Introduction:
The umbilical cord in the uterus is the link between the developing child and the birth parent. The cord is no longer required after delivery. Instead, it is clamped before being sliced. The result is a little stump. Within the first few weeks of life, the umbilical cord stump often dries out and falls off the infant. When the cord splits from the belly button, it might occasionally bleed (navel). If the baby's diaper rubs against it, it can also start to bleed a little. Several different things might cause belly button bleeding. Infection, a side effect of portal hypertension, or primary umbilical endometriosis are three of the most frequent causes. Keep reading to understand more about bleeding from the belly button and how to cure it.
What Are the Causes of Umbilical Cord Hemorrhage?
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Infection:
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Belly button infections are rather frequent. If people have piercings close to their navel, or belly button, they run a higher risk of infection. Additionally, there is a higher risk of infection when there is poor skin cleanliness.
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A belly button is where infections are frequently found since it is damp, warm, and dark. This encourages the development of germs, which can cause an illness.
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Depending on the infection's underlying source, the symptoms will change. For instance, one can have distinct symptoms if one has a bacterial illness instead of a fungal infection. Typical warning signs and symptoms are:
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An itchy, tingling, or burning feeling in or around the naval area, along with any soreness, pain, redness, or skin color changes
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An abscess with pus that may be indicative of a bacterial infection.
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Swollen areas around or on the belly button.
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The feeling of a warm bellybutton.
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A discharge that smells bad might be white, yellow, green, grey, or brown.
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Dizziness.
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Nausea.
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Vomiting or bleeding
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Depending on the nature of the illness, one could experience a few symptoms.
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The doctor will start with a physical exam if they think they have an infection.
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Additionally, they will use a swab to take a sample from one's belly button. This sample is testable.
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The doctor can identify the cause of the infection with the test results. The doctor's treatment plan will be more effective if they know the cause.
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The doctor will advise lifestyle modifications in addition to medicine if the abdomen is infected. Among the lifestyle changes:
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Wearing loose-fitting clothes
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Preserving proper personal hygiene
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Drying off the infected area
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Clearing the piercing of any jewelry
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The doctor will recommend antifungal cream or powder if they have a yeast infection. Rinsing the region with warm saline water can frequently be used to treat other bacterial illnesses. Remember to dry.
2. Portal Hypertension:
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When the major portal vein, which conducts blood from the intestines to the liver, has greater blood pressure than usual, it is said to have portal hypertension.
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Cirrhosis is the most frequent cause of this. However, it can also be caused by hepatitis C. The following are possible signs of complications from portal hypertension:
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Abdominal enlargement.
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Abdomen pain or discomfort.
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Confusion.
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The doctor will likely order several tests if they believe the bleeding is due to portal hypertension, including:
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MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
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A liver biopsy.
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An ultrasound.
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In addition, they will perform a physical examination, look over the medical history, and look for any further symptoms.
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They could do blood tests to measure the white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts.
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An elevated platelet count and decreased WBC count may indicate a larger spleen.
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Medications to lower portal vein blood pressure, transfusions for serious bleeding, and liver transplants in extremely rare circumstances are recommended.
3. Primary Endometriosis of the Umbilicus:
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Endometriosis exclusively affects women, with very few exceptions. It happens when the tissue that makes up the uterus lining starts to show up in the body's other organs.
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When the tissue manifests in the belly button, a rare disorder known as primary umbilical endometriosis occurs, and the belly button may leak due to this.
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Primary umbilical endometriosis symptoms might include:
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Bleeding from the belly button.
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Discomfort around the belly button.
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Swelling of the belly button.
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A tumor or nodule on the belly button or nearby.
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If women have umbilical endometriosis, the doctor may use an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI to detect it. The doctor can inspect the clump of cells or lump on or around the belly button using this imaging equipment. Up to four percent of women with endometriosis experience primary umbilical endometriosis.
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The doctor will probably advise surgery to remove the lump or nodule. The doctor may also suggest hormone treatment to address this issue.
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Because the chance of recurrence is lower after surgery than with hormone therapy, surgery is preferable over hormone therapy.
When Should One Schedule a Medical Appointment?
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If anyone experiences bleeding in or near the belly button, one should never delay visiting the doctor. Additionally, if anyone has any of the following signs, then one should visit the doctor:
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A discharge that smells bad comes from the belly button, which may be an infection, redness, swelling, and warmth where the belly button is pierced and an increased lump next to or on the belly button.
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One could have bleeding in the digestive tract if they have dark, coffee-colored vomit or black, tarry stools. One should get quick medical help since this is a medical emergency.
What Is Home Care For Bleeding From the Umbilical Cord (Newborn)?
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As directed by the child's doctor, apply mild pressure with a sterile gauze pad to the umbilical cord to stop bleeding. The bleeding will normally cease as a result. Contact a doctor if the bleeding does not stop despite applying pressure.
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As soon as the cord has come off and the region where it was attached is dry and healing, ensure the baby's diaper does not cover the navel. This aids in faster cord drying. Additionally, it protects against feces and urine contamination.
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Put off bathing the child until the cord comes off. Use a sponge or moist washcloth for bathing the child instead.
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Keep an eye out for infection symptoms.
Conclusion:
The reason for the belly button discharge and how properly taken care of it will determine how things turn out for oneself. See the doctor if patients experience any infection-related symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or discharge that smells bad. They will carefully assess symptoms and determine whether patients need to be treated with an antibiotic or antifungal medicine. The infection will swiftly go with the use of these remedies.
