Umbilical hernia meaning

An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of abdominal fat or tissue through the abdominal wall near the bellybutton.


Umbilical hernia definitions

Word backwards lacilibmu ainreh
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division um-bi-li-cal her-ni-a
Plural The plural of umbilical hernia is umbilical hernias.
Total letters 15
Vogais (4) u,i,a,e
Consonants (7) m,b,l,c,h,r,n

Umbilical hernia occurs when fatty tissue or a part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall near the belly button. This condition is quite common in infants, but it can also affect adults, especially those who are overweight or have had multiple pregnancies.

Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia:

In infants, an umbilical hernia usually appears as a visible bulge near the navel that often becomes more prominent when they cry, cough, or strain during a bowel movement. In adults, symptoms may include a soft bulge or swelling near the belly button, abdominal discomfort or pain, and in some cases, nausea and vomiting.

Causes of Umbilical Hernia:

Umbilical hernias in infants occur due to the small opening in the abdominal muscles that fail to close properly after birth. In adults, factors such as obesity, multiple pregnancies, or excessive abdominal pressure from heavy lifting or persistent coughing can contribute to the development of an umbilical hernia.

Treatment Options:

For infants with umbilical hernias, the condition usually resolves on its own by the time they reach the age of 1 or 2 years old. In adults, surgery may be recommended to repair the hernia and prevent any potential complications, such as trapping of the intestine or tissue in the abdominal wall.

Umbilical hernia repair surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and involves pushing the protruding tissue back into place and reinforcing the abdominal wall with stitches or a synthetic mesh. Recovery time after surgery is usually short, and most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks.

It is essential for individuals with umbilical hernias to seek medical advice to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific circumstances. Ignoring an umbilical hernia can lead to potentially serious complications, such as incarceration (trapping of tissue) or strangulation (cutting off the blood supply to the trapped tissue).

Monitoring the size of the hernia, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure, and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen are crucial steps in managing an umbilical hernia effectively.


Umbilical hernia Examples

  1. The doctor diagnosed the newborn baby with an umbilical hernia.
  2. In severe cases, an umbilical hernia may require surgical intervention.
  3. Overweight individuals are at a higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia.
  4. Symptoms of an umbilical hernia include a visible bulge near the belly button.
  5. Lifting heavy objects improperly can lead to the development of an umbilical hernia.
  6. Pregnant women may develop an umbilical hernia due to the pressure on the abdominal muscles.
  7. Infants with umbilical hernias usually outgrow them by the age of 2 without intervention.
  8. Untreated umbilical hernias can cause complications such as bowel obstruction.
  9. Wearing a supportive abdominal binder can help alleviate symptoms of an umbilical hernia.
  10. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing an umbilical hernia.


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  • Updated 28/03/2024 - 13:34:33