What is the difference between an umbilical hernia and an inguinal hernia, their symptoms, and effective treatment methods, An umbilical hernia is the protrusion of a portion of the intestine or fat through a weak opening in the abdominal muscles near the navel.
An inguinal hernia is the protrusion of a portion of the intestine through a weak opening in the abdominal wall. We will learn about the difference between them and their effective treatment methods.
What is an umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is the protrusion of a portion of the intestine or fat through a weak opening in the abdominal muscles near the navel.
It most often occurs in newborns due to the incomplete development of the abdominal wall and usually closes spontaneously over time.
What is an inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia is the protrusion of a portion of the intestine or other abdominal organ through a weak opening in the abdominal wall.
It usually occurs in the upper thigh or scrotum in males and results from a weakness in the abdominal wall.
Symptoms of Umbilical and Inguinal Hernias
Common symptoms of an umbilical hernia include:
- A bulge near the navel that may become more noticeable when crying, coughing, or straining.
- Sometimes, pain, especially when the bulge increases in size.
- The bulge may disappear when you relax or apply gentle pressure.
Symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:
- A bulge on either side of the pubic bone, which becomes more noticeable when standing, especially when coughing or straining.
- A burning or pain sensation at the site of the bulge.
- A feeling of weight or pressure in the groin area.
- Swelling in the scrotum in men. The bulge may extend into the scrotum and cause swelling around the testicles.
Causes of Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical hernias occur in both children and adults. In children, they occur as a result of the umbilical opening not closing after birth or other factors such as maternal age and smoking.
Causes of umbilical hernias in adults include increased intra-abdominal pressure due to repeated pregnancies, twin pregnancies, or being overweight. This can also result from coughing, constipation, or lifting heavy objects.
What are the causes of an inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs as a result of weakness in the lower abdominal muscle wall, allowing internal tissue to protrude through a weak point. Muscle weakness may be present from birth or result from aging.
It occurs as a result of increased pressure on the abdominal muscles resulting from factors such as severe stress, straining, heavy lifting, or obesity.
What is the difference between an umbilical hernia and an inguinal hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs around the navel and is common in children and may resolve spontaneously. An inguinal hernia, on the other hand, occurs in the groin area and affects men more than women. It does not heal on its own.
Umbilical hernia treatment
The primary treatment for an umbilical hernia in adults is surgery using a surgical mesh, which involves repositioning the protruding tissue and strengthening the abdominal wall.
Treatment for an inguinal hernia relies on observation. Umbilical hernias usually close spontaneously in infants within the first two years of life.
Inguinal Hernia Treatment Methods
The primary treatment for inguinal hernias is surgery:
- Open surgery, where the surgeon makes an incision in the groin area to reposition the prolapsed tissue.
- Laparoscopic surgery, through very small incisions, where the surgeon uses a tiny camera to repair the hernia from the inside.
- A hernia belt is used to relieve symptoms and prevent organs from protruding from the inguinal canal, but it is a temporary solution.
Tips for Preventing Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias can be prevented and risk factors reduced through lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity.
- Lift heavy objects correctly when carrying weights.
- Eat foods rich in fiber to avoid constipation.
- Drink adequate fluids to avoid straining during bowel movements.
- Quitting smoking, which causes chronic coughing, which increases intra-abdominal pressure.
- Doing exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles.
- Treatment of chronic conditions such as persistent coughing or abdominal straining.
Does an umbilical hernia always require surgery
An umbilical hernia doesn't always require surgery in children, but surgery may be necessary if the hernia is large or doesn't resolve on its own.
How long does it take to recover from hernia surgery
You can return to your normal activities after hernia surgery within one to two weeks, but returning to normal life may take four to six weeks, depending on the patient's condition and the doctor's instructions.
Summary of the Difference Between an Umbilical Hernia and an Inguinal Hernia
The main difference between an umbilical hernia and an inguinal hernia is their location. An umbilical hernia occurs around the navel, is common in children, and usually resolves on its own.
An inguinal hernia, on the other hand, occurs in the groin area and affects men more than women. It doesn't heal on its own and requires surgery.