Should the umbilical hernia belt be worn for 24 hours?

Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
Updated on April 11, 2025
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Umbilical hernia refers to the protrusion formed by the contents of the abdominal cavity through the umbilical ring, commonly seen in infants and young children. When the affected child cries, coughs, or struggles, the increase in abdominal pressure can easily lead to an umbilical hernia. The purpose of an umbilical hernia belt is to apply a certain amount of pressure around the navel area to prevent the occurrence of an umbilical hernia. In principle, the umbilical hernia belt should be worn 24 hours a day, except during special times such as bathing. When using the umbilical hernia belt, it is also important to adjust the appropriate tightness to avoid being too tight, which affects the child's comfort, or too loose, which fails to compress the hernial ring effectively. Additionally, attention must be paid to avoiding the incarceration of the hernia contents.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Does infant umbilical hernia need treatment?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by poor congenital development of the navel, resulting in protrusion of the umbilicus. Usually, as the child ages, the hernial ring gradually narrows and closes, and 80% of such cases can close on their own. However, there are a few cases, such as those where the hernial ring diameter is too large, especially more than 2cm, or those that do not close by the age of two, which require surgical treatment. During this period, it is usually necessary to avoid situations that may cause increased abdominal pressure in the child, leading to protrusion of the navel, such as preventing the child from crying intensely. For instance, if the child exhibits gastrointestinal symptoms, they should be taken to the doctor for timely examination and treatment.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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What should be paid attention to after umbilical hernia surgery?

Umbilical hernia refers to the protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring. Mostly seen in infants and young children, a majority of umbilical hernias can gradually heal through the contraction of the umbilical fascial ring. Therefore, before the age of two, except in cases of incarcerated hernias, most are treated non-surgically to promote healing. If the child is over two years old and the diameter of the hernia exceeds 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is adopted. After surgery, it is necessary to persist with abdominal muscle exercises to increase the child's resistance, prevent an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, reduce the recurrence of infantile umbilical hernias, and in terms of diet, it is advisable to avoid foods that might cause constipation.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Can you massage your abdomen with an umbilical hernia?

You can rub the belly for umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia is a hernia that protrudes through the navel, known as an umbilical hernia, which is more common in infants. Infant umbilical hernias tend to heal on their own, and most do not require surgical treatment. Adult umbilical hernias are more often related to increased abdominal pressure. Most infant umbilical hernias are due to congenital developmental defects, where the umbilical ring does not completely close, or the scar tissue at the navel is weak and not strong enough. Under conditions of increased abdominal pressure, the internal organs can protrude through the navel to form a hernia.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Will an umbilical hernia hurt?

Umbilical hernia can cause pain, especially during incarceration and strangulation. Generally, umbilical hernias are caused by factors such as pregnancy, excessive omental fat, chronic coughing, and severe constipation. A sudden increase in abdominal pressure may lead to the incarceration of the omentum or intestines, causing significant pain and hardening of the hernial mass. In such cases, emergency surgery may be necessary. For adults, traditional tissue repair or open tension-free hernia repair is generally chosen, while minimally invasive treatment options may be selected for specific groups. In children, umbilical hernias are typically observed conservatively, and if the umbilical ring remains larger than 1.5cm after the age of two, surgery should be considered.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can an umbilical hernia cause abdominal bloating?

Umbilical hernias can potentially cause abdominal distention because they may become incarcerated or even strangulated. The contents entering the umbilical hernia can include the omentum or intestines. If the small intestine or colon becomes incarcerated in the hernia, it can cause partial intestinal obstruction, with symptoms potentially including abdominal pain, distension, and nausea and vomiting. In cases where an umbilical hernia becomes incarcerated or ruptured, timely surgical treatment is necessary. Generally, umbilical hernias in children before the age of two do not require surgical intervention unless incarceration occurs. Most can be treated with adhesive strapping to allow for natural healing. If the umbilical ring still has a diameter greater than 1.5cm after the age of two, surgery should be considered promptly. For children over five with an umbilical hernia, surgery is recommended regardless of the specifics. Adults diagnosed with an umbilical hernia are also advised to undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible.