When fatty tissue or a portion of the colon pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall close to the navel, it can cause an umbilical hernia.
Hernias come in various varieties. The umbilicus, or navel, is supported by the anterior abdominal wall an umbilical hernia results from a weakness in this wall.
Although they can also affect adults, these hernias are particularly common in newborns and infants. While they are usually easily treated, umbilical hernias can occasionally develop into serious conditions.
Umbilical hernias are the second most common form of hernia in adults. They occur within 3 centimeters (cm) of a person’s navel — either above or below it.
IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS :
Hernias in the umbilical cord are frequently observed in newborns. In comparison, multiple studies have demonstrated a prevalence of 23–85%Trusted Source in African American children at birth, whereas they are present in roughly 10–30% of white children at birth. Physicians are still unsure of this variance’s cause.
Preterm newborns are especially prone to this kind of hernia. An umbilical hernia affects as many as 84% of babies weighing between one and 1.5 kilograms (kg) at birth.
The umbilical cord passes through an opening in the abdominal wall while the developing fetus is inside the womb. This ought to close shortly after delivery. But sometimes, there is a weak spot that an umbilical hernia can push through because the muscles don’t always close all the way
IN ADULTS :
Only 1 in 10 adults with umbilical hernias carry the condition from childhood, with about 89 PERCENT acquiring them as a result of issues with the abdominal muscles in later life. Increased pressure on the abdominal muscles, such as during pregnancy or when heavy lifting, raises the risk of acquired umbilical hernias.
The following are signs of a strangulated umbilical hernia:
Pain and tenderness in the abdomen
bloating
Full-blown fever, round abdomen
bulge that is red, purple, dark, or discolored
hurling
The following factors can result in UMBLICAL HERNIA :
Obesity
more than one pregnancy
The abdominal cavity’s fluid
earlier abdominal surgery
Chronic peritoneal dialysis for the management of renal failure
RISK ELEMENTS :
Infants are most commonly affected by umbilical hernias, particularly those born prematurely or with low birth weights. Black babies in the US seem to be at slightly higher risk of umbilical hernias. It affects both boys and girls equally.
Adults who are overweight or who have had several pregnancies may be more susceptible to umbilical hernias. Women are more likely than men to experience this kind of hernia.
COMPLICATIONS :
Complications from an umbilical hernia are uncommon in children. When the protruding abdominal tissue becomes imprisoned and cannot be forced back into the abdominal cavity, complications may arise. This can cause tissue damage and abdominal pain by cutting off the blood supply to the section of the intestine that is trapped.
Tissue death may result if the intestine’s trapped section is totally cut off from the blood supply. An infection could become life-threatening if it spreads throughout the abdominal cavity.
An intestinal blockage is a little more common in adults with umbilical hernias. These complications usually require emergency surgery to treat.
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION :
Maintain a healthy body weight
quit smoking
add high fibre foods to avoid constipation
be mindful when lifting heavy objects
avoid heavy exertion exercises like overstretching and strength training
add exercises like pelvic tilts that helps to strengthen your abdominal muscles
eat non citrus fruits , high fiber foods , lean proteins , gealthy fats and whole grains .