Patient's question:
My baby's umbilical cord scab fell off, but the area around the navel is still bulging outward. The doctor said it's an umbilical hernia because the abdominal ligaments haven't healed properly. I'd like to know what to do about other types of hernias.Doctor's answer:
Infantile umbilical hernia can be observed for a period of time. Usually, as the child gradually grows older, it will disappear. Umbilical hernias are typically caused by crying in infants. Crying leads to increased intra-abdominal pressure, which causes the navel to enlarge. If the umbilical hernia does not improve by the time the child is over 2 years old, surgical treatment must be considered, as this will provide better safety and effectiveness.If a child in the family develops an umbilical hernia, don’t worry too much first. Because umbilical hernias may worsen during crying, coughing, or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Due to developmental defects in the umbilical area, such as an unclosed umbilical ring or poor healing of the umbilical stump tissue after the cord falls off, umbilical hernias may occur. Most umbilical hernias will heal on their own as the child grows and the abdominal wall muscles strengthen. If there is no improvement by the age of 2, surgery should be considered.