How to treat a red belly button with an umbilical hernia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 33-year-old male. I am currently on Allopurinol for gout, Metoprolol, and Valsartan for blood pressure.

I was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia about nine years ago. Doctor said my belly button was quite large, and it is not a worrying concern unless I get pain. I have not checked it since then. More recently, I have been doing more cardio trying to get in better shape, and I notice my belly button is red or purple. It is never entirely in nor out, and I never paid much attention to check for discoloration. But for the last two days, I can see it is red/purple and can see tiny blood vessels. I can send a picture if it helps. I never had any pain, but the discoloration made me very worried. Is this an emergency condition? Or shall I visit the doctor next week as per the appointment schedule?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I reviewed your detailed history and also seen the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

It is a small umbilical hernia. It has tightened slightly due to your increased exercise.

Yes, it is discolored. But as it is not causing pain and looks strangulated, it is not an emergency condition. The easy way to solve this is you should lie flat and try to push it slowly inside. If it can be pushed slowly inside, then it is reducible and nothing to worry. You can visit your doctor in a week or so.

But If it is not reducible, then I will recommend visiting the ER. As it is very small, there are very less chances of gut strangulation in it.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is fine for now. There is no danger sign in it. After pushing, it will come back again, but this is nothing serious. You can wait at the moment for it.

But at any time, if you developed pain in it, you have to go to the ER.