A hernia in the belly button area is a medical condition referred to as an umbilical hernia. Although anyone can develop an umbilical hernia, this condition is most frequently diagnosed in newborn babies. People who develop signs of a hernia in the belly button area should seek care from a medical professional.
Mass at Belly Button
A soft, fleshy mass is the predominate sign of a hernia in the belly button area, according to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. The mass may be most apparent when a person performs activities that place strain on the abdomen, such as producing a bowel movement or crying. Lying down may cause the mass to disappear back into the abdomen. Typically, a belly button hernia can be reduced when a doctor presses the protruding mass back into its appropriate location in the abdomen.
Abdominal Swelling
If the hernia becomes stuck within the abdominal wall and can't be reduced, affected patients can develop a swollen or inflamed abdomen that appears discolored or is tender to the touch, MayoClinic.com explains. These signs of a hernia in the belly button area require prompt medical attention to prevent serious medical complications.
Upset Stomach
Patients may begin to vomit as a sign of a hernia in the belly button area. When the hernia becomes trapped in the abdominal wall, intestinal irritation can interfere with the normal progression of food products through the digestive tract. Patients who experience severe or persistent vomiting, especially in conjunction the appearance of an abdominal mass, should seek medical care immediately.
Fussiness or Fever
Children or infants with this condition can become unusually fussy or irritable due to pain caused by a trapped or incarcerated hernia in the belly button, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford warns. Patients can also develop fever symptoms, which can contribute to facial flushing, sweating, chills or increased fussiness. Persistent fever symptoms can be a sign of an alternate medical condition or infection and affected patients should report such symptoms to a physician as soon as possible.
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