How to quickly deal with an umbilical hernia in children. Umbilical hernia in children: symptoms, treatment

Normally, the abdominal wall of a child consists of several layers: skin, subcutaneous fat, aponeurosis, muscles and peritoneum. All this serves as a kind of framework for the internal organs and protects them from external factors. Unfortunately, sometimes weaknesses appear in this armor. It is through them (through these muscle discrepancies) that the peritoneum protrudes, forming a hernia.

A hernia is a formation consisting of:

Hernial opening - a weak spot in the abdominal wall through which the peritoneum protrudes.
The hernial sac, that is, the hernia shell.
Hernial contents - organs leaving the hernial sac from the hernial opening. Most often these are intestinal loops.

Causes of an umbilical hernia

For an umbilical hernia to occur, there must be a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This is often observed with weakness of the umbilical ring or with a congenital defect of the abdominal wall. Provoking factors in the development of the disease are conditions that reduce the tone of the abdominal wall, such as rickets or prematurity, cough, intense crying and chronic constipation. Some surgeons specifically note collagen deficiency as a provoking factor - the cause of connective tissue weakness.

Treatment of umbilical hernia in children

An umbilical hernia in children requires an immediate consultation with a doctor, because any hernia is fraught with complications - infringement, inflammation, etc. And only a doctor can decide whether to observe or actively treat. Most often, surgeons recommend expectant management. As a rule, by the age of 3, the hernia disappears on its own due to the normalization of intestinal motility and the strengthening of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.

Massage

Light circular stroking of the tummy clockwise, with the exception of the liver area, that is, the right hypochondrium.
Stroking the oblique abdominal muscles.
Stroking the tummy along the course of the large intestine.
Counter movements up and down along the posterolateral surface of the chest.

An exercise therapy specialist should also be selected carefully, he will show exercises that help strengthen the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. In addition, such exercises improve intestinal motility and digestion, reduce increased intracranial pressure and normalize the activity of the nervous system. In addition, children who are actively involved in dynamic gymnastics in the first or second year of life develop faster than their peers.

In addition to massage and dynamic gymnastics, the baby should be laid out on the stomach at least 5 times during the day. This prevents constipation (as a predisposing factor in the development of umbilical hernia), and helps strengthen muscles.

If you actively engage in physical therapy, regularly massage, walk a lot in the fresh air and play active, outdoor games, there is a chance to simply outgrow the hernia, that is, to achieve complete self-healing.

When is a surgeon needed for an umbilical hernia?

But, unfortunately, such cases are possible when the hernia is complicated by infringement. This condition is acute and requires urgent surgical care. Infringement of a hernia is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, severe crying and anxiety of the child. If you see an infringement, immediately take the child to the hospital. In this state, intestinal edema and tissue necrosis rapidly develop. In addition to the fact that the dead section of the intestine will have to be removed, so necrosis is also fraught with peritonitis. Surgical intervention is required when the hernia does not heal by 5 years or is large up to 3 years. Thus, an umbilical hernia is a disease that requires constant monitoring by a surgeon, but not self-treatment!

In every fifth baby, the umbilical ring does not contract enough, and the abdominal muscles are still weak and can easily disperse. Children who were born prematurely are more likely to develop an umbilical hernia. At risk are also babies whose mothers suffered colds during pregnancy.

Other related news:

Umbilical hernia in children and its treatment

An umbilical hernia is a round or oval protrusion in the umbilical region of a child. In infants, this pathology is one of the most common and occurs in 20% of newborns.

The baby's navel is formed in the opening of the umbilical ring, where the mother's umbilical cord used to pass. Within a month, the area of the umbilical ring usually tightens, but if this does not happen completely, parts of the abdominal organs begin to protrude under the skin, which is, in fact, a hernia. When pressed with a finger or at rest, the swelling is easily reduced inward, but it becomes noticeable with strong crying or screaming of the child.

Causes of umbilical hernia in children

Basically, a hernia occurs due to the weakness of the umbilical ring and a defect in the anterior abdominal wall. Provoke the appearance of a hernia can diseases such as rickets and malnutrition, which reduce the tone of the muscles of the whole body. Long-term problems with the intestines, increased gas formation, constipation, prolonged coughing and crying are also provocative factors for the formation of an umbilical hernia in a child. Pathology occurs in both premature and healthy infants.

Treatment of umbilical hernia in a child. Massage for umbilical hernia

In most children, an umbilical hernia reaches no more than a centimeter in diameter and by the age of 2-3, and sometimes 4-5 years of age, goes away on its own, when the child's tummy tightens and the abdominal muscles strengthen in the process of growth and development. Children with a diagnosis of umbilical hernia are periodically shown a general strengthening massage and gymnastics, which can be carried out by both an experienced specialist and you yourself.

A light general massage of the baby can be done already from the 3rd week of life, when the baby's navel heals. All manipulations should be performed easily and painlessly for the child. Before special gymnastics for the treatment of an umbilical hernia, it is necessary to correct it by slightly pressing with the fingers of one hand and, as it were, drowning it, while with the other hand, performing the necessary movements on the abdominal muscles.

They include stroking the baby's tummy clockwise, counter stroking, stroking the oblique abdominal muscles. The navel is buried in the skin fold. Place the index and thumb fingers to the right and left of the baby's navel at a distance of a couple of centimeters and make 8-10 light, but rhythmic clicks. The fingers should be directed towards each other. Then, in the same way, put your fingers just above and just below the navel and again do 8-10 clicks.

Also, when reducing an umbilical hernia, positional treatment is used, namely, frequent laying on the stomach (before each feeding for 5-10 minutes) or fitball. This contributes to the release of gases from the intestines, encourages the child to actively move the arms, legs and torso, which reduces intra-abdominal pressure and prevents the protrusion of the hernia, and also strengthens the ligamentous apparatus and muscles of the newborn.

Try not to let your baby cry for a long time, fight colic in a timely manner with the help of special preparations, make sure that the baby's stool is regular. From a month and a half, you can supplement the massage with new techniques. Holding the baby by the arm and leg, help him roll over on each side in turn. Take the arms of the baby lying on his back, straighten his arms, spread them slightly apart and pull the child towards you, encouraging him to raise his head and upper body with these actions.

The tasks of gymnastics are a general strengthening effect on the child's body, strengthening the abdominal muscles, and normalizing neuro-reflex excitability. Some people try to solve the problem with an umbilical hernia by using a band-aid and a coin, but this method is unlikely to work. Moreover, it can lead to complications in the form of infection or inaccurate reduction.

Parents need to know that an umbilical hernia can eventually lead to various complications (inflammation, strangulation, intestinal obstruction, neoplasm), so from time to time it must be shown to a surgeon for examination. The most common ailment associated with an umbilical hernia is its infringement. Its signs are swelling of the intestine, an increase in the hernia in volume, the impossibility of reduction and severe pain in the abdomen.

It may even vomit. All this leads to necrosis of the intestine and inflammation of the peritoneum. In such a situation, urgent surgical intervention is indicated. Also, surgery cannot be avoided with a large hernia, if its reduction did not occur before a year, or with small sizes, but after 4-5 years. The purpose of this operation is to eliminate the defect of the umbilical ring. The intervention is quite simple: a small incision is made above the child's navel in the skin fold. There is practically no scar left after the operation.

The study of human blood is the most important element in the diagnosis of diseases, which allows, based on complaints and the general clinical picture, to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

The first days in the garden are a serious test for the baby, but it is in the power of parents to make it much easier for him to enter this unfamiliar environment. How to prepare a child for kindergarten?

Almost every parent sooner or later faces the fact that their child starts to fight. Should I worry about this and when, or is it just another stage in the development and maturation of the child?

gg. SVETULKA.RU

Copying site materials is allowed subject to the rules for using materials. Copyrights to site materials are protected.

Umbilical hernia in a 7 year old child

1. Guest | 19.08, 03:38:31

2. IO | 19.08, 06:19:53

We have exactly the same story'but. on the contrary, the surgeon said that it was necessary to operate, because. after 5-6 years, the hernia itself will not overgrow, no matter how much the press is pumped. We went to the hospital for a consultation, the same thing. It is necessary to operate. Were at the osteopath - categorically does not recommend to operate, showed exercises on the ball, they began to do it. So far I do not see the effect.

3. Alder | 19.08, 08:39:33

My son had an umbilical cord, at the age of 6 they said that he remained very small and there was no need to operate yet. Now he is 12, he no longer went to the surgeon, he has been swimming for 6 years. I guess it's all over.

4. Guest | 19.08, 10:16:51

My 4 year old daughter has an umbilical hernia.

The surgeon says that up to 5-6 years it is necessary to observe, it may be delayed. If not, then surgery is mandatory, especially for girls.

5. Guest | 20.08, 10:01:44

After 10 years, they found out in mine that they wanted to operate right away. Although he ended up in the hospital with abdominal pain from inflammation of the cunning (he wanted to avoid the control).

We went to another hospital, on receipt, she pulled him out of the first one by force, so there the professor, firstly, after probing the abdomen, asked a direct question, what kind of lesson should have been))) Well, as for the hernia, he said to wait, the umbilical ring is expanded, but maybe build muscle over time. 15 years have passed, I don’t know about the ring, overgrown or not, but there were no more problems)

6. Tanya981 | 05.01, 22:18:04

I have a 10 year old daughter. At the age of 5, a hernia was discovered. They said to operate. We consulted two surgeons and two pediatricians. Surgeons say - to operate. Pediatricians - don't rush. So far nothing to worry about. We have decided to leave everything as it is.

7. Medina | 20.11, 23:03:46

Hello! Tell me, please, what are the symptoms of an umbilical hernia. My son (6 years old) often has a stomach ache, shows pain near the navel. The Health Center said that there are suspicions of an umbilical hernia. Have not gone to the surgeon yet.

8. Guest | 31.03, 07:06:54

9. Veronica | 13.05, 14:07:38

You better go to a more experienced surgeon who will not allow crap. I advise you to go to Oleg Vladislavovich Antonov, an excellent surgeon with great experience and his own methods of operating. Just on hernias of inguinal, umbilical specializes. It also treats dropsy of the testicles, read on the site. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, with a small incision. This is well tolerated even by the elderly. Works at the Zdorovie medical center at the Warsaw medcentr.biz.

10. Guest | 07.02, 19:51:05

The girl was found to have an umbilical hernia when she stood up. The child is active, the press is swinging, the exercises were done. By the age of 7, they were operated on but unsuccessfully, the best surgeon in our city. They removed the bandage without changes, we are in shock, the child underwent general anesthesia. now we are 10, we are planning an operation in the summer, please tell me a competent surgeon, not Nakipov from Naberezhnye Chelny, who is considered the best operating

An anthelmintic drug will be prescribed, do not forget that they all act on sexually mature and immature individuals of both sexes, but do not act on larvae in the migration stage, it is necessary to conduct another course in 3 weeks.

14. Guest | 30.03, 15:05:49

At a 5.5-year-old daughter, the surgeon found an umbilical hernia during a professional examination, she said only to operate. What is the danger of refusing surgery?

The user of the Woman.ru website understands and accepts that he is fully responsible for all materials partially or completely published by him using the Woman.ru service.

The user of the Woman.ru website guarantees that the placement of the materials submitted by him does not violate the rights of third parties (including, but not limited to copyright), does not damage their honor and dignity.

The user of the Woman.ru website, by sending materials, is thereby interested in their publication on the website and expresses his consent to their further use by the editors of the Woman.ru website.

All materials of the Woman.ru site, regardless of the form and date of placement on the site, can only be used with the consent of the site editors. Reprinting materials from the Woman.ru website is not possible without the written permission of the editors.

The editors are not responsible for the content of advertisements and articles. Opinions of the authors may not coincide with the editorial board.

Materials posted in the Sex section are not recommended for viewing by persons under the age of 18 (18+)

Symptoms and treatment of umbilical hernia in children without surgery and with surgical removal

An umbilical hernia in children is a common pathology that affects every fifth baby. Premature babies suffer from this disease more often than full-term babies - about one in three.

Small defects in the umbilical ring occur in almost all newborns. Do not immediately sound the alarm when you find a protrusion above the navel. It is important not to make a diagnosis on your own, but if you suspect a hernia, consult a doctor. What kind of disease it is, how to recognize it in time, whether it is necessary to operate on a small patient - we will figure it out in this article.

What is an umbilical hernia and why does it occur in children?

The child, while in the womb, is connected to her by the umbilical cord, through which he receives nutrients for formation and growth. After birth, the umbilical cord is tied up and cut off, and the umbilical cord disappears as unnecessary.

Over time, the umbilical ring tightens due to the muscles of the abdominal cavity. Since the umbilical ring is weak in newborns, it sometimes happens that it does not close completely, and this leads to the bulging of the intestinal loop through it.

An umbilical hernia is a condition in which the abdominal organs protrude under the skin through the umbilical ring. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in newborns, but it is also observed in one-year-old children, and at 6-8 years old.

An umbilical hernia can be either congenital or acquired. The following causes of congenital hernia in children are known:

prematurity;
genetically determined weakness of the abdominal muscles of the baby;
hereditary factor (pathology often appears in children whose parents suffered from the same disease in childhood);
an infectious disease suffered by the mother during pregnancy or an unfavorable environmental situation.

Causes of an acquired hernia:

rickets;
intestinal colic;
low birth weight;
constipation, cough, severe crying, flatulence;
the beginning of walking, especially if the child began to take a vertical position at an early age, and the baby's muscles are not yet strong enough;
lactase deficiency.

Sometimes a bulge happens for no reason. Hernia in children can also occur in the first year of life (not only in newborns). At this age, the umbilical ring is completely closed, but if the child is worried about frequent constipation or flatulence, this process can proceed much more slowly.

When diagnosing rickets, doctors warn parents about the likelihood of an umbilical hernia. As a result of this disease, muscle tone weakens, which can lead to protrusion.

Symptoms of an umbilical hernia in a child

It is not difficult to determine whether a child has a hernia or not. It is visible upon visual inspection. The main characteristic feature is a protrusion above the navel, shaped like a ball (this is clearly visible in the photo). The size of the ball varies from 1 to 10 cm. If you lightly press on it, it will fit into the peritoneum, and then protrude again.

This is what a hernia might look like

With a slight increase in the umbilical ring, a hernia can be seen only during the tension of the abdominal muscles when sneezing, coughing, crying or laughing. The color of the skin around the navel changes.

Only a surgeon can determine if there is a hernia and what treatment should be applied. Sometimes the so-called "skin navel" is mistaken for a hernia. Outwardly, it looks like a hernia, but it is not - it's just a physiological feature of a particular child.

Children with a hernia are more restless because the bloating and colic associated with babies are more painful. Babies with a hernia are meteorologically dependent: they react to changing weather conditions with whims or, conversely, lethargy, drowsiness.

Does the child have a hernia of the umbilicus?

It is important for parents to know that an umbilical hernia does not hurt and does not cause anxiety to children. Sometimes parts of the peritoneum, intestinal loops can get inside it, as a result of which the hernia is incarcerated.

Diagnostic methods

As noted earlier, an umbilical hernia is usually visible on examination. An experienced pediatrician will detect it and refer the patient to a surgeon to clarify the diagnosis. However, one examination is not always enough, because the protrusion may be imperceptible due to its small size or have other causes of appearance. There are pathologies with similar symptoms, for example, tumor-like neoplasms.

To exclude or confirm the diagnosis, the following studies are additionally carried out:

general blood analysis;
ultrasound;
herniography (X-ray examination of the hernial sac);
radiography of the stomach and duodenum.

Additional instrumental diagnostics is needed when the result of the examination depends on how to treat the child, as well as when deciding on an operation. In addition, it is necessary to find out if there is another pathology of the digestive tract.

Features of the treatment of umbilical hernia in children

The method of treatment is chosen depending on the size of the hernia. Often it is possible to manage conservative methods without resorting to surgery. This is possible if the protrusion is small, and it does not increase in size, and also does not cause discomfort to the child. Usually a hernia is treated in simpler ways.

With a small size, an umbilical hernia is treated with conservative methods (massages, gymnastics and medications)

In some cases, the child is treated with medication. The drugs prescribed to the patient are designed to cure a hernia by strengthening the walls of the abdomen. By adding massage, gymnastics and wearing a bandage to this therapy, you can get good results. If the desired effect is not achieved by 4-5 years, doctors begin to think about surgery.

Massage

Massage is allowed for babies after the umbilical wound has healed, that is, a few weeks after birth. For starters, you can visit a specialist who will teach mom how to do it right. Over time, the mother will be able to understand the principle herself and master the technique of massage and do it at home.

Before the procedure, it is necessary to set the protrusion, carefully seal it with a plaster. This is necessary so that the hernia does not fall out during the massage. All actions during the massage should be soft, gentle, light. Do not press on the baby's tummy.

First, they stroke around the navel clockwise, then counterclockwise. After that, the oblique muscles are massaged to strengthen the walls of the abdominal cavity. Here the movements become more intense. Then again circular stroking. Next - light tingling in the navel and again stroking.

The whole procedure lasts no more than 3-5 minutes. You need to repeat it several times a day and always before meals. Daily massage will give a positive result.

Physiotherapy

For the smallest, use the following exercises:

before each feeding, the child is laid out for several minutes on the tummy;
turn the child over to the left, then to the right side for a few seconds;
holding the baby facing you, tilt it back, holding the head so that it does not tilt back;
from a supine position, they lift the child by the handles, supporting him under the back (while the head and legs hang freely);
do coups from the back to the stomach;
put the baby with his back on a large ball and roll it, holding it by the legs.

Older children undergo a course of physical therapy, which includes physical and gymnastic exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the abdominal wall. Training is recommended at least 2-3 times a week. Therapeutic exercise is a great way to remove the formation on the navel.

Special patches and bandages

As a complex treatment, along with massage and gymnastics, a special fixing patch and bandage are used. A patch that allows you to remove an umbilical hernia in an infant is used after the umbilical wound has healed. It is glued to the navel in such a way that a fold forms, and is worn for 10 days. The course is repeated several times with short breaks.

Plaster and bandage for umbilical hernia

The main thing is that the patch should be made of hypoallergenic and breathable material. The skin of babies is very sensitive, and an allergic reaction may occur.

A bandage is worn to prevent strangulation of the hernia. When wearing this accessory, the walls of the abdominal cavity are strengthened and the umbilical ring is reduced, which leads to recovery.

In what cases is an operation required?

If the doctor insists on the need for surgery, do not ignore his advice. When is a hernia operated on? This happens if:

the size of the umbilical ring is more than 2 cm;
there was an infringement of a hernia;
a hernia in a baby older than 1 year increases in size;
the protrusion does not go away in a child up to 4-5 years.

When the hernia is small, during the operation, the doctor makes an incision above the navel and tightens the umbilical ring. The operation lasts no more than 20 minutes.

With a large hernia, hernioplasty (hernia repair) is performed - the hernia is removed surgically. During the operation, the hernia is first reduced, then a synthetic mesh is placed on the hernial orifice according to the patch principle, which eventually grows into the tissues of the body and prevents the recurrence of the protrusion.

How long is the recovery period after surgery?

When a timely operation is performed, that is, before the child goes to school (up to 7 years), rehabilitation lasts no more than 2 weeks. Complications do not occur. After removal of the hernia, the child must wear a postoperative bandage and follow a special diet - exclude foods that cause bloating from the diet. Doctors recommend limiting physical activity.

After surgery for infringement or rupture of the hernial sac, rehabilitation is more difficult. Such patients are prescribed an additional course of antibiotics and physiotherapy.

What is dangerous umbilical hernia and what are the complications?

When an umbilical hernia is incarcerated, the child may experience the following symptoms:

vomit;
nausea;
blood in the stool;
the inability to set the hernia by pressure in the supine position.

In the presence of an umbilical hernia, nausea and vomiting are common in a child.

