Identifying umbilical hernia

Hernia is protrusion of intestine through a weakened area in the abdominal muscle wall. If the intestine or any abdominal organ protrudes from or around the navel it is called umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernia can be present either at birth or can arise abruptly in adults. The umbilical hernia that is present at birth is one of the congenital malformations found commonly in children, which resolves on its own without any surgery or vigorous treatment. Heredity or familial history increases the chances of having umbilical hernia in adults.

In adults, the herniation occurs exactly on the navel or sometimes around the umbilicus. Umbilical hernia is usually acquired and is more common in women than men. Obese women, pregnant mothers, prolonged labor, multi gravida, ascitis, and those with persistent cough or constipation causing tension to the umbilicus are prone to get umbilical hernia. The umbilical hernia can be easily diagnosed with the person's history and physical examination.

The symptoms of the umbilical hernia are as follows:

1. There will be a bulge noticed at or a few centimeters (1-5 cm) around the umbilicus.

2. This bulge or protrusion will be an abrupt change that is noticed at your navel especially during or after pregnancy, following an attack of respiratory tract infection which was accompanied with coughing and sneezing.

3. Navel will change its contour from innie to outie.

4. Size of the hernia increases with time.

5. The umbilicus bulges out when you create pressure by coughing or lifting heavy object and disappears when you are relaxed.

6. It may present with or without pain.

7. There can be color change noticed. If the area is infected (reddish) or strangulated (blueish to black).

8. If the size of the hernia is large, it may obstruct the normal activity of bowel causing constipation.

Treatment is not necessary for children until 2 years of age. If the size is increasing after 2 to 3 years of age then surgery may be advised. For adults, surgery is the only treatment of choice and is done before any complications (intestinal obstruction, strangulation) occur. Herniorrhaphy and hernioplasty (with or without mesh) are the two surgeries performed to treat umbilical hernia. Care should be taken to prevent further herniation after surgery.

When you notice some abnormal symptoms that are mentioned above, make a quick appointment with your doctor and take necessary actions. Don't wait for things to get worse.