Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
View real photos of umbilical hernia in adults and understand how it looks and when to seek care.
Umbilical hernias happen when tissue bulges through a weak spot in the belly muscles near the navel. This usually happens because of increased abdominal pressure. It can cause pain and a noticeable bulge around the navel.
Liv Hospital is great at finding and treating umbilical hernias. They make sure patients get the best care. Doctors usually check with a physical exam. Sometimes, they use imaging tests to see if there are any other problems.
It’s important to know about the anatomy of umbilical hernias and how to diagnose them. This helps doctors treat them well.
Key Takeaways
- Umbilical hernias occur due to increased abdominal pressure.
- Diagnosis involves physical exams and potentially imaging tests.
- Liv Hospital provides expert care for umbilical hernia diagnosis and management.
- Understanding the anatomy of umbilical hernias is important for effective treatment.
- A hole in the navel can be a sign of an umbilical hernia.
Understanding Umbilical Hernias in Adults
Umbilical hernias are more common in kids, but adults can get them too. An umbilical hernia happens when part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the belly muscles near the navel.
Definition and Prevalence
Umbilical hernias show as a bulge near the belly button. This bulge comes from a weak spot in the belly muscles. They are common in babies but can also happen in adults for different reasons.
Umbilical hernias in adults are quite common, mainly in pregnant women and people with high belly pressure. Unlike in kids, adult hernias usually don’t fix themselves.
Differences Between Adult and Pediatric Umbilical Hernias
Adult and child umbilical hernias are different. Kids’ hernias are small and often disappear by age 3-5. Adult hernias are bigger and linked to obesity, many pregnancies, or chronic conditions that raise belly pressure.
Adult hernias also face a higher chance of serious problems like incarceration and strangulation. So, getting medical help quickly is very important.
Anatomy of the Umbilical Region
The umbilicus, or belly button, is a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This makes it prone to hernias. The umbilical region is complex and key to understanding umbilical hernias.
Normal Umbilical Structure
The umbilicus has a fibrous ring from the umbilical cord site. This area is strengthened by the fusion of fascias. This protection helps prevent hernias.
The umbilical fascia adds strength to the umbilical region. But, its thickness and integrity can affect hernia risk.
Abdominal Wall Weakness Points
Weak spots in the abdominal wall, like the umbilical area, increase hernia risk. The umbilical ring is a common hernia site due to its weakness.
The table below shows factors that weaken the abdominal wall:
| Factor | Description | Impact on Abdominal Wall |
| Umbilical Ring | Natural opening in the abdominal wall | Increased risk of herniation |
| Fascial Weakness | Variations in fascial thickness and integrity | Reduced abdominal wall strength |
| Increased Abdominal Pressure | Conditions causing elevated intra-abdominal pressure | Enhanced risk of hernia protrusion |
Knowing these anatomical factors is key for diagnosing and treating umbilical hernias. Healthcare professionals can manage and prevent complications by understanding these weaknesses.
What Causes Umbilical Hernia in Adults
Adults can get umbilical hernias because of several reasons and increased pressure in the belly. Knowing why they happen is key to preventing and treating them.
Increased Abdominal Pressure Factors
High pressure in the belly is a big reason for umbilical hernias in adults. Many things can cause this pressure, such as:
- Obesity: Being overweight puts extra stress on the belly muscles.
- Pregnancy: Having many babies can make the belly muscles weak.
- Chronic Constipation: Straining to go to the bathroom can raise belly pressure.
- Coughing: Long-term coughing, often from smoking or lung problems, can also increase pressure.
- Heavy Lifting: Often lifting heavy things can strain the belly muscles.
Risk Factors and Predispositions
Other factors also play a big part in getting umbilical hernias. These include:
| Risk Factor | Description |
| Age | The risk goes up with age because the belly muscles get weaker. |
| Previous Abdominal Surgery | Scar tissue from old surgeries can make the belly wall weak. |
| Family History | Having a family history of hernias means you might be more likely to get one too. |
| Medical Conditions | Having conditions like ascites or peritoneal dialysis can also increase the risk. |
Knowing these risk factors can help find and treat umbilical hernias early.
Common Symptoms of Umbilical Hernias
Knowing the symptoms of umbilical hernias is key for getting the right treatment. These symptoms can affect how well you live your daily life. They vary in how bad they are and how they impact you.
Physical Manifestations and Umbilical Hernia Location
A common sign of an umbilical hernia is a bulge near the navel. This bulge gets bigger when you cough, strain, or lift heavy things. It gets smaller or goes away when you lie down.
The hernia usually happens around the navel. The size of the bulge depends on the hernia’s size. Sometimes, the skin around the navel gets red or irritated from tight clothes.
Umbilical Hernia Pain Patterns
The pain from umbilical hernias can be mild or very sharp. It gets worse if the hernia gets stuck or cut off. You might feel pain when you bend, lift, or do activities that put pressure on your belly.
