What does an umbilical hernia refer to?

An umbilical hernia specifically refers to an outward protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall at the site of the umbilicus or belly button. This condition often occurs when there is a weakness in the abdominal muscles, allowing part of the intestine or fatty tissue to push through. Umbilical hernias are most common in infants, but they can also occur in adults, especially those who are overweight or have a history of heavy lifting. The characteristic of an umbilical hernia is that it typically appears as a soft swelling at the belly button, which may become more pronounced when the person coughs or strains.