What kind of problems can an umbilical hernia cause?

September 24, 2025 •

3 min read

While umbilical hernias are often benign, especially in infants, an estimated 65% of adult cases eventually require surgery due to potential complications. Understanding what kind of problems can an umbilical hernia cause is crucial for knowing when to seek medical attention and when it is considered an emergency.

Quick Summary

An umbilical hernia can cause complications ranging from mild discomfort and pain to serious, life-threatening conditions like incarceration and strangulation, which can lead to a bowel obstruction or tissue death and require emergency surgery.

Key Points

Incarceration Risk: The contents of the hernia can become trapped and stuck, a condition known as incarceration.
Strangulation Emergency: If blood supply is cut off to the trapped tissue, it becomes a life-threatening strangulated hernia requiring immediate surgery.
Bowel Obstruction: Incarceration can lead to a bowel obstruction, causing severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Adults at Higher Risk: Unlike children, where hernias often resolve, adults have a higher risk of complications and usually require surgical repair.
Emergency Symptoms: Watch for sudden, severe pain, bulge discoloration, fever, or an inability to pass gas or stool, which signal an emergency.
Pain and Discomfort: Even non-emergency hernias can cause pain and pressure, especially during physical activity or straining.

Understanding Umbilical Hernias

An umbilical hernia occurs when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the navel. While pediatric hernias often close naturally, adult hernias rarely do and pose higher complication risks. Problems arise if the hernia contents become trapped or lose blood flow.

Mild vs. Serious Problems

For some, an umbilical hernia may only cause mild discomfort or a visible bulge that is reducible (can be pushed back in). However, even mild hernias can worsen over time if not treated.

Mild symptoms may include:

A noticeable bulge near the navel.
Pressure or a dull ache in the abdomen, particularly during physical activity.
Increased discomfort when lifting.

The Most Dangerous Complications

The most significant risks are incarceration and strangulation, which are rare but medical emergencies requiring immediate surgery.

Incarcerated Umbilical Hernia

This occurs when tissue or intestine gets trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. While not immediately cutting off blood flow, it can lead to strangulation.

Symptoms may include:

A firm, non-reducible bulge.
Severe pain at the hernia site.
Nausea and vomiting.
Bloating.

Strangulated Umbilical Hernia

This life-threatening complication happens when the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off. This leads to tissue death (necrosis), risking severe infection and sepsis if not treated immediately.

Emergency signs include:

Sudden, severe pain.
Discoloration (red, purple, dark) of the bulge.
Fever.
Inability to pass gas or stool, indicating bowel obstruction.

Bowel Obstruction and Digestive Issues

Trapped intestine can block the passage of food and stool, causing a bowel obstruction. Symptoms include severe cramping, bloating, constipation, and vomiting, often requiring urgent care.

Umbilical Hernias in Adults vs. Children

Risks vary between age groups.

Umbilical hernias in children

Low Risk: Incarceration and strangulation are rare, and hernias often close naturally by age 4 or 5.
Surgery: Usually needed only if the hernia persists past age 5, is large, or painful.

Umbilical hernias in adults

Higher Risk: Adult hernias are more likely to have complications and require surgery; they don't resolve on their own.
Emergency Risk: Adults face a higher likelihood of bowel obstruction or strangulation, often needing emergency surgery.

Comparison of Hernia Complications


Feature	Incarcerated Hernia	Strangulated Hernia
Tissue Viability	Blood supply usually intact.	Blood supply cut off.
Symptom Severity	Painful, non-reducible bulge.	Severe pain, often with discoloration.
Associated Symptoms	Nausea, vomiting, bloating.	Nausea, vomiting, fever, inability to pass gas/stool.
Required Action	Timely surgery often needed.	Immediate, emergency surgery required.
Tissue Damage	Potential for long-term damage if untreated.	Rapid tissue death.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Advice

Any bulge or pain near the navel should be evaluated by a doctor to assess the hernia and determine if watchful waiting or surgery is needed. Elective surgery can prevent progression to dangerous emergencies.

For additional information, consult the Cleveland Clinic website.

Conclusion

While pediatric umbilical hernias are often benign, adult hernias carry a higher risk of serious complications like incarceration and strangulation. These can lead to bowel obstruction and tissue death, necessitating emergency surgery. Recognizing warning signs such as severe pain, bulge discoloration, and digestive issues is vital for prompt medical intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

An incarcerated hernia is when the tissue is trapped but still has blood flow, while a strangulated hernia is a medical emergency where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off.

Initial signs of a serious hernia include a firm bulge that can't be pushed back in, along with severe or worsening pain. Emergency signs can also include fever, nausea, and discoloration of the bulge.

Yes, if an umbilical hernia becomes incarcerated, it can cause a bowel obstruction, leading to digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

In infants, umbilical hernias often close naturally within the first few years of life. However, in adults, an umbilical hernia will not go away on its own and typically requires surgery to repair.

If left untreated, an umbilical hernia can grow larger and lead to severe pain. There is also a risk of the hernia becoming incarcerated or strangulated over time.

If you experience a sudden onset of severe pain, especially if the bulge becomes discolored, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. This could indicate a strangulated hernia.

Complications like incarceration and strangulation are much more common in adults than in children. Pediatric umbilical hernias are typically monitored unless they persist or are symptomatic.