The “Urachus” is a duct that connects the bladder with the navel. At the beginning of the child’s development in the mother’s belly it is a real connection. At the end of the pregnancy this opening normally closes completely. In the case of an Urachus fistula this closure does not occur, so there is still a connection between the bladder and the navