What causes adult umbilical hernia?

In general, adult umbilical hernias may be associated with factors such as excessive straining, severe obesity, constipation, pregnancy, and congenital abnormalities. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Straining

Long-term fatigue, excessive physical exertion, or frequent bending can increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to relaxation of the muscles around the navel and resulting in an umbilical hernia. This condition usually resolves with rest and typically does not require specific treatment.

2. Severe Obesity

Excessive body weight may also elevate intra-abdominal pressure, contributing to the development of an umbilical hernia. In some cases, liposuction surgery may be necessary.

3. Constipation

Constipation often increases intra-abdominal pressure, which may lead to an umbilical hernia. Patients can take medications such as麻仁润肠丸 (Ma Ren Run Chang Wan) or 苁蓉通便口服液 (Cong Rong Tong Bian Oral Liquid) as directed by a physician.

4. Pregnancy

Women are more prone to developing umbilical hernias during pregnancy due to significant expansion of the rectus abdominis muscles and the abdominal cavity. The muscle fibers may become dispersed, leading to muscle tearing, strain, or separation, causing the umbilical hernia to gradually protrude. In most cases, the condition improves naturally after delivery.

5. Congenital Abnormalities

This occurs when the umbilicus fails to heal completely at birth or when the umbilical ring is excessively large, preventing full closure of the surrounding muscles and resulting in an umbilical hernia. If necessary, surgical repair of the umbilical hernia can be performed under medical guidance.

In addition, other factors such as bowel obstruction or tumors may also cause adult umbilical hernias. Patients experiencing discomfort should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.