A hernia happens when an internal part of the body goes beyond where it is usually confined, pushing through the skin/muscle that contains it to develop a bulge on the skin surface.
Hernia i.e. the bulge on the skin surface caused by an internal body organ, can occur at any location of the body. However, it is most likely to happen in an area with weak musculoskeletal structures, like the abdomen.
Lets Know All About Umbilical Hernia Treatments:
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia is a type of abdominal hernia that occurs near the umbilicus, i.e., the belly button, which is a common weak area in infants. Surprisingly, umbilical hernia doesn’t just occur in infants; it can happen to adults, too.
- When not treated promptly, the bulge creates an umbilical hernia by sucking a section of the bowel which may obstruct the bowls causing nausea, vomiting, and pain.
- In rare cases, the bowel section gets trapped inside the bulge, and it loses the blood supply, leading to tissue death, a condition called gangrene that causes severe infection, sepsis, or even death.
So, what exactly causes umbilical hernia, when does a hernia require treatment, and where can one find umbilical hernia treatment in Visakhapatnam? Read on to know:
What are Umbilical Hernia Symptoms and Causes?
Umbilical hernia can happen in both infants and adults due to different reasons, which are as follows:
What is the Cause of Umbilical Hernia in Infants?
The umbilical cord that connects the baby to the mother in the womb passes through the belly button (umbilicus). A baby is usually born with the umbilical cord stump, but the opening in the abdominal muscle naturally closes on its own, and muscles around the belly button come together and seal the area. This process happens naturally, and the closure happens in almost all infants by the time they reach age 5. However, this opening doesn’t close completely and adequately in a few infants, leaving weak spots in the belly button.
Over time, as the baby cries, coughs, and strains, the pressure inside the abdomen increases. This increased pressure can cause a small part of the intestine or fatty tissue to bulge out through this weak/closed opening, ultimately resulting in an umbilical hernia.
What is the Cause of Umbilical Hernia in Adults?
Umbilical hernia also tends to happen in adults who are more prone to weaker belly button areas, which can occur for a variety of reasons. For women, multiple pregnancies can weaken the umbilical region. In both men and women, being overweight also increases the pressure at the belly button area, which, over time, may develop and cause an umbilical hernia.
“In addition to the above causes, individuals suffering from prolonged constipation, chronic persistent cough, enlarged prostate glands, and excess belly fat filling can also develop umbilical hernia. Surprisingly, individuals without any of the above conditions may also develop umbilical hernias when they consistently exert heavy amounts of pressure by lifting or pushing heavy objects daily,” says the leading expert of hernia treatment in Visakhapatnam, Dr. Baipalli Ramesh.
What are the Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia?
For babies, umbilical hernia shows up as bulging at the navel site, usually when they cry, strain, or cough. As for adults, the umbilical hernia may result from multiple causes, making symptoms much more extensive.
The most common symptoms of umbilical hernia in adults include protrusion or bulging at the site of the umbilicus (navel), gastrointestinal discomfort, pain, pressure, and tenderness in the navel area. In rare cases where the umbilical hernia worsens, adults may also experience bulging, discoloration, fever, vomiting, and constipation.
Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Vizag:
Umbilical hernia in infants resolves on its own by the time they reach age 5. Treatment is only suggested for kids if the hernia is still present by the time they are 5 years old, is painful, and is larger than 2 centimetres.
In adults, however, umbilical hernia once shows up, worsens, and causes complications at a faster rate, making surgery the most effective treatment for umbilical hernia.
Despite its severe complications, surgery for an umbilical hernia is a simple procedure. The surgeon makes incisions (cuts) to access the hernia and push the tissue back into place successfully. To further help the abdominal muscles quickly strengthen to hold the tissue in place, surgical mesh may be used by the surgeons for support.
That said, every case of hernia is different, and only the hernia specialist can decide when the patient needs surgery. If you are searching for umbilical hernia treatment in Visakhapatnam or looking for more information on hernia treatment, Lancet Laparoscopy Center offers patients who seek quick and effective umbilical hernia treatment in Vizag.
