Umblilical Incisional and Other Hernias

Some hernias are present from birth and others will be caused when there has been a weakening of a muscle wall caused by a previous medical procedure.

If you have been or are pregnant, there is the chance of getting a hiatial hernia. In this case instead of affecting the stomach wall, it affects the diaphragm.

Umblilical Hernia

Umbilical hernias can occur in both adults and children where there is typically a visible but soft bulge on or near your belly button. It can be permanently visible, but for others it will come and go when pressure on your abdomen increases or decreases.

In Adults

• Typically in adults, it may appear when you lift something heavy.
• Adults are more likely to experience discomfort or a dull pain  with umblilical hernias.

In Children

• In children, the bulge may not appear until the child is crying.
• The hernia itself is usually painless and will generally correct itself by the time a child reaches school age.

If your hernia should change colour or suddenly become painful or cause stomache pain, you should seek emergency care.

Incisional Hernia

When you undergo a medical procedure around the abdomen, it is possible the the abdomen wall is weakened by the incision.

• It is here that hernias can develop, especially if they have exerted themselves too soon after surgery.
• It can also occur if you have gained a lot of weight or become pregant.
• It is possible that part of the gastrointestinal tract or even other organs can protrude through this weakness.
• In addition to the tell tale bulge, other symptoms may included nausea/vomiting, constipation or abdominal pain, especially around the site of the previous procedure.

This can cause serious health conditions which need to be treated quickly.

Hiatial Hernia

The hiatial hernia is different to other hernias as the hernia goes through the diaphragm instead of the abdominal wall.

It is possible that a small hiatial hernia will go unnoticed as it has very little effect on your health.

However, if the hernia is large it can cause a range of symptoms

• Heartburn.
• Backward flow of food or liquid (regurgitation)
• Acid reflux.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Chest or abdominal pain.
• Short breath.
• Vomiting of blood or darkened stools which could mean internal bleeding.

If any of these symtoms persist, you shoud seek medical care.