Early symptoms and manifestations of umbilical hernia

Written by Zeng Hai Jiang

Pediatrics

Updated on April 23, 2025

00:00

00:00

Umbilical hernia is a common umbilical disease, characterized by the hernial sac protruding through the umbilical ring. This condition has a higher incidence rate in infants. As infants grow older, most cases can be resolved, but a few children may require surgical intervention. Early signs of umbilical hernia include a soft bulge and protrusion at the navel. The protrusion at the umbilical area may increase when the infant cries, coughs, defecates, or struggles due to increased abdominal pressure, and it can decrease or disappear when the infant is calm and asleep. However, if the child experiences severe abdominal pain or vomiting, this could be an indication of incarcerated umbilical hernia, and it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

55sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by He Zong Quan

General Surgery

56sec

home-news-image

Can umbilical hernia cause intestinal bloating?

Umbilical hernia can cause intestinal bloating. When an umbilical hernia is not active, patients often show no obvious symptoms. However, because the hernia ring of an umbilical hernia is relatively small, the intestinal tract and omentum, which are herniated contents, can easily enter the hernia ring and protrude through the surface of the body. They are also difficult to retract, and there is even a possibility that the herniated contents become incarcerated. When the hernia acts up, it can easily affect the motility of the intestines, leading to the accumulation of gas and causing intestinal bloating. If an umbilical hernia frequently becomes active, surgical treatment is recommended to repair the hernia ring and prevent symptoms of the hernia from leading to intestinal bloating. It is necessary to avoid an umbilical hernia as much as possible in daily life and to prevent the intestinal bloating caused by it.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

1min 6sec

home-news-image

The difference between umbilical hernia and umbilical protrusion

Umbilical hernia refers to a condition in children where the umbilical ring does not close during development, causing a defect in the abdominal wall. This situation can be treated conservatively. Within half a year, the effects are generally good. You can choose a coin larger than the umbilical ring or cover it with a flat board, press it against the umbilical ring, and then use adhesive tape to fix it to prevent movement. Generally, most patients can heal on their own. If the diameter of the umbilical ring still exceeds 1.5 cm after two years old, it is advisable to actively accept surgical treatment. Moreover, the protrusion may not involve a defect in the abdominal wall but a potential weakness in the abdominal wall at the navel. Under conditions of increased abdominal pressure, there can be a protruding appearance at the navel. The biggest difference from an umbilical hernia might be that the umbilical protrusion might present a lump that does not completely disappear. In the case of an umbilical hernia, if the contents can be returned to the abdominal cavity, the hernia can disappear completely.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

1min 2sec

home-news-image

Does an umbilical hernia affect a baby's gastrointestinal system?

Umbilical hernia generally does not affect a baby's gastrointestinal tract, but we need to avoid the hernia becoming trapped or even rupturing. Once an umbilical hernia has formed, the hernial sac may contain abdominal omentum or possibly intestines. If the intestines become trapped, this can lead to necrosis of the intestines. Generally, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or even bloody stools. Therefore, umbilical hernias can usually be treated conservatively within the first six months. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, we recommend early surgical intervention, as only surgical treatment can cure it. In the treatment process of an umbilical hernia, the conservative treatment methods adopted mainly involve using a coin or a flat board larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it to press against the umbilical ring, and then securing it with wide tape to prevent movement.

home-news-image

Written by Dong Xian Yan

Pediatrics

46sec

home-news-image

Does umbilical hernia have any sequelae?

In most cases, children with umbilical hernias can be cured without any sequelae. However, if the umbilical hernia becomes incarcerated, leading to severe complications such as bowel necrosis, there may be sequelae of adhesive intestinal obstruction after surgical treatment. Umbilical hernia is due to the non-closure of the umbilical ring and weak abdominal muscles in children, which can easily lead to the protrusion of the intestines and mesentery through the umbilical ring when intra-abdominal pressure increases. As children grow older, most can heal on their own within one year. If it does not close after one year or if incarceration occurs, surgical treatment is required.