Inflammation of the belly button in the child
definition
The belly button is created after birth by cutting the umbilical cord. The remains of the umbilical cord dry off and form the navel, which looks a little different in every person.
Inflammation of the belly button is known as omphalitis and usually occurs a few days after birth. In most cases it is an infection caused by bacteria that are transmitted to the child during or after the birth.
In developing countries in particular, inflammation of the belly button is a dangerous disease and is the cause of many newborn deaths. It occurs much less frequently in industrialized countries and can in most cases successfully treated become.
causes
In most cases, the cause of inflammation of the belly button in a child is one bacterial infection. During or after the birth, bacteria reach the navel area and cause inflammation of the navel and possibly also of the surrounding tissue. This is mainly the case with newborns, as their immune system is not yet fully developed and the body's own defenses cannot adequately defend themselves against the bacteria. Newborns that a very low birth weight have or Premature babies have an increased risk of developing inflammation of the belly button. Also, if the umbilical cord has been punctured, the risk is increased.
You can also find more information here Inflammation of the belly button in the baby
Symptoms
The symptoms of inflammation of the belly button in a child can be several Days to weeks occur after infection.
The navel itself and the skin around the navel often have one Redness and swelling on. From the navel a purulent secretion that can smell very strongly. In some cases, too blood emerge from the navel.
Also the surrounding area Muscle tissue or other Soft tissue can be affected by a navel infection. What is particularly feared is the so-called necrotizing fasciitis, in which many layers of the skin and also the underlying tissue are infected by bacteria and as a result can die.
If the pathogen causing the inflammation of the belly button is carried into the blood in any way, it can result in a Blood poisoning (sepsis) develop. This makes itself through among other things fever and other general symptoms noticeable.
Redness of the belly button
In most cases, redness occurs with inflammation. Especially the one Belly button itself and the Region around the navel are affected by it. In addition, there is often swelling and tenderness.
Pus emerges from the navel
If pus is leaking from the belly button, it is a relatively sure sign that you have a navel infection. In addition to or instead of the pus, blood may also appear from the belly button. In conjunction with reddening and swelling of the belly button and the surrounding region, pus is one of the typical symptoms of inflammation of the belly button.
If your child's belly button also smells a bit unpleasant, you can find more information here: Belly button stinks - what's behind it?
diagnosis
A child's belly button infection can usually be diagnosed by simply looking at it. The inflammation fails Redness and swelling the navel region. Typically comes secretion that emerges from the navel.
The doctor can remove the causative agent of the navel infection through a smear precisely determine with a swab to select an appropriate antibiotic for treatment. The typical symptoms of a navel infection appear in the blood Signs of inflammation on. There is the possibility of using the navel region Ultrasonic to investigate. Usually, however, the clinical presentation is sufficient to make a diagnosis of inflammation of the belly button.
treatment
If the child has an inflammation of the belly button, it should as soon as possible appropriate therapy should be started to prevent the pathogens from entering the blood and causing sepsis.
Depending on how severe the inflammation is, it can be tried with one first antiseptic or antibiotic ointment to treat. A close-knit one control the pediatrician is necessary, however, to be able to react immediately to any deterioration. If the belly button inflammation is already very pronounced in the child, or if treatment with ointments is not sufficient, then a antibiotic, usually in the form of a juice or tablets, prescribed in an age-appropriate dosage. In any case, this should be taken over the entire specified period in order to kill all pathogens.
It comes to Complications in the course of the disease, for example when a abscess forms, tissue dies or an antibiotic cannot stop the infection from progressing, the navel inflammation must be operated on. Then the infection can only be through one surgical intervention and the operation may be life-saving.
A stay in hospital with intensive medical care is often unavoidable in the case of severe, rapidly spreading navel inflammation.
Treatment with ointments
An ointment is often the first therapeutic approach for a child's belly button inflammation. However, this is only possible if the inflammation has not progressed too far and only affects the belly button limited is. In such cases, the pediatrician will prescribe an ointment containing antibiotics regularly must be applied to the navel and the surrounding area. If no improvement can be achieved with the ointment or if the inflammation even subsides spreads, a pediatrician should be consulted immediately and with a systemic Administration of antibiotics can be started, i.e. in tablet or juice form.
Duration of inflammation of the belly button in the child
If a child is suspected of having an inflammation of the belly button, a Pediatrician must be sought out, as the pathogens spread very quickly and can then lead to complications.
After starting therapy with ointments containing antibiotics or taking an antibiotic, the symptoms should be within less days improve. Close controls by the pediatrician are very important, as the complications can be life-threatening. At a should be straightforward the symptoms after about a week have declined.