A complication in the form of a rupture of the hernial sac, in which its contents come out, is extremely rare. Infringement and rupture of a hernia are life-threatening, so you should immediately contact a surgeon.

Preventive measures

With proper care of the child and the observance of preventive measures, the chances of an umbilical hernia are reduced several times. Here are some tips to prevent this pathology:

keep breastfeeding as long as possible to prevent constipation, bloating, intestinal dysbacteriosis;
it is undesirable for a nursing mother to eat foods that cause bloating in a child (cow's milk, legumes, grapes, cabbage, carbonated drinks, etc.);
it is worth including cereals, fruits and vegetables, greens in the diet of a nursing mother;
if breastfeeding is not possible for any reason, then the doctor must choose the right mixture;
it is important to protect the baby from colds, and also to prevent prolonged crying and screaming, as they increase intra-abdominal pressure, which provokes the development of an umbilical hernia;
strengthen the abdominal muscles through gymnastics, massage and swimming.

An effective means of preventing umbilical hernia for babies with lactase deficiency is the correct selection of nutrition and the additional intake of lactase. With dysbacteriosis, bloating and constipation often lead to the development of an umbilical hernia in infants. It is necessary to eliminate the symptoms of this disease to prevent the occurrence of an umbilical hernia.

Methods of treatment of umbilical hernia in children 6 years old

An umbilical hernia is a very common disease among children, mostly young children. It usually develops in infants. In most cases, this pathology heals on its own and does not require any treatment, except for physiotherapy exercises or special massage. However, if a hernia has not disappeared in a child at the age of 3 years, the question of surgical intervention may become. The operation is done not earlier than in 5-6 years.

Umbilical hernia in children: the essence of the problem

An umbilical hernia is not just a protruding navel. In fact, the hernia is located under it and is a consequence of the weakness of the umbilical ring. In turn, a weak ring causes a defect in the anterior abdominal wall, resulting in a hernia. Such a minor defect is observed at birth in every baby, but later, when the child begins to scream, cry, becomes more active, a hernial protrusion occurs. In babies under the age of 1 year, an umbilical hernia occurs due to the fact that the umbilical ring does not grow as it should. This is a malformation of intrauterine development. This problem is observed in every fifth full-term baby and every third premature baby. The size of the hernia can vary. It depends on the size of the muscle that surrounds the navel, that is, the umbilical ring. The smaller this ring, the less the hernia will bother the baby.

At the same time, every parent should understand that a protruding navel is not always a sign of a hernia. It may just be a physiological feature and have nothing to do with pathology. There are frequent cases when, after the umbilical cord falls off, the navel area begins to protrude. In this case, the navel can stick out at a distance of up to 2 cm from the tummy. This can be easily dealt with on your own, simply by setting the protrusion into the peritoneum.

Symptoms of a hernia in children

An umbilical hernia is a round or oval protrusion in the umbilical region. Often it is accompanied by a divergence of the rectus abdominis muscles, which occurs due to weak muscles of the abdominal wall. The contents of the hernia are intestinal loops. If the umbilical hernia is large, sometimes contractions of the intestinal muscles, that is, peristalsis, become visible. At the same time, the process of moving food through the intestines is visible. It often looks scary for parents, but it does not interfere with the baby. Many parents worry that a strangulated hernia may occur, but such fears are unfounded, since such a phenomenon is extremely rare among children. Also, parents are concerned about the well-being of the child with such a problem. The practice of pediatricians allows us to draw the following conclusions about this:

such children are indeed more restless than healthy ones;
they are meteorologically dependent, that is, sensitive to weather changes;
the hernia itself does not cause pain to the baby, but it brings a lot of discomfort in the form of bloating, which, of course, causes anxiety for the baby.

However, this pathology is more of a cosmetic defect than a very serious pathology that threatens the health of the child.

Causes of umbilical hernia in children

Doctors identify a number of causes of umbilical hernia in children. The most common include the following:

Weak abdominal muscles and an open umbilical vein. This is a common cause among toddlers.
Intra-abdominal pressure. If it is high, this also contributes to this problem. The reason for the increase in pressure may be increased gas formation, constipation.
Defect of the umbilical ring. If the edges of the ring are hard, it can cause a hernia in children.
The child starts walking early. Often, when the baby takes up a vertical position early, a protrusion may appear.
An outcry cry. If the baby cries a lot or coughs, suffers from constipation, this can provoke the appearance of an umbilical hernia in him.
Diseases resulting in decreased muscle tone. For example, as a result of malnutrition or rickets, an umbilical hernia can also form in children.
hereditary factor. If one of the parents of the baby had the same pathology in childhood, then it is likely that the child himself will also have it.

The diagnosis is made by the pediatrician when examining the baby. The constant supervision of the child is very important. The pediatrician may prescribe conservative treatment - physical education, massages and other methods. In order for the defect to pass on its own, it is necessary to ensure the correct development of the baby, which means the following:

normalization of the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
sufficient motor activity;
prevention of gas formation, etc.

These factors are important conditions for the problem to go away on its own. The smaller the bulge, the more likely it is to close on its own. On the contrary, if the size of the protrusion is very large, the chances are less, but still self-healing is also possible. However, you can not wait until this happens, but start doing some exercises that contribute to a speedy recovery. These include exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles and massage. Usually parents have time until the baby has reached the age of 5, after which the children, as a rule, undergo surgery.

Treatment of pathology in children: methods

In the practice of pediatricians, there are 2 types of methods for treating this defect:

conservative methods. They are effective for children under the age of 5, when there is still time to wait for the problem to go away on its own. These include physiotherapy exercises, special massages and a range of other activities.
operational methods. They are used only for children 5-6 years old, when the fact is obvious that the hernia did not close on its own. In some cases, surgery is scheduled earlier. In particular, if the size of the umbilical ring is very large, self-healing is excluded, so a pediatric surgeon can prescribe surgery even for children aged 3-4 years. Regarding children aged 5-6 years, girls are always operated on, because otherwise it is fraught with problems during pregnancy in the future, and boys are done if the problem is accompanied by pain.

However, what parent doesn't want to avoid surgery for their son or daughter? Even if the child is 5 years old, you can try to apply methods of conservative treatment. However, if the pediatric surgeon and pediatrician jointly decide that it is impossible to avoid the operation, it is better not to delay.

