How to treat umbilical hernia with conservative treatment?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on January 24, 2025
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Umbilical hernia in children is a common condition involving the navel area, caused by incomplete development there, allowing intestinal contents to protrude through this weak spot, thus forming an umbilical hernia. The vast majority of umbilical hernias can heal on their own, so conservative treatment is possible, meaning it is okay to just watch and wait. Most children's weak spots in the navel will heal by the age of two, and the hernia will resolve itself. Only a very small number of cases, where the hernia is particularly large or has not healed by the age of two, require surgical treatment. Parents must be clear about this. Therefore, there is no need for special treatment, just observation. It's only necessary to avoid letting the child cry loudly, which can increase abdominal pressure.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can you swim with an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia is a common navel disease in infants and young children, primarily due to developmental defects at the navel where the region is relatively weak. When abdominal pressure increases, the contents of the abdomen may protrude, but this condition is generally not serious and does not cause severe harm to the child, with most cases resolving on their own. Therefore, for babies with an umbilical hernia, it is okay to allow them to swim. Swimming will not exacerbate the hernia nor cause any adverse effects. Only a very few severe cases of umbilical hernia, which have not healed naturally by the age of two, would require surgical treatment. It is also fine for children with an umbilical hernia to swim two to three times a week; parents can be reassured about this.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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What should I do if my baby's umbilical hernia doesn't go away?

Umbilical hernia in children is mainly caused by an unsealed navel ring. Its treatment should be based on specific clinical symptoms and age. If the hernia does not retract, it can be treated conservatively or surgically. Conservative treatment involves returning the hernia contents to the abdominal cavity and using an object the size of a coin, wrapped externally with gauze, to hold it in place and prevent movement. Generally, umbilical hernias in infants under six months can be cured with conventional treatment methods, and the treatment effect is very good. However, if the diameter of the navel ring exceeds 1.5 cm after the age of two, surgical treatment should be considered. For children over five years of age who still have symptoms of an umbilical hernia, conservative treatment is ineffective, and surgery should be performed as soon as possible. Umbilical hernias are a common condition, but not serious, requiring only dynamic observation and timely medical treatment if severe.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Is umbilical hernia hereditary?

Umbilical hernia is not a hereditary disease and generally does not occur genetically. Umbilical hernia is due to the incomplete healing of the umbilical ring, causing the abdominal organs to protrude through the umbilical ring, and is a congenital disease. Developmental inadequacies of the navel, or the presence of scar tissue, thinness, and lack of toughness in the navel area can lead to this condition when abdominal pressure increases. In general, children with an umbilical hernia may show discomfort, which can manifest as frequent crying or constipation. For most cases of umbilical hernia, conservative treatment is an option. In children under two years old, surgery can be avoided by using adhesive tape treatment, which can achieve very good therapeutic effects. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, timely surgery is necessary. For adults with umbilical hernia, incarceration and strangulation are common, and surgery is recommended as soon as a clear diagnosis is made.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Nursing methods for umbilical hernia

Care methods for umbilical hernia, we need to pay attention to the following points. If during a child's intense crying or activity, the contents of the umbilical hernia protrusion are relatively large, it is important to promptly soothe the patient to avoid incarceration. Because if the incarceration lasts too long, it can lead to necrosis or even rupture of the intestine, potentially endangering the child's life and requiring emergency surgical treatment. The general conservative treatment method for umbilical hernia is to select a coin or flat plate larger than the diameter of the umbilical ring, wrap it around to press against the umbilical ring, and then secure it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Generally, most children can self-heal within six months. If the umbilical hernia does not heal by itself after two years and the diameter of the umbilical ring is greater than 1.5 cm, surgery is recommended. In any case, if the patient is older than five years and has not healed in a timely manner, it is advisable to proactively opt for surgery as soon as possible.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Will an umbilical hernia cause abdominal pain?

Umbilical hernia may cause stomach pain. This is possible because an umbilical hernia occurs when the intestines push through a weak spot in the belly button area due to pressure. In most cases, it is the small intestine that protrudes through the hernia. If a large portion of the small intestine protrudes, it can lead to kinking and potentially cause an obstruction of the small intestine. Once the small intestine is obstructed, it can lead to abdominal pain, and may also be accompanied by bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Thus, in cases where the small intestine is kinked, it is possible for an umbilical hernia to cause stomach pain.