Question
The asker’s nephew is 2 months old and cries frequently. Each time he cries, he turns blue all over and sweats, and a swelling is observed in the lower abdomen. How can one determine if the baby has an umbilical hernia?
Answer
The best course of action is to have a check-up at a clinic. There is usually a lump of intestinal gas in the inguinal area that may increase in size with crying. When the baby calms down, the condition may gradually return to normal. It is important to avoid having the baby cry repeatedly in this situation. If such a condition persists beyond the age of 2, surgery should be considered. If it is difficult to determine, an abdominal ultrasound at a hospital can provide clarity.