Umbilical hernia in newborns is a fairly common diagnosis in pediatrics, which occurs in 20% of infants. The disease, indeed, is unpleasant, but with a competent medical approach and increased vigilance of the parents does not threaten the life of the child and is subsequently productively eliminated.
So, what is the reason for the formation of this pathological process, and what is its “behavior" in the still fragile children's body? First of all, it should be noted that premature babies are more likely to suffer from this disease , since it is much more difficult for them to tolerate various loads.
Umbilical hernia in newborns has a lot of reasons, but the main emphasis must be on the weakness of the abdominal muscles and the increased distance between the rectus muscles in the abdomen. Of course, when the baby cries constantly, intra-abdominal pressure increases rapidly, which also provokes this anomaly.
Among pathogenic causes, there is an accumulation of gases in the intestines, as well as improper bandaging of the umbilical cord immediately after the baby is born. In addition, a hereditary factor, as well as a number of pathologies caused by a decrease in muscle tone, can precede this disease.
Symptoms of an umbilical hernia are obvious and require immediate pediatric consultation. Initially, parents observe a protrusion of the umbilical ring, which is especially visualized when the child cries, screams or “pushes”, trying to go to the toilet. By the way, crying and increased anxiety of the baby are also signs of a characteristic disease.
Umbilical hernia in newborns sometimes increases to such a size that through its thin film it is possible to clearly distinguish between the omentum, stomach, liver or intestines, and when pressed, it can easily be pressed back into the abdominal cavity. If you suspect this disease, you must urgently consult a doctor and find out ways to solve this problem.
Umbilical hernia in a child is often amenable to conservative treatment, without requiring surgical procedures. By the age of five, it usually disappears, but only on condition that it was treated productively at one time.
So, there are several ways to treat this pathology, it all depends on the complexity of the clinical picture, we will consider them in more detail.
Massage and exercise therapy. This is not about amateur home procedures at all. Rather, the help and participation of a pediatric masseur is needed. Why? Everything is simple: umbilical hernia in newborns needs preliminary adjustment and fixation with a special patch immediately before performing therapeutic exercises.
Laying the baby on the stomach. It is this situation that is most favorable, since in this way the child can completely get rid of gas jets. A decrease in intra-abdominal pressure is also observed, an obstacle to protrusion of the hernia is created.
Applying a bandage or a special patch. This procedure is appropriate only after a knowledgeable doctor corrects an umbilical hernia. After that, he returns the skin of the navel to the fold and fastens it with a band-aid, which is easily removed after ten days.
Despite the fact that umbilical hernia in newborns is pinched extremely rarely, every parent who has encountered a hernia problem should know the symptoms of characteristic pinching. It is important to remember that pinching requires immediate surgical manipulation and poses a threat to the baby's life.
Only vigilant control of parents over their children and timely treatment of this disease can ensure the final recovery and further health of the babies.