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What Causes Umbilical Hernia In Children?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Apr 2015
Question: My son seems to have an umbilical hernia he is 11 weeks old now and it doesnt seem to go away...it is more evident when hes full or crying..the doc says we should give it time it will go away....i am just worried if it doesnt...
traditional remedy is to put something flat by the navel like a flat round board and tie it around the babys waist foe 2 weeks so i am just wondering if that isnt dangerous after reading that the intestine could be what is causing the hernia..i am waiting to see a doc in a week .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can wait - nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi,....Your doctors are right. Umbilical hernia is self limiting and will gradually get better and reduced by itself. 11 weeks to too early for this to happen.

The best way for this to happen will be when the baby starts rolling over by 4-6 months of age. While the baby rolls over, the tummy will get opposed to the underlying flat surface and the umbilical hernia will naturally come into contact with an opposing surface.

So I suggest you need not try any artificial methods to reduce the umbilical hernia and wait till 4-6 months of age.

Meanwhile I will suggest you the danger signs when you need to approach the nearest emergency department.

1. If the hernia is tight and turning into blue or red color.
2. If the kid is crying excessively and not accepting feeds.
3. If the kid has not even passed flatus for more than 24 hours.

Regards - Dr. XXXXXXX
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumanth Amperayani

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 8339 Questions

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What Causes Umbilical Hernia In Children?

Brief Answer: You can wait - nothing to worry Detailed Answer: Hi,....Your doctors are right. Umbilical hernia is self limiting and will gradually get better and reduced by itself. 11 weeks to too early for this to happen. The best way for this to happen will be when the baby starts rolling over by 4-6 months of age. While the baby rolls over, the tummy will get opposed to the underlying flat surface and the umbilical hernia will naturally come into contact with an opposing surface. So I suggest you need not try any artificial methods to reduce the umbilical hernia and wait till 4-6 months of age. Meanwhile I will suggest you the danger signs when you need to approach the nearest emergency department. 1. If the hernia is tight and turning into blue or red color. 2. If the kid is crying excessively and not accepting feeds. 3. If the kid has not even passed flatus for more than 24 hours. Regards - Dr. XXXXXXX