When can an infant's umbilical hernia heal?
Umbilical hernia in infants is caused by a congenitally weaker abdominal wall around the navel, leading to a protruding navel. This protrusion is more likely to occur when a child cries intensely or has indigestion leading to increased gastrointestinal gas and abdominal pressure. Most umbilical hernias do not require special treatment, as up to 80% of children with an umbilical hernia will see the hernia ring narrow and possibly close naturally as they grow and develop physically, particularly before the age of two. It is sufficient to prevent long periods of intense crying and actively manage conditions that increase abdominal pressure, especially those related to the digestive system. If a child still has a noticeable hernia after the age of two, or if the diameter of the hernia ring exceeds 2 cm, it typically will not heal naturally and surgical treatment may be necessary.
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