The pain might stay the same or change. If the pain is very bad, doesn’t go away, or comes with other symptoms like nausea or fever, see a doctor. These signs could mean something serious is happening.
Diagnosing Umbilical Hernias
To find out if you have an umbilical hernia, doctors will first do a physical check-up. They might also use imaging studies to look for any serious issues. This way, they can tell how bad the hernia is and what treatment you need.
Physical Examination Techniques
A detailed physical examination is key in diagnosing umbilical hernias. Doctors will look closely at your belly, focusing on the navel area. They might ask you to cough or strain to see if a hernia pops out.
They will also check how big the hernia is and if it can go back inside. If it can, it’s called reducible. But if it can’t, it’s called irreducible. Knowing this helps doctors decide the best treatment.
Imaging Studies for Complication Assessment
Even with a physical check-up, sometimes doctors need to use imaging studies to check for serious problems. Problems like incarceration or strangulation can happen. These are serious because they can cut off blood flow or even cause tissue death.
Imaging modalities like ultrasound or CT scans can help see the hernia and the tissues around it. These tests show important details like what’s inside the hernia and if there are any complications. This info is vital for deciding if surgery is needed.
Can an Umbilical Hernia Cause Constipation?
Umbilical hernias don’t directly cause constipation. But, they might show problems that can lead to bowel issues. It’s key to know this to handle digestive problems well.
Mechanism of Bowel Disruption
Umbilical hernias happen when part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the belly muscles near the navel. This can make the belly press harder, which might mess with bowel movements. Increased abdominal pressure can cause pain and make constipation worse.
How umbilical hernias might affect bowel habits includes:
- Physical blockage or partial blockage of the intestine
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure affecting bowel movements
- Conditions like adhesions or bowel kinking
Managing Digestive Symptoms with Umbilical Hernia
Handling digestive issues in patients with umbilical hernias needs a few steps. Changing what you eat, your lifestyle, and sometimes medical help can help with constipation and other digestive problems.
| Management Strategy | Description |
| Dietary Adjustments | Eating more fiber, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding constipation-causing foods |
| Lifestyle Changes | Exercising regularly, keeping a healthy weight, and not lifting heavy things |
| Medical Interventions | Laxatives, stool softeners, or other medicines as a doctor suggests |
Understanding how umbilical hernias and constipation are linked helps doctors give better care. They can tackle the hernia and any digestive issues at the same time.
Recognizing Reducible vs. Irreducible Umbilical Hernias
Knowing the difference between reducible and irreducible hernias is key to treating umbilical hernias well. It’s important to know if a hernia is reducible or not. This affects how it’s treated and the risks involved.
Characteristics of Hernia Umbilical Reducible Conditions
A reducible umbilical hernia can be pushed back into the belly. It’s usually not painful and can be manually pushed back. Here are some key traits of reducible hernias:
- The hernia can be pushed back into the abdomen.
- It is usually not painful.
- The size of the hernia can vary.
People with reducible umbilical hernias might not feel bad at first. But, it’s important to watch it closely to avoid bigger problems.
Implications of Non-Reducible Hernias
An irreducible umbilical hernia can’t be pushed back into the belly. This can lead to serious issues like incarceration or strangulation. Here are some serious signs of irreducible hernias:
| Characteristics | Implications |
| The hernia cannot be pushed back. | Risk of incarceration. |
| Pain and discomfort are common. | Potential for strangulation. |
| Increased risk of complications. | May require emergency surgery. |
Irreducible hernias are a big health risk. They need quick medical attention.
In summary, knowing if a hernia is reducible or not is critical. It helps decide the best treatment and avoids serious problems.
Umbilical Hernia Emergency Symptoms
It’s important to know the emergency signs of umbilical hernias. Many don’t show symptoms or only feel a little discomfort. But, some can turn into serious health issues.
Signs of Incarcerated Umbilical Hernia
An incarcerated umbilical hernia is when the hernia gets stuck and can’t go back inside. Signs include severe pain, tenderness, and redness around the hernia. If you see these signs, get medical help right away.
Big hernias are more likely to get stuck. If this happens, it can lead to serious problems. Getting medical help quickly is key to figuring out what to do next.
Strangulated Umbilical Hernia Symptoms
A strangulated umbilical hernia is when the blood supply to the hernia is cut off. Symptoms are intense pain, nausea, vomiting, and the hernia turning dark red or purple. This is a serious emergency that needs surgery right away.
Strangulated hernias are very dangerous and need quick care. If you or someone else has these symptoms, get help fast.
Treatment Options for Adult Umbilical Hernias
Adults with umbilical hernias have several treatment options. These range from watching the hernia to surgery. The right choice depends on the hernia’s size, symptoms, and risk of problems.
