An umbilical hernia is when a section of your child's intestines pushes through a small opening in the muscles surrounding the belly button. This can happen when a natural opening in the abdominal muscles fails to close properly. Most umbilical hernias close over time. If the hernia does not go away on its own, surgery may be necessary.
There are three types of umbilical hernias:
• A hernia that can be pushed back into the belly (reducible).
• A hernia that cannot be pushed back into the belly (incarcerated).
• A hernia that cannot be pushed back into the belly and loses its blood supply (strangulated). This type of hernia requires emergency surgery.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by a developmental …show more content…
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed by a physical exam.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition may depend on the type of hernia and whether or not your child's umbilical hernia closes on its own. This condition may be treated with surgery if:
• Your child's hernia does not close on its own by the time your child is four years old.
• Your child's hernia is larger than usual.
• Your child has an incarcerated hernia.
• Your child has a strangulated hernia.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Do not try to force the hernia back in.
• If your child is scheduled for hernia repair, watch your child's hernia for any changes in color or size. Let your child's health care provider know if any changes occur.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your child has a fever.
• Your child has a cough or congestion.
• Your child is irritable.
• Your child will not eat.
• Your child's hernia does not go away or go back into the belly on its own .
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your child begins vomiting.
• Your child develops severe abdominal pain or swelling.
• Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or