Conservative treatments

First of all, it is worth applying conservative methods of treatment that effectively close the defect. They give the best result in the treatment of children under 1 year old, but you can try to apply them at a later age. However, each parent should understand that it is necessary to apply this or that technique only after agreement with the doctor. Conservative treatments include:

General massage. It should be performed exclusively by a specialized massage therapist who has experience working with children with a similar pathology. This method is effective only for protrusions of a small size.
Massage the anterior part of the peritoneum with the palm of your hand. This type of massage can be performed by parents on their own. It consists in stroking the tummy clockwise. Movement should be light. This procedure must be performed before each feeding of the baby. After this, the child should be laid out on the tummy for 10 minutes on a hard surface. This method does not give the desired effect for large hernias. In no way should the baby be left unattended while he is in the prone position, even if he has not yet learned to roll over. While the baby is lying like this, you can do a light massage of the back and limbs.
Physiotherapy. You need to deal with the baby only under the guidance of a doctor in the office of physiotherapy exercises. The following exercises have proven themselves well: turning from the back to the tummy, sitting down (while the child needs to be supported by straightened and laid aside or bent arms), sitting down with support for one handle, for rings and without support; arching the back in tension, raising straightened legs; torso, etc.
Applying a band-aid to the navel. This method should be used only on the recommendation of a pediatrician or surgeon. To do this, you need to use a special patch for umbilical hernia, which is produced by many companies specializing in products for children. The patch should only be applied by a doctor.

For more information about umbilical hernia and methods of its treatment, you can find out by watching this video:

These techniques are simple, but effective enough to avoid surgery, but only if the protrusion is small, and the doctor does not insist on surgical intervention.

Operative method of treatment

If conservative methods of treatment did not give the desired result, the defect is eliminated with the help of surgical intervention. In addition, surgery is always prescribed if adhesions appear that hold the contents of the hernia and the inner wall of the skin of the anterior part of the peritoneum together. During the operation, the defect is sutured. The procedure is quite simple: the doctor makes a small incision above the navel in the skin fold. The operation lasts no longer than 20 minutes under general anesthesia. In this case, the incision and sutures are performed in such a way that after the operation there is no visible cosmetic defect in the form of scars and scars. Rehabilitation is from 7 to 14 days. Within 1 month after the operation, any physical activity is strictly prohibited.

Surgery for an umbilical hernia is best done at the age of 5-6 years, since it prevents problems in an adult. An unhealed hernia in childhood will definitely make itself felt years later: women during pregnancy and after childbirth very often have this problem; in men, it can occur, for example, after physical exertion. This problem in adults is much more difficult to solve than in children. In addition, it causes much more discomfort. Therefore, the operable resolution of this pathology in childhood has long been a world practice.

Treatment of umbilical hernia in children: folk methods

Traditional medicine also offers some recipes that can help heal an umbilical hernia in a child. Some recipes are very similar to those offered by traditional medicine:

Applying a band-aid to a hernia. In this case, it is very important to glue the navel, and not to bandage it. The fact is that children breathe mainly from the stomach, so bandaging will make breathing difficult. Before applying the adhesive plaster, it is necessary to set the hernia with a finger inside. This must be done carefully, without sudden movements. The procedure is repeated for 10 to 15 consecutive days. It is very important to use a hypoallergenic patch for this purpose, as children have very delicate and sensitive skin that is prone to irritation.
Use of a coin. This ancient method consists in placing a copper coin on the navel (the diameter must be chosen based on the size of the hernia). Fix the coin with a band-aid and remove it only when swimming. The method is effective for large defects.
The power of vegetables. Another method is to put gauze soaked in sauerkraut juice on the navel. On top of the gauze is covered with a slice of fresh potatoes. Apply the method daily. The effect comes in 1 month.

However, if parents want to use any method, they must notify the pediatrician who is seeing the child. Do not self-medicate. Traditional medicine also offers not at all traditional methods in the form of various conspiracies. You can relate to this in different ways, but it definitely won’t be worse from such a procedure, especially since traditional healers say: conspiracies work! So why not try? One of them needs to be read 3 times, then spit on the hernia. Here is this conspiracy: “Take my words from the servant of God (name) disease. My conspiracies are sharp, sharper than a damask knife, longer than a long spear. Key in mouth, tongue in lock. Amen". Nevertheless, first of all, it is better to consult a pediatrician.

In an effort to create conditions for healthy normal growth and development of the baby, parents are faced with various childhood diseases. An umbilical hernia in children is a common occurrence, a fairly common pathology. It is most common in infants, but may appear in an older child.

What does an umbilical hernia look like and why is it dangerous?

When a piece of an organ or fatty tissue in the body (such as a loop of intestine) is forced through a hole or weak spot in the muscle wall, it may protrude into the umbilical ring space. This protrusion looks outwardly like a bulge or lump.

Some babies are born with weakness or an opening in the abdominal muscles around the navel (under the skin), through which the abdomen or small intestine protrudes. The soft bulge thus created is an umbilical hernia. This becomes most obvious when the child starts crying, coughing, or simply tightening his stomach. These hernias range in size from 1.5 centimeters to 6 centimeters or more (from the size of a pea to the size of a small plum).

In most cases, a hernia of the navel does not cause discomfort. Usually the doctor can easily push it back. Such a hernia rarely interferes with or worsens the child's condition. In fact, most umbilical hernias, even larger ones, tend to close on their own by 2 years of age. That is why the doctor usually advises to wait and watch for this type of ailment in an infant, and not to rush into the operation.

Surgery is only necessary if the bulge is very large; grows in size after 1 or 2 years; does not heal by age 4 or 5; or the child has active symptoms of obstruction such as swelling, swelling, vomiting, fever, or pain. If such signs develop, immediate medical attention is required.

Symptoms of an umbilical hernia in a child

An umbilical hernia appears as a bulge or swelling in the umbilical region. The swelling may become more visible when the child laughs, cries, goes to the toilet, or coughs and may become smaller or disappear when the child is relaxed. Usually this process is completely painless. If the doctor gently presses on the bulge when the child is lying still, it usually gets smaller or moves back into the abdomen.

Sometimes the bowel becomes trapped within an umbilical hernia or umbilical ring. When this happens, the child usually has a lot of pain, and the bulge may become hard and red. To prevent possible damage to the bowel, an urgent medical evaluation is needed to rule out an infected hernia.
During the physical examination, the doctor can diagnose a navel hernia and determine if there is any abdominal contents trapped in the hernial sac. Without diagnosis, there is a risk of a bulge growing and a strangulated hernia, which means that some of the intestine or fat will become trapped and blood will stop flowing into the strangulated tissue. This can be very painful and dangerous.

Symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia:

fever;
constipation;
severe pain in the abdomen;
pain on pressure;
vomit;
round or swollen abdomen;
the hernia turns red, turns blue, or discolors;

If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately seek medical help.

Reasons for the appearance

As the fetus develops during pregnancy, there is a small opening in the abdominal muscles that allows the umbilical cord to pass through, linking the mother to the baby. After birth, as the baby grows, this hole in the abdominal muscles closes. Sometimes, these muscles do not meet or fuse together completely, leaving a small hole. Factors contributing to this are: weakness in the muscle of the anterior abdominal wall, heredity, concomitant diseases. This hole is called a congenital umbilical hernia.

