Patient's question:
My cousin's child went to the hospital for a check-up a few days ago because of a physical discomfort. The doctor initially diagnosed it as possibly an umbilical hernia, or it could be an inguinal hernia. Could you please explain the difference between an infant umbilical hernia and an inguinal hernia?Doctor's answer:
An umbilical hernia is a congenital developmental defect. The infant's abdominal wall muscles are weak. Long-term constipation and crying can also promote the formation of an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia occurs when the infant cries loudly, and the abdominal muscles lose strength when the umbilical cord protrudes outward, about the size of a one-dollar coin. When pressed, it will contract. Generally speaking, self-healing is safer than hernia surgery. But if you are over 2 years old, cannot heal on your own, or if it becomes hard, does not shrink when touched, and is extremely painful when touched, then you need to go to the hospital for treatment. Infants with umbilical hernias should avoid prolonged crying, constipation, and abdominal fatigue. Do not catch colds or cough, as coughing increases abdominal pressure.