If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain near your belly button whenever you try to pick up an object, cough, carry grocery bags, sneeze, or even stand up for long periods, it may be linked to an umbilical hernia. Daily simple activities such as running, lifting weights, or gardening suddenly feel like a burden when the pain flares up.
This condition often creeps in silently and makes daily life frustrating and unsettling. If your belly button or abdominal area has become a constant source of discomfort, with the right awareness and practical support, such as a hernia support belt, you can alleviate the discomfort. Also, you can protect your umbilical and abdominal area from further injury and damage.
In this blog, we will explore and understand in detail what an umbilical hernia is, its symptoms, treatment, surgery options, and last but not least, the best hernia support solutions that can make your day-to-day life easier and better than before.
Symptoms of belly-button hernia
Umbilical hernia is a type of hernia (common in infants/newborns) where abdominal tissue, such as fat or part of an intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the belly button. Pay attention to these umbilical hernia symptoms:
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Visible bulge: A soft swelling or bulge at the navel, which can become larger when an infant cries, a child strains, or an adult coughs or strains.
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Pain or pressure: Especially common in adults, adults with umbilical hernias may experience discomfort, dull pain, or pressure in the area.
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Changes in size: The bulge may be visible or almost disappear depending on the individual's activity level.
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Bulge that reduces when lying down: The lump often flattens or goes away when lying on your back.
Will an umbilical hernia go away on its own?
Your age determines whether the umbilical hernia goes away on its own or not. Here are the conditions:
Umbilical Hernia in Babies
- Most umbilical hernias in babies close on their own by age 1 or 2, and almost all close by age 5.
- Surgery is generally recommended only if the hernia is still present by age 5, is painful, or gets trapped.
Umbilical Hernia in Adults
- An umbilical hernia in an adult will not heal by itself because the abdominal wall opening doesn't close on its own.
- Doctors often advise surgery as the only definitive way to treat it.
- Delaying surgery may lead to complications like the hernia becoming trapped or strangulated, which can cause severe pain and other symptoms.
- Seeking urgent treatment is recommended if you have a bulge near your navel.
When should I have surgery for an umbilical hernia?
A thorough medical examination determines if you should have umbilical hernia surgery or otherwise. However, you can notice the signs that you should go for surgery, and these include:
- Sudden severe pain in the hernia region when coughing, bending, lifting, or performing any other household tasks.
- A sudden tender or discolored bulge that is either red, purple, or dark.
- Frequent fever, nausea, or vomiting.
- Persistent hernia even after lying down.
- Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement.
- (In children) If the hernia is still present and is not reducible by age 3 or 4, or if it's causing cosmetic concerns.
- Severe or frequent bloating and constipation.
Important Considerations
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Pregnancy: It is usually advised to wait until after the pregnancy to have the surgery, as being pregnant can increase the size of the abdomen and may undo the repair. Consult your surgeon about the risks of waiting.
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Asymptomatic hernias: Many adult hernias that are not causing symptoms can wait, but they are likely to grow over time. Surgery is often recommended to prevent future
Consult your healthcare provider to prevent the risks of causing further complications.
What are the risks if I leave an umbilical hernia untreated?
The reason why it's commonly advised to urgently treat an umbilical hernia is that it can lead to several umbilical hernia complications, and these include:
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Incarceration: The tissue trapped in the hernia can no longer be pushed back into the abdomen.
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Strangulation: This is a medical emergency where the trapped tissue in the hernia loses its blood supply, causing it to die or become infected, or decompose. It can lead to severe pain and tenderness and requires immediate surgery.
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Bowel obstruction: Bowel obstruction is triggered by incarceration, which blocks the passage of stool and gas, causing significant discomfort and vomiting.
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Pain and discomfort: An untreated hernia may cause chronic pain, especially during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as lifting, bending, or coughing.
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Hernia enlargement: The hernia may grow, gradually making future surgery more challenging and potentially requiring a more complex procedure.
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Intensified surgical risk: The presence of an untreated hernia can worsen the risks associated with anesthesia and recovery when surgery is needed for another condition.
How long is recovery after umbilical hernia surgery?
Several factors determine your recovery timeline after umbilical hernia surgery, and these include:
- Age
- Severity of the hernia
- Activity level
- Type of surgery performed (laparoscopic repair or open surgery)
- Size of the hernia
- Overall health
- Past medical history
- Post-operative care
Umbilical hernia treatment duration may take up to 4 to 6 weeks for a complete recovery. However, on the first 2 or 3 days, you may feel mild to moderate pain or swelling near the incision site. Pain medicine and rest help manage discomfort. In the first week, you might move around comfortably and perform light daily activities.
Your stitches often start to heal in the 2nd to 3rd week, and pain continues to lessen. After 4 or 5 weeks of proper treatment, you can return to your normal daily activities. With your doctor’s permission, you can even resume exercise or heavier physical activities.
Consider using support aids like a Leeford Ortho Hernia Support Belt during your recovery phase.
Can lifestyle changes prevent or improve an umbilical hernia?
It's important to understand that lifestyle changes are not capable of curing an existing belly-button hernia. On the other hand, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in preventing or improving an umbilical hernia. Apply the following changes:
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Sustain a healthy weight: Excess weight applies extra pressure on your abdominal wall. This weight can increase the risk of developing a hernia or worsening an existing one.
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Avoid lifting heavy objects: Refrain from lifting heavy weights or objects, especially if you have a history of abdominal complications.
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Use supportive aids: Consider wearing orthopedic gear like a Leeford Ortho Hernia Support Belt. It prevents applying pressure in the abdominal muscles when lifting objects and even when doing other daily activities.
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Nutritious diet: Adding more fiber and whole-grain dietary meals helps to keep stomach functionality in check. It protects your lower belly area and reduces the risk of an umbilical hernia.
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Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water regularly prevents constipation and other stomach problems, which might trigger a hernia.
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Exercises: Engage in gentle exercises that strengthen core muscles, such as pelvic tilts, leg straightens, and gentle walks. Stronger core muscles provide better support for the abdominal organs.
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Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol: Alcoholic drinks and smoking weaken connective tissue and can cause chronic coughing, both of which increase abdominal pressure and the risk of hernias.
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Treat chronic cough: Seek medical treatment if you have a chronic cough; this is to reduce the strain on your abdomen.
Wrapping Up
Living with an umbilical hernia can be challenging, but remember, every disease has a cure. With the right care and support, you can manage it effectively. One should be aware of what causes umbilical hernia, noticing and recognizing the umbilical hernia symptoms. Taking early and timely actions can save you from long-term discomfort and surgical procedures.
Wearing reliable orthopedic support, such as a Leeford Ortho Hernia Support Belt or abdominal supports, can give your belly button and abdominal area the conditions it needs to heal. For quicker and effective recovery, be sure to accompany it with proper diet, rest, regular light exercises, and other lifestyle changes.
You will soon find yourself on the road to recovery. Smart self-care, the right support, medication, and patience are the keys. Most importantly, always consult your doctor for the best advice and care. Don’t ignore the signs because your umbilical area deserves the best care to make you or your baby healthy.
