Umbilical hernia is a fairly common surgical disease. A hole is formed in the navel, through the thickness of the muscles and beyond the abdominal wall go internal organs. Most often this is the intestines or omentum. The cause of umbilical hernia is the weakening of the walls of the peritoneum and the umbilical ring. Under the influence of adverse factors on the umbilical ring, it can expand and thereby further contribute to a hernia.
Umbilical hernia in adults can occur at any age. Of course, a significant factor in countering hernia is the good abdominal muscles, but they can not always save from the onset of this disease. Usually at the first stage the hernia is small in size. In the supine position, an umbilical hernia in adults is easily repaired. Nevertheless, do not reassure yourself that the problem will always be solved in this way. The umbilical ring weakens more and more with time, thereby increasing its diameter. Over time, large organs will fall into such an umbilical ring. The omentum falls out first, and then - loops of the small intestine. In this case, immediate treatment is required. Note that the treatment of umbilical hernia without surgery is impossible. The walls of the muscles should be sutured so that there is no possibility of a relapse of the disease. If you use the methods of traditional medicine, you can drag out the process and lead to more serious consequences (infringement, peritonitis). Usually, hernia is operated quickly and without complications, so you should not be afraid of surgery and delay it.
Umbilical hernia in adults most often occurs due to muscle weakness in the umbilical ring. At the same time, the presence of weak abdominal muscles aggravates the situation . A hernial protrusion can occur when lifting a heavy load, straining when sneezing. A weak umbilical ring may be from birth, due to weak motor activity, also refusal to exercise, pregnancy, overweight, sudden weight loss, the consequences of operations, and trauma to the abdomen also lead to this pathology. All these reasons can provoke the appearance of a hernia in adults.
The hernia itself becomes visible to the naked eye, so it’s rather difficult to miss the signs of an umbilical hernia. Most often there is an elevation in the navel area. In the supine position, this protrusion is significantly reduced or completely disappears. Also, an increase in the umbilical ring indicates a hernia. It is noteworthy that at the first stage the hernia may not give pain, so it is important not to miss the visual symptoms of the disease. If the hernia has passed into an advanced stage, then belching, constipation, nausea, and irregular urination may disturb patients.
Umbilical hernia in adults can lead to infringement of the hernial contents. This happens when patients start the disease and do not go to the doctor. Pinching, in turn, threatens peritonitis, gangrene, adhesions and necrosis of hernial contents. In this case, death can occur if urgent measures are not taken.
At birth, babies can also have hernias - they are called congenital, due to an intrauterine defect in the umbilical ring. Children's hernias are much easier to treat - the umbilical ring is sealed crosswise with the newborn and in this way after a while the peritoneal muscles get stronger and the hernia does not protrude. However, sometimes such treatment is not enough and subsequently also have to resort to surgery.
Both adults and children with a hernia or suspected hernia must follow preventive measures. During pregnancy, women should wear a bandage, children from an early age should train the abdominal muscles, and adults should observe normal weight and not lift weights. In this case, surgery can be avoided.