Umbilical hernias can sometimes affect bowel movements, but often have little impact. An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the small intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through a weak spot or opening in the abdominal muscles around the belly button (umbilicus). This can create a visible bulge and discomfort. For many people, an umbilical hernia causes no symptoms and may resolve on its own. But in some cases, it can lead to abdominal pain, constipation, difficulty passing stools, and other issues with bowel movements.
What causes umbilical hernias?
There are a few factors that can contribute to the development of an umbilical hernia:
- Congenital defect – Some infants are born with a weakness in the abdominal wall around the umbilicus that allows tissue to protrude.
- Excess intra-abdominal pressure – Repeatedly straining or increasing pressure in the abdomen can cause the umbilical area to weaken over time. This can occur with obesity, multiple pregnancies, persistent coughing, or frequent heavy lifting.
- Prior abdominal surgery – Incisions made near the umbilicus during surgery can potentially lead to weakening of the abdominal wall later on.
How do umbilical hernias affect bowel movements?
There are a few ways an umbilical hernia can impact bowel movements and digestive functions:
- Constipation – The bulge from the hernia can partially obstruct the bowel, slowing the passage of stool and making bowel movements more difficult. The hernia puts pressure on the intestines.
- Discomfort when straining – Passing stool may be painful as the protruding tissue gets squeezed when straining or bearing down.
- Nausea and vomiting – Intestinal obstruction from the hernia can also lead to nausea, vomiting, and an inability to pass gas.
- No effect – Small umbilical hernias may cause no digestive issues at all. Larger hernias are more likely to impact bowel movements.
Signs of bowel obstruction
More severe complications can occur if the hernia causes a dangerous bowel obstruction. Signs of this include:
- Increasing pain the abdomen
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Inability to pass stool or gas
- High fever
This requires urgent medical attention to reduce the hernia and clear the intestinal obstruction.
Factors affecting bowel movement changes
Not all umbilical hernias will alter bowel function the same way. Here are some factors that determine the degree of impact:
- Hernia size – Larger hernias put more pressure on tissues and are more likely to cause obstruction.
- Location – Hernias with more intestinal protrusion affect motility more than those with just fat tissue.
- Reducibility – Hernias that can be pushed back into place tend to cause fewer digestive issues.
- Timing – Sudden onset hernias often cause more acute symptoms than gradual onset ones.
- Bowel health – Those with underlying motility disorders may experience more severe effects.
Treatments for umbilical hernia
There are options for treating an umbilical hernia and relieving associated bowel problems:
- Hernia belt – Wearing an abdominal binder can help keep the protrusion supported and reduce discomfort when straining.
- Manual reduction – Hernias that are easily reducible can often be massaged back into place to relieve obstruction.
- Medication – Stool softeners, laxatives, or antiemetics can help manage constipation, pain, and nausea.
- Surgery – Repairing the abdominal defect with surgical mesh is the definitive treatment to cure the hernia and bowel problems.
When to see a doctor
It’s a good idea to seek medical assessment if an umbilical hernia is causing bothersome digestive symptoms or shows any signs of bowel obstruction. Prompt surgical repair may be recommended to prevent complications like strangulation of the intestines.
Preventing umbilical hernia recurrence
Unfortunately, umbilical hernias can recur after surgical repair in some cases. Here are some tips to help prevent this:
- Follow all post-op care instructions such as rest and activity restrictions.
- Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and pressure on the abdomen during healing.
- Control coughing, maintain a healthy weight, and treat constipation.
- Do exercises to strengthen abdominal muscles once cleared by your surgeon.
- Get surgical mesh reinforcements and laparoscopic repairs to lower recurrence risk.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for umbilical hernias is generally good, especially when treated. Many are harmless and resolve on their own in infants. In adults, repairing medium to large hernias can cure problematic symptoms and prevent serious complications. Following post-op care guidelines lowers the chances of recurrence. Even large recurrent hernias can usually be fixed with surgery and mesh reinforcement. So for most people, umbilical hernias can be managed effectively before they ever significantly impact bowel movements or digestive health.
Conclusion
Umbilical hernias can sometimes interfere with normal bowel function and cause abdominal discomfort when straining, but do not affect everyone the same way. Smaller hernias often cause minimal issues compared to larger ones exerting more pressure. Constipation is the most common symptom, along with pain when bearing down for a bowel movement. If the hernia appears obstructed or painful, prompt medical care is needed. Treatments like hernia belts, medication, and surgery can help manage symptoms and repair the abdominal defect for improved bowel function.