Non-Surgical Management Approaches
Small, symptom-free umbilical hernias might just need watching. This means keeping an eye on them for any changes. Eating right and avoiding heavy lifting can also help manage symptoms and stop the hernia from getting worse.
A study in the Journal of Surgical Research found that watching small, symptom-free umbilical hernias is safe and works well.
“The risk of incarceration or strangulation is low in patients with small umbilical hernias, making watchful waiting a viable option.”
Surgical Repair Techniques
For bigger hernias or those causing a lot of trouble, surgery is usually needed. There are a few ways to do surgery, like open repair or laparoscopic repair. The choice depends on the situation and the doctor’s advice.
Laparoscopic repair uses small cuts and a camera to guide the surgery. It can lead to less pain and a faster recovery than open repair.
- Laparoscopic repair
- Open repair
- Robotic-assisted repair
A surgical expert said, “Surgery for umbilical hernias is very effective. It has low rates of coming back when done by skilled surgeons.”
Special Considerations for Women with Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical hernias in women have unique challenges, mainly during pregnancy. The extra pressure from the growing uterus can make hernias worse or cause new ones. It’s important to know how to handle and treat these hernias in women.
Pregnancy-Related Umbilical Hernias
Pregnancy increases the pressure inside the belly, which can lead to or worsen umbilical hernias. Pregnancy-related umbilical hernias are a big worry because they can lead to serious problems. Women who have been pregnant before are more likely to get an umbilical hernia.
The signs of umbilical hernias in pregnant women are similar to those in non-pregnant women. They include a bulge near the belly button and pain. But, the growing baby adds extra strain, making symptoms worse.
Umbilical Hernia Symptoms in Women
Umbilical hernia symptoms are similar for both men and women. But, women might notice different symptoms because of pregnancy or hormonal changes. Common signs include a bulge around the navel, pain, and discomfort when coughing, lifting, or bending.
Some women might notice umbilical hernia symptoms that change with their menstrual cycle or other gender-specific factors. It’s key for women with these symptoms to see a doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment.
Knowing the specific symptoms and how they relate to individual factors is vital for managing and treating umbilical hernias effectively.
Conclusion
It’s important to know about umbilical hernias in adults to get the right treatment. This issue shows up as a bulge near the belly button. It can happen due to high pressure in the belly or other health problems.
Spotting the signs of an umbilical hernia is key. Look out for a bulge, pain, or discomfort. Getting a correct diagnosis is vital for the right treatment.
There are different ways to treat umbilical hernias. For small ones, you might not need surgery. But for bigger ones, surgery is needed. Doctors at Liv Hospital help patients choose the best treatment.
Knowing about umbilical hernias helps avoid serious problems. It also makes life better for those affected. If you think you have one, see a doctor right away.
FAQ
What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia happens when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the belly muscles near the navel.
Can an umbilical hernia cause constipation?
An umbilical hernia itself might not cause constipation. But, it can lead to more pressure in the belly. This might mess with bowel movements and cause other digestive issues.
What are the symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia?
Signs of a strangulated umbilical hernia include sharp pain, nausea, and vomiting. You’ll also notice a tender, discolored lump near the navel. It’s a serious issue that needs quick medical help.
How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed?
Doctors usually check you physically first. They might also use an ultrasound or CT scan to see the hernia and any possible problems.
What causes umbilical hernias in adults?
Hernias can be caused by too much pressure in the belly. This can be from being overweight, lifting heavy things, or coughing a lot. Weakened belly muscles also play a part.
Are umbilical hernias more common in women?
Both men and women can get umbilical hernias. But, pregnancy might make it more likely for women to get one.
What is the difference between a reducible and an irreducible umbilical hernia?
A reducible hernia can be pushed back into the belly. But, an irreducible hernia can’t be pushed back. It might get stuck or cut off, leading to serious problems.
Can pregnancy cause an umbilical hernia?
Yes, pregnancy can increase the risk of getting an umbilical hernia. This is because of the extra pressure and changes in the belly during pregnancy.
What are the treatment options for umbilical hernias?
Treatment depends on the size and symptoms of the hernia. Small, painless ones might just need watching. But, bigger or painful ones might need surgery.
How can I manage digestive symptoms with an umbilical hernia?
To manage digestive issues, eat well, drink plenty of water, and avoid heavy lifting. These steps can help with constipation and other symptoms.
What are the signs of an incarcerated umbilical hernia?
Signs include a painful, swollen lump near the navel that can’t be pushed back. You might also feel nausea, vomiting, or have tender belly.
Is surgery necessary for all umbilical hernias?
Not all umbilical hernias need surgery. The decision to operate depends on the hernia’s size, symptoms, and risk of complications.
References
Pietrangelo, A. (2024). Managing weight loss after gallbladder removal. Medical News Today. Retrieved from
