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Umbilical Hernia in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.

What is an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia is a bulge through the abdominal wall in the area of your child's umbilicus (belly button). The hernia may contain fluid, tissue from the abdomen, or part of an organ (such as an intestine). Children who are born prematurely, have a low birth weight, or are African-American, may be at an increased risk for an umbilical hernia.

What causes an umbilical hernia?

What are the signs and symptoms of an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias usually do not cause any pain. It may disappear when your child is relaxed and lying flat. Your child may have any of the following:

How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will examine your child and feel his or her abdomen. This is often all that is needed to diagnose the hernia. An ultrasound may be needed in rare cases when the diagnosis is hard to make by exam alone. An ultrasound may show the tissue or organ that is contained within the hernia.

How is an umbilical hernia in children treated?

Many umbilical hernias in children will close on their own by age 4 to 5 and do not need treatment. Your child's healthcare provider may be able to manually reduce the hernia. The provider will put firm, steady pressure on your child's hernia until it disappears behind the abdominal wall. Your child may need surgery to fix the hernia if it does not go away on its own by age 4 to 5, or causes complications. Complications of a hernia happen when the hernia stops blood flow to an organ that is caught inside. The hernia can also block your child's intestines.

How can I manage my child's umbilical hernia?

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I contact my child's healthcare provider?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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