Umbilical hernias are a common health issue in young children and infants. The condition is characterized by a painless lump near or in the belly button. It might look bigger when you cry, cough, or laugh. Most cases are typically harmless, but others do not go away on their own. In more serious situations, surgery is even required to prevent dangerous complications. The following sections will show you how to diagnose and treat an umbilical hernia.
Umbilical Hernia Diagnosis
Physical Exam
An umbilical hernia can be diagnosed with a physical exam. During this procedure, you need to stand up so that the doctor would gently probe the lump or bulge in your belly button. You would be asked to strain, cough, or move to make it easier to inspect the area. In addition, your doctor needs to assess the movement and flexibility in the suspected area. After that, she or she would determine whether you have an umbilical hernia, which form you might have, and whether it is reducible, meaning that it would be pushed back to the abdominal cavity. [1]
