Can an infant umbilical hernia cause crying?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on January 10, 2025
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Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenital weakness in the umbilicus, usually manifesting as an umbilical bulge during increased abdominal pressure. Generally, an umbilical hernia does not cause children to cry. However, if the hernia ring is relatively large, and abdominal structures such as the greater omentum or small intestine protrude through it, incarceration can occur, leading to abdominal discomfort and crying in the child. In such cases, carefully pushing the hernia back in is usually sufficient. Umbilical hernias typically do not require special treatment; it is only necessary to prevent prolonged intense crying in children and to actively prevent and treat indigestive diseases. Generally, as the child grows older and their physique strengthens, the hernia ring narrows and may even close naturally. Only a small number of babies, if the hernia ring diameter is larger than 2 cm, or if there is a noticeable umbilical hernia after the age of two, might experience discomfort requiring surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Does infant umbilical hernia need treatment?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by poor congenital development of the navel, resulting in protrusion of the umbilicus. Usually, as the child ages, the hernial ring gradually narrows and closes, and 80% of such cases can close on their own. However, there are a few cases, such as those where the hernial ring diameter is too large, especially more than 2cm, or those that do not close by the age of two, which require surgical treatment. During this period, it is usually necessary to avoid situations that may cause increased abdominal pressure in the child, leading to protrusion of the navel, such as preventing the child from crying intensely. For instance, if the child exhibits gastrointestinal symptoms, they should be taken to the doctor for timely examination and treatment.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How is umbilical hernia treated?

In treating umbilical hernias, we need to consider both the age of the patient and the size of the hernia specifically caused. Generally, children under the age of two do not require surgery. Typically, we consider using a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it up, pressing against the umbilical ring, and securing it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Most can close by themselves and heal. For children over two years old, if the hernia is still larger than 1.5cm, surgical treatment should be considered. In adults, traditional tissue repair methods are generally used, or an open umbilical hernia tension-free repair. The repair can be placed in front of the muscle or can use a hernia ring filling method. For most patients, if there is an opportunity for minimally invasive treatment, laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair can be selected. This method generally involves a smaller incision and can preserve the navel, reducing the chance of incision infection, and is particularly suitable for obese patients.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can an umbilical hernia be massaged back into the abdominal cavity?

Umbilical hernias can be massaged back into the abdominal cavity, but if the hernia suddenly becomes hard, or increases in size significantly and cannot be reduced promptly, careful observation is needed to determine if incarceration has occurred. If incarceration persists for too long, it might lead to intestinal necrosis or rupture. Generally, umbilical hernias can self-heal within six months through conservative treatment. If the diameter of the umbilical ring still exceeds 1.5 centimeters after the age of two, it is advised to opt for surgical treatment. For patients over five years old, surgery is recommended under any circumstances. In conservative treatment of umbilical hernias, the most common method involves using an object larger than the umbilical ring, such as a coin or cardboard, wrapped and fixed to the umbilical area, then secured with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Generally, this treatment method is quite effective.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can an umbilical hernia cause a baby to cry?

Umbilical hernia can cause babies to cry because it might lead to incarceration, although the chance of this occurring is generally low. It is more likely to happen when there's a sudden increase in abdominal pressure in children. In cases of incarceration, if it involves the small intestine, it can cause the child to experience abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, etc. Therefore, the baby may cry. Crying might also aggravate the incidence of incarceration. So, for umbilical hernias with noticeable protrusion, it is important to soothe the patient promptly and avoid vigorous activities. One can use a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, cover it, hold it against the ring and secure it with adhesive tape to prevent it from moving and the hernia from protruding. This method can generally be used until the child is two years old, because umbilical hernias in children can heal by themselves before this age. If the umbilical ring is still relatively large after two years, timely surgical treatment should be considered.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Can an umbilical hernia often be pressed with hands?

Umbilical hernias can often be pressed with the hand, but it is important to be careful with the technique and strength used to avoid damaging the contents of the hernia or the local skin, which could lead to a secondary bacterial infection. Umbilical hernia is one of the common diseases during the newborn and infant periods. After the umbilical cord falls off, if the closure of the umbilical ring is incomplete or the tissues around the navel are not sturdy, factors such as frequent crying or constipation can increase intra-abdominal pressure. This can lead to the protrusion of abdominal contents, particularly the small intestine along with the peritoneum and abdominal wall skin, gradually pushing outward at the umbilicus, forming an umbilical hernia.