Myths and truth about the umbilical hernia in a child

Protrusion internal organs through an opening in the body's natural partitions calledhernia. Umbilical hernia - a protrusion of the anterior abdominal wall in the umbilicus. Most often, this condition does not bother the child and does not pose a threat to his life. However, there are conditions when a visit to the doctor and even surgery can not be delayed even for a minute.

Why is there a hernia

In children, the main cause of umbilical hernia is a congenital weakness of the ligaments that form the umbilical ring. Normally it is closed very soon after the birth of a baby, but in children who are prone to the formation of a hernia is a hole remains open. In addition, there are a number of factors contributing to the further progression of the disease:

• all the states associated with decreased muscle tone: prematurity, hypotrophy (light weight), rickets;
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• strong tension, leading to a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure, such as constipation, prolonged crying, coughing.

But remember: if the umbilical ring is closed, the "scream" kid hernia can not. And if there are occasional constipation, it is unlikely that the navel happen something terrible.

How to recognize a hernia in a child

Diagnose umbilical hernia can be as early as 1 month of life of the child in the protrusion of the navel area, which increases the upright and straining. In this pouch can enter the small bowel loop, so you can feel when probing the characteristic chugging. In the first months of hernia usually reduce a very, if the child is in a horizontal position. But with age, with an increase in the hernia, it can be shown continuously.

For the diagnosis of umbilical hernia fairly inspection pediatrician or pediatric surgeon. Sometimes, often with large hernias or, if necessary, surgery, your doctor may prescribe an ultrasound.

Complications of umbilical hernia

Typically, umbilical hernia does not bother the baby. Small hernias disappear until 3-5 years of age and only require observation. However, sometimes there are complications. These include:

• slowing advancing intestinal contents. It is fraught with constipation and bloating;
• strangulated hernia and development as a consequence of acute intestinal obstruction;
• inflammation, or damage to the hernia due to the thin skin covering it;
• the formation of adhesions.

Fortunately, these complications are rare. Therefore, the doctor often recommends monitoring. Strengthen the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall to help physiotherapy, swimming, climbing, active games.

Myths and truth about the umbilical hernia in a child / istockphoto.com

The indications for surgery

• a hernia in a child after the age of six months;
• during the life of the infringement it was entitled to itself or with medical assistance. This means that the risk of recurrence of such a situation is quite large;
• child often complains of pain and / or discomfort in the protrusion;
• hernia markedly increased in size and / or discolored;
• you want to send their child to the sports section.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts for approximately half an hour. The recovery is quite fast: after 1-2 days you will be discharged from the hospital, and a month later the baby will be able to return to normal life.
Note: other types of hernias may require quite different approaches! So, all inguinal hernias are subject to surgical treatment as soon as possible after they are identified, because they are infringed far more often!

Myths and truth about the umbilical hernia in a child / istockphoto.com

Myths about the umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernia is surrounded by many "people" and not always harmless myths. The most common ones are:

1. A child can "shout" a hernia. It is true only in part. After all, if the ligaments strong baby and the umbilical ring is closed shortly after birth, then no hernia does not threaten him, as if he might cry. But if pipsqueak born with loose ligaments and wide umbilical ring, even moderate crying can trigger the appearance of a diverticulum.

2. Sealing navel plaster contributes to early closure of the hernia. This myth of clean water. The patch does not affect a hernia, but can cause skin irritation, chafing, as well as causing considerable discomfort chubby little boy.

3. To hernia quickly tightened, you need to make it a copper coin, and fix it with a plaster. Believe me, neither copper nor any other coin is not in this case medicine. Similarly, no effect cabbage leaf poultice of various vegetables, aloe, Dimexidum, honey, hot or cold baths, and other local media.

4. Umbilical hernia - a harmless education and showing due to this baby doctor is not necessarily. Not certainly in that way. Indeed, this disease often do not pose a threat to life and health of the child. But the presence of a hernia of large size can be a symptom of other health problems (congenital hypothyroidism, some genetic diseases). Therefore seem pediatric surgeon or pediatrician definitely worth it!

5. Midwife wrong "tied the navel", so the shape of its leaves much to be desired. Not true! Shape navel is largely determined by genetics, and the midwife bandages umbilical residue that disappears after a few days. Therefore midwives effect on the appearance of the navel is not affected at all!

6. Hernia can be cured by massage. Cure, probably not. But the therapist can show simple exercises that you can do at home and that will help strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve blood circulation in them.

When you can not hesitate with hernia

Strangulated hernia or inflammation - a serious condition that pose a threat to life! The reason for immediate treatment to the doctor are the following states:

• occurrence of pain and / or expressed discomfort for the child;
• discoloration protrusion and / or a sudden increase in its size;
• the development of the baby vomiting for no apparent reason, the appearance of pallor, anxiety, problems with the discharge of stool and gas

Also you will be interested to read this:What is an umbilical hernia