There is also an acquired umbilical hernia. It is formed against the background of internal diseases and disorders and due to strong frequent crying of the child, a decrease in the tone of the abdominal muscles, overweight of the child and frequent gas formation.

Risk factors associated with umbilical hernia in children:

Low birth weight;
Age: Infants, especially those born prematurely, have a higher risk of having an umbilical hernia than an adult child;
Babies born with certain genetic disorders;
Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites);
Coughing for a long period of time due to allergies or frequent respiratory infections;
Heavy weight and childhood obesity can greatly weaken the muscles of the abdominal wall;

Treatment of umbilical hernia in children

Umbilical hernias usually close on their own before the baby is 1 year old. If the hernia has not gone away on its own by the time your child is 5 years old, your child will likely need surgery.

During a physical examination, an umbilical hernia is diagnosed. Sometimes other methods, such as abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography, are used to screen for complications.

If your child has pain, a swollen abdomen, or other signs that part of the intestine is pinched, then surgery will be needed right away.

Hernia surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, which means your child can go home the same day the surgery is done. Problems with the treatment of an umbilical hernia are rare. After the operation, the baby's belly button may look slightly swollen, but this will disappear over the next few weeks. Your doctor will tell you what to expect and what to look out for in your follow-up care. Of course, if you notice any signs of problems after surgery, such as bleeding, swelling, or fever, call your doctor.

In other cases, if the bulge is small and does not bother the child, conservative treatment methods are used, consisting of physiotherapy exercises, general massage, and the use of a special patch.

Prevention

There are currently no definitive methods for preventing navel hernia in children. However, by reducing the risk factors that influence its occurrence, you can increase the chances of preventing the disease.

Measures to prevent the occurrence of a hernia in a child:

Maintaining a healthy weight;
Avoid excessive tension of the abdominal muscles of the child;
Monitor nutrition so as not to cause excessive gas formation, intestinal problems and allergic reactions;
Get a general massage.

An umbilical hernia in children is usually not life-threatening. in many children, hernias disappear spontaneously, around the age of 1-3 years, without any treatment. The prognosis for an umbilical hernia with treatment and surgery (if required) is excellent. Most children can lead normal and active lives after this. If a hernia of the navel in a child leads to obstruction or strangulation of the intestinal wall, then everything will depend on timely treatment. Usually, mothers press on the navel to make the hernia disappear. This should not be strictly done, as this can lead to other complications. A timely identified umbilical hernia and a visit to a doctor will help to cope with the problem in a short time and prevent its subsequent development and deterioration of the child's condition.

1629

An umbilical hernia in young children is a protrusion of internal organs or tissues through the abdominal wall through an opening in the navel, the so-called "umbilical ring".

An umbilical hernia in young children is a protrusion of internal organs or tissues through the abdominal wall through an opening in the navel, the so-called "umbilical ring". It looks like a swelling or expansion of the umbilical ring. Especially this phenomenon becomes noticeable when the baby screams or cries. At rest, the hernia goes into the abdominal cavity.

How common is this disease?

Hernia occurs in 20 percent of newborns. Especially often in boys. In case of prematurity, this phenomenon is observed even more often, in 35 percent of babies.

As a rule, a hernia is detected already in the first month of life. In most children, the umbilical hernia disappears by six months, and in the rest by about 5 years, while the umbilical ring gradually decreases and closes.

There are times when a hernia does not go away even by the age of five. Then the doctors, in order to avoid further complications, suggest that the parents perform an operation on the child.

In the elimination of umbilical hernia, massage and gymnastics are effective means. You should be familiarized with their methods by a pediatrician.

Causes of congenital umbilical hernia in children

Most often, babies are already born with an umbilical hernia. The reasons for it may be:

Features of the placement of the internal organs of newborns;
Weakness of the ligamentous apparatus and abdominal wall.

This pathology is most often caused by adverse factors during pregnancy or heredity.

If during pregnancy a woman suffers from infectious diseases, then under the influence of harmful substances that have entered her body, a delay in the development of the fetus may occur.

A child in such cases is often born with underdeveloped connective tissue, weakened muscles and ligaments. This is the main cause of hernia in premature babies.

Causes of Acquired Hernia in Babies

Rickets, malnutrition - these diseases weaken muscle tone;
Frequent constipation - the child is straining, while there is intestinal pressure on the umbilical ring;
Increased gas formation.

Symptoms of umbilical hernia in children 1-2 months of age

Expansion of the umbilical ring;
A protrusion of the internal organs, which is almost imperceptible in a calm state in the supine position and increases significantly when the baby either cries, or pushes, or is simply in an upright position.

Prevention

From the first day, try to prevent your baby from crying for a long time, fight intestinal colic and increased gas formation, follow the regular chair of the baby.

From about 3 weeks, when the umbilical cord heals, you can start doing simple exercises that will strengthen the walls of the tummy:

Holding the baby by the leg and by the handle, help him roll over on his side, on the right and on the left, in turn;
"Ride" the baby on a large inflatable ball. Supporting it in the chest area, swing the ball in different directions.
Take the child lying on the back by the handles (let him grab your thumbs, support his hands with the other four). Straighten the child's arms, spread them apart and slightly pull the crumbs towards you, thereby prompting him to raise the head and upper body.

If you notice the first signs of an umbilical hernia, contact your doctor immediately.

Methods for the treatment of umbilical hernia in children

The most effective method of treatment is the frequent laying out of the child on the tummy - 2-3 times a day before feeding for 10-15 minutes. The surface on which you put the baby should be solid, and his mood during such a procedure should be only positive. The baby should actively move, move his legs and arms, in no case cry, and at this time you give him a light massage of the back, the whole body, stroke, talk to the little one.
Massage and gymnastics are excellent means of getting rid of this ailment. A specialist should familiarize you with the methods of such treatment.

The set of exercises that you will perform on the recommendation of a specialist can be supplemented with the following simple steps.

Place your thumb and forefinger to the right and left of the child's navel at a distance of 2-3 cm and make 10 gentle rhythmic pressures, pointing your fingers towards each other. The baby should not experience pain or discomfort.

Then, in the same way, place your fingers above and below the navel. And again, do 10 clicks. Then close your fingers and circle clockwise around the navel 10 times. These exercises should be repeated before each feeding, after laying out on the tummy. They will strengthen the ligamentous apparatus and muscles of the newborn.

Putting on a Band-Aid

Another method of treatment is to apply a bandage from an adhesive plaster to the navel area. Now in pharmacies you can buy special patches for the treatment of hernias in infants. This bandage should be done by a doctor. It is superimposed in a wide strip, connecting the rectus abdominis muscles in the form of two folds above the umbilical ring. The bandage is applied for 10 days. If during this time the umbilical ring is not closed, the procedure is repeated.

