Patient's question:
I held my newborn child, and then the child went home. But a few days later, I noticed a large lump near my child's navel. I quickly took him to the hospital. The doctor said this is an infant umbilical hernia. How is an infant umbilical hernia caused?Doctor's answer:
Hello, infant umbilical hernia refers to the protrusion of abdominal contents through a weak area at the umbilicus, forming an external hernia. It is mostly reducible and relatively common, with rare cases of incarceration. When crying, standing, or straining, a swelling or lump may appear at the umbilicus, typically 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, without other symptoms. It is often discovered incidentally during bathing or dressing. Most umbilical hernias heal spontaneously within one year through gradual contraction of the umbilical fascial ring.Infant umbilical hernia may occur within days of birth, months later, or even years afterward. Typically, a bulge may appear in the groin area when the child cries, moves, or has a bowel movement. In some cases, it may extend to the scrotum or labia. The bulge may disappear on its own after resting or sleeping. Severe cases may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or restlessness.