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's umbilical hernia and an inguinal hernia?Doctor's answer:
An umbilical hernia is a congenital developmental defect. The abdominal wall muscles of infants are weak. Long-term constipation and crying can also promote the formation of an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia occurs when an infant cries loudly, and abdominal pressure causes the umbilical cord to protrude 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 upon contact, then you need to go to the hospital for treatment. Infants with umbilical hernias should avoid prolonged crying, constipation, and abdominal strain. Do not catch colds or cough, as coughing increases abdominal pressure.