An umbilical hernia occurs when a portion or loop of intestine enters the muscles around the navel (belly button) and causes the navel to protrude or stick out. This happens most often because the muscle is weak or not fully developed. Risk factors include prematurity in infants and, in adults, obesity, lifting heavy objects and pregnancy. Family history also increases the risk.

Symptoms may include:

• A soft tissue protrusion from the naval, ranging in size from ½ inch to 2 inches
• Bulging of hernia when crying, coughing, during bowel movements, or other straining

WHAT YOUR DOCTOR CAN DO:

• Diagnose the condition by asking about your symptoms and performing a physical exam.
Treatment includes:
• In an adult, using an abdominal binder (a supportive garment). This cannot prevent hernias but can help strengthen the umbilical muscle.
• In an infant, no treatment is usually necessary. If the hernia does not repair itself by 5 years of age or any complications develop due to the hernia, surgery may be necessary.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• Most umbilical hernias repair themselves by age 2 or 3 without treatment. Almost all repair themselves by age 5 without treatment.
• Complications are rare but can include intestinal obstruction or strangulation. This must be treated with surgery immediately. Infection can occur and, in late stages, fever and vomiting may be present.

CALL 1061 OR SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE If nausea and vomiting occur, you suspect an infection has developed, or if severe pain is present.