Can you swim with an umbilical hernia?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on November 14, 2024
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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 Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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The umbilical hernia in the baby healed, but occurred again after two months. What should I do?

The baby's umbilical hernia had healed for two months but reappeared, indicating that the umbilical ring has not closed and the hernia has not completely healed. Therefore, in daily life, it is important to minimize the child's crying, tantrums, and vigorous exercise, and avoid getting cold or sick as much as possible to prevent severe coughing. Attention should be paid to the intake of foods rich in vitamins and cellulose, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. Drink plenty of water, maintain smooth bowel movements, and follow a light diet. Avoid eating cold and spicy foods.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What should I do about an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia is a type of hernia, mainly caused by poor development of the navel area and a relatively weak abdominal wall at the navel. It occurs when the intestines protrude through the belly button towards the surface of the body due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. The main treatments are as follows: if the infant or toddler is under two years old and the hernia is relatively small, it can be observed conservatively or it might close on its own. If the child is older than two years and the hernia is larger, surgical repair may be necessary. For adults with an umbilical hernia, surgical repair is generally the best treatment method.

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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 an enlarging umbilical hernia dangerous?

Umbilical hernia is not more dangerous as it gets larger; rather, the larger the umbilical hernia, the less likely it is to heal on its own. During the observation of an umbilical hernia, we need to be vigilant about the possibility of incarceration or rupture. This condition arises because the umbilical ring does not heal and close properly, typically presenting as a raised lump at the navel, which can recede on its own or disappear. Generally, umbilical hernias can heal on their own within the first six months with proper treatment. However, if the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5 cm after the age of two, surgical treatment is required. In any case, if the patient is over the age of five and the hernia is still present, surgery is the chosen treatment. In treating umbilical hernias, our conservative approach involves using a coin or a flat board larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it, and securing it at the umbilical area with adhesive tape to prevent movement, which generally produces good results.

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How to press back an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias are generally more common in newborns, primarily because the umbilical ring has not yet completely closed. In children, lumps appear in the navel area when they cry or when abdominal pressure increases. To address an umbilical hernia, first massage the area around the belly button, then gently return the hernial sac to the abdominal cavity with both hands. After returning the hernia, secure it externally with a hernia belt. This can effectively prevent the recurrence of the umbilical hernia. Typically, through conservative treatment, which involves this method of binding for about one to two months, the patient’s umbilical hernia can heal on its own.