use tape to secure it to prevent it from moving. In such cases, the hernia may heal on its own. During the observational treatment of an umbilical hernia, it is also important to prevent the child from engaging in vigorous activities or crying. If the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5cm after the age two, we recommend choosing surgical treatment. Generally, if the umbilical hernia has not healed by the age of five, we actively recommend opting for surgical treatment. If the child's improper lifestyle can cause aggravation or even rupture of the umbilical hernia, emergency surgery is required in such cases.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Why does the baby's umbilical hernia make a sound when pressed?

When pressing on a baby's umbilical hernia, a sound may be heard, primarily because the contents of the hernia are the intestines, most commonly the small intestine. Digestive fluids and gases are present in the intestines, so when pressed, the movement of gas through the digestive fluid can easily produce a sound, which is normal. The occurrence of an umbilical hernia in babies is mainly due to the incomplete development of the abdominal wall muscles and the umbilical ring not being fully closed. This allows internal organs like the intestines and mesentery to protrude through the umbilical ring, leading to symptoms of an umbilical hernia. After the appearance of an umbilical hernia, most children's hernias close on their own within the first year, with only a minority requiring surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can umbilical hernia be treated with moxibustion?

Umbilical hernia is fundamentally a surgical condition. The effectiveness of moxibustion in treating umbilical hernia is generally not very clear, and currently, there is no scientific basis to prove that moxibustion can cure umbilical hernia. Typically, umbilical hernias occur when the umbilical ring does not completely close. In children under six months, a conservative treatment approach is usually chosen. This can involve using a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it to press against the ring, and securing it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Most patients under six months old can heal naturally. For umbilical hernias, if the child is over two years old and the umbilical ring is still larger than 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is recommended. Moxibustion treatment does not offer significant benefits in the treatment of umbilical hernias. Therefore, as umbilical hernia is a surgical condition, it is advised that patients undergo surgery if their condition permits.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can umbilical hernia be vaccinated against?

After the birth of a child, it is necessary to vaccinate on schedule. There are some situations where vaccination is not possible. When a child has an umbilical hernia, it means that there is a protrusion at the navel, with abdominal contents pushing through a weak spot around the navel, forming an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias in children do not affect the vaccination of various vaccines, so parents can take their children to the local vaccination department to get vaccinated on schedule. At the same time, try to avoid letting the child cry loudly, as most umbilical hernias in children can heal by themselves within two years. Only more severe umbilical hernias may require surgical treatment. Therefore, parents can rest assured and take their children for vaccinations on time, as the umbilical hernia does not affect vaccination.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Treatment of infant umbilical hernia, what are the methods?

Infant umbilical hernia is a congenital condition where the abdominal wall muscles around the navel are underdeveloped and weak, causing a protrusion at the umbilicus. This often protrudes more readily when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Therefore, it is important to avoid causing the child excessive crying, and if the child has gastrointestinal symptoms, they should be treated promptly. Furthermore, since over 80% of umbilical hernias close as the child ages, typically by the age of two, as the hernia ring gradually narrows or even closes, special treatment is usually not needed. However, if the umbilical hernia has not healed by the time the child is two years old, or if the diameter of the hernia ring is greater than 2cm, surgery may ultimately be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Can infant umbilical hernia be cured?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused due to the weak abdominal wall around the navel and inadequate prenatal development. About 80% of infant umbilical hernias will gradually decrease and close as the child grows older and their physique develops. During this period, it is sufficient to avoid increased abdominal pressure, typically by preventing prolonged and intense crying in the child, and by actively treating gastrointestinal diseases that increase gas and abdominal pressure. Previously, children were often treated using umbilical hernia belts; however, there is now scientific evidence showing these are ineffective. Conversely, improper use of an umbilical hernia belt can cause damage to the child's abdominal skin. If the child's hernia has not healed by age two, or if the hernia ring is larger than 2 cm in diameter, surgical treatment may be necessary.