Hello dear readers. In this article, you will get the answer to the question of why the navel sticks out in a child. You may already know that the navel and crown are the most vulnerable places on the body of a newborn baby. These zones are the areas of the easiest penetration of the infection into the child's body. So let's now figure out what can affect the appearance of a protruding navel and how to behave if this has already happened. You will also learn what to do to prevent such a condition.

Anatomical features

In the center of the abdominal wall, on the inside, there is a special ring. Previously, the umbilical cord departed from this place. When the baby was born, it was cut off, then carefully tied up with a thread (silk) or secured with a special clip. At the same time, a stump remained, which is a towering part of the flesh of a small size. If correct, then on average, on the tenth day, the stump dries up and falls off. At the same time, nothing should stick out above the surface of the abdomen; a small depression forms in place of the navel. However, there are cases when the navel does not flow into the side of the abdominal cavity, but continues to protrude outward. And this means that something went wrong, went in an unnatural way. Then parents need to contact a specialist to establish reasonable reasons for this phenomenon.

Reasons for the appearance

There are three possible options:

Convexity of a natural nature. Such a phenomenon is possible if the child's navel was bandaged not in the usual place, but much higher. If you have such a situation, then the following symptoms will be characteristic:

the skin around the navel has a natural color;
there is no discharge of fluid from the wound;
the navel is soft and painless;
no swelling;
there is no pain on palpation.

Although in this case, the protruding navel is a variant of the norm, but it is still recommended to eliminate it. In addition to the fact that it looks ugly from an aesthetic point of view, it can also be subjected to mechanical stress, injury, irritation and inflammation may begin due to constant contact with clothing.

If the navel sticks out in a newborn, the most likely cause was a fistula. Its appearance provokes the underdevelopment of the urinary and bile ducts in the fetus in fetal development. If normally, after the fifth month, the outlet ducts close, food only enters through the umbilical cord, but waste products are no longer excreted, then in a child who subsequently develops a fistula, this does not happen until the very birth. There are even cases when in a newborn the urinary canal opens through the navel. Such a defect is corrected only by surgery.

In this case, we are talking about an internal fistula. It may also be external. Its appearance is due to the introduction of dirt or infection into the umbilical wound, improper care and processing, non-compliance with the rules of asepsis and hygiene.

Umbilical hernia. With this diagnosis, the protrusion of the navel appears unexpectedly. In fact, a dense, although sometimes soft, bag sticks out. The fact is that the umbilical ring, which was the source of the umbilical cord, remains hollow for a long time after the wound has healed. It is from it that with prolonged constipation, severe colic, hysterical crying and screaming, a section of the intestine begins to bulge. This condition should not be ignored, because it can lead to serious consequences:

severe inflammation with edematous condition;
intestinal obstruction;
infringement, which leads to necrosis of the nearby area of the intestine;
sepsis, loading spread to the internal organs of the abdominal cavity.

When to see a doctor urgently

If you notice that the child's navel is sticking out, then it is better to immediately seek qualified help. At home, you will not be able to determine what caused this phenomenon. You must understand that serious problems are possible, which, if not diagnosed and treated in time, can lead to serious consequences. In addition, there are a number of symptoms that indicate the need for an emergency visit to a pediatric doctor:

the child has constant problems with the working capacity of the intestines, there is regular bloating, difficulties with defecation, while standard remedies do not help to cope with the problem;
in the area near the navel, severe hyperemia is noticeable;
discharges appear from the umbilical wound, including purulent ones.

Parents should understand that if the cause of the protruding navel is a hernia, then pinching can occur, which will cause severe pain, and if the surgeon does not intervene in time, intestinal obstruction and tissue necrosis may occur.

Schematic representation of the protrusion of the intestine into the navel. Umbilical hernia.

What to do

Of course, the first thing to do is to see a doctor. It is he who will be able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

In the event that the cause was improper ligation of the umbilical cord, most likely, special exercises and preventive massage will be prescribed. Daily gymnastics is an integral part. At the request of the parents, you can get rid of the protruding navel in a cosmetic way.
If the fistula is to blame, most likely, you can not do without surgery. The exception is the external type of this disease, which can be treated with medication, and sometimes at home.
If the belly button is sticking out due to a hernia, the first thing the doctor will try to do is to correct it. If this method does not help, a planned surgical intervention will be prescribed. In the case when the pinching has already occurred, the operation will be emergency.
Therapeutic exercise and preventive massage will also strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent a new prolapse of the hernia, and in case of high dressing, they can help straighten the protruding area.
A hernia, on the recommendation of a doctor, can be sealed with a special adhesive plaster or tightened with a bandage. Just before that, you need to carefully set it.

Preventive measures

Parents of a newborn child, as well as those who are just waiting for replenishment in the family, should be aware of ways to prevent the occurrence of a protruding navel.

Recommended.
It is necessary to take care that the baby has proper nutrition, in the mother's diet there were no foods that provoke the appearance of constipation or flatulence in the child.
It is important to do preventive massage.
Much attention should be paid to strengthening the press of the abdominal wall.
In order to prevent the occurrence of a situation where the child is a year old - the navel sticks out, you need to make sure that the baby does not swell the tummy, it is also important that he does not strain him with constant crying and screaming. Parents should make sure that the little one does not lift weights.
If the child has already developed muscle tone, then you can use the following means of relaxation:

stroke the baby's tummy, he will feel better from your touch;
gently talk to the little one, you can sing a lullaby, the gentle intonation of the mother's voice will have a beneficial effect;
you can put flannel heat on the tummy, which will have an excellent effect on relieving tension, as well as improve blood circulation.

Now you know what can cause a protruding navel. You should not hope that everything will pass on its own, without additional help. Parents should understand that in some cases, everything can end badly for a child. After consulting a doctor, you must follow all his recommendations and appointments. Also, do not forget about prevention methods, they are valuable, both for children who have never had a navel sticking out, and for those who have already encountered such a problem, because cases of relapse are not ruled out.

Today we will talk about:

- a fairly common pathology in children. A hernia is said to be when an organ is completely or partially protruded in an unnatural way. In the case of an umbilical hernia, a protrusion is formed in the area of the retracted scar, which remains to us as a memory of the umbilical cord that connects the fetus to the mother's body.

Hernia consists of a hernial ring, the role of which is performed by the umbilical ring, the hernial sac and its contents. With a suspicion of an umbilical hernia, mostly babies and babies born prematurely get to the doctor.

Reasons for the development of pathology

Factors that provoke the development of a hernia in the navel in a child are conventionally divided into two groups. Let's briefly list them:

Factors that reduce the tone of the umbilical ring:

congenital fragility of connective tissue;
delayed formation of the umbilical scar;
large body weight, bordering on obesity.

Factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure:

colic, due to which the child often comes in screaming and crying;
coughing;
problems with the intestines, as a result of which the child is forced to suffer from constipation;
the presence of certain diseases (for example, with rickets, muscle tone is extremely weakened).

Besides, hernia may be congenital or acquired.

Clinical picture of umbilical hernia in children

recognize umbilical hernia it will not be difficult for parents to have their child. Its main symptom is a noticeable convex seal around the navel. Most often, the diameter of such a protrusion ranges from 1 to 10 cm. A small hernia, as a rule, disappears if the child lies on his back.

The outlines of an umbilical hernia appear very clearly when the child laughs, cries, coughs, performs an act of defecation - in other words, performs an action as a result of which his abdominal muscles tense up. Usually, an umbilical hernia does not cause pain to the baby and disappears on its own by the first birthday.

And yet, a doctor's consultation will not be superfluous, since in some cases an umbilical hernia can have unpleasant consequences. The complications of this defect include:

infringement of a hernia;
inflammatory process in the area of compaction;
hernia damage;
intestinal obstruction;
coprostasis - the accumulation of a large amount of feces in the intestines. The condition is complicated by bloating, nausea, weakness, and pain.

A surgeon can make an accurate diagnosis. Having determined what the hernial sac is filled with (part of the intestine or adipose tissue), the specialist will choose the right therapeutic tactics. To exclude various complications, an additional examination will be prescribed for a small patient, the program of which includes a clinical blood test, ultrasound and x-ray of the abdominal organs.

It is not uncommon for worried parents to mistake the so-called skin navel for an umbilical hernia - an umbilical ring covered with a thick layer of skin. No surgical intervention is required, because such an education is just a physiological feature of the child.

Treatment of pathology in children

A child needs medical help when an umbilical hernia is complicated by the following symptoms:

The area of the protrusion begins to hurt;
the child is sick;
the protruding seal increases in size;
the color of the protrusion becomes lighter.

Ways to treat an umbilical hernia

If a baby with an umbilical hernia is fully nourished, develops in accordance with all standards and feels good, most likely the hernia will “resolve” by itself by 2.5–3 years. All this time, parents should carefully monitor the child's diet, regular emptying of his intestines and in no case allow the development of constipation.

Massage to reduce umbilical hernia

Massage is an effective and safe way to eliminate a hernia in a baby. It is enough to massage the child's stomach every day with stroking movements in a clockwise direction from the ribs down. It is necessary to ensure that the movements are performed smoothly, without sudden movements. Then they move on to light springy movements from top to bottom - as if brushing off an invisible speck from the tummy with the very tips of your fingers.

Positive results will appear within a month of regular massage. In addition, the baby should be laid out on the stomach every day, as this helps to reduce intra-abdominal pressure, release gases, and increase the motor activity of the baby's arms and legs. In general, this position of the body trains and strengthens the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. MirSovetov warns the parents of a baby who has an umbilical hernia: the younger the child, the better the pathological protrusion can be corrected with massage.

Older children are given the same massage, with the only difference that the movements can be performed more intensively. You can connect special therapeutic exercises to this massage, but you can’t do exercises for the press.

Physical therapy classes begin only after the doctor sets the hernia and fixes it with a bactericidal bandage. If this rule is neglected, a hernia may be infringed, as a result of which the blood supply to the intestine is partially disturbed and its individual parts die.

Surgical intervention

The operation is indicated in the following cases:

A hernia in a baby after the first year of life increases in size;
infringement of a hernia;
after the child reached the age of 4, the hernia did not disappear anywhere.

Surgical intervention (hernioplasty) allows you to eliminate the physiological defect of the umbilical ring. During the operation, which lasts no longer than half an hour, the surgeon dissects the hernial sac, inserts its contents back into the peritoneal cavity, fixes and sutures the hernial orifice. For the life of the patient, surgical treatment of an umbilical hernia is completely safe. If the surgeon is satisfied with the result of the operation, the baby will return home the same day.

Treatment of umbilical hernia by folk methods

In the case of an umbilical hernia in a child, it's time to think about traditional medicine, since with the help of its recipes you can achieve very good results.

We offer you a reliable and proven method for more than one generation in the fight against umbilical hernia in children. Take a copper five-kopeck coin, attach it to the navel and secure it firmly with a bactericidal plaster. Please note that this should be done only after the doctor has adjusted the hernia. The child should wear a coin on the navel for 1–1.5 months, removing it only for bathing. Practice has shown that this time is quite enough for the hernia to retract and the hernial ring to close. Also, do not be lazy to lay the baby on the stomach 5-6 times a day for 3-5 minutes. What is the secret of this method? The therapeutic effect is provided by copper ions, with which the coin saturates the baby's skin (this means that modern coins are not suitable for the treatment of hernia). In addition, a five-kopeck coin has an optimal size for stimulating the umbilical ring with its edges.
Pouring belly with cool water. This method of treatment allows you to give the abdominal muscles an additional tone. Douches are suitable for older children. You need to perform the procedure in the morning and in the evening for a month. 1 st. l. table vinegar dissolve in 1 liter of cool water. Then put the child in the bath and for 3 seconds. pour all the water over the area above his navel.
Clay therapy. Clay is one of the most useful natural substances bestowed on man by nature. It is famous for its regenerating and nutritional qualities, as well as a whole range of valuable trace elements with which it saturates body tissues. For the treatment of umbilical hernia, take 2 tbsp. l. red clay and add to it 1.5 tbsp. l. water. Form a cake from the resulting mass and wrap it in gauze. Heat the cake to a temperature of 380 and apply it to the umbilical hernia. Such a “compress” is kept until the clay begins to dry out. The procedure is repeated for 3 weeks.
Oak bark. This natural material is remarkable for its high astringent properties, with which it is possible to achieve stabilization of the connective tissue. For treatment, an infusion is prepared: 1 tbsp. l. oak bark is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, boiled for the next 5 minutes, and then insisted for 4 hours. In the prepared product, gauze folded in several layers is moistened and, having applied it to the place of hernia formation, they are insulated. The compress should be held for about 1.5-2 hours. With the help of an infusion of oak bark, they are treated for 1 month.

Prevention of umbilical hernia

To prevent the development of an umbilical hernia, introduce your child to physical education from early childhood. Therapeutic exercises are especially important for children who suffer from constipation very often. Before feeding such babies, it is imperative to lay them out on the stomach and replenish the complex of daily gymnastic exercises with exercises aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscle complex:

lifting straight legs in turn and together from a supine position;
"bike";
encouraging the baby to actively use;
arching the back in the upper and lower sections from a supine position;
change from lying on your back to a sitting position;
encouraging the baby to stand up with support on the hand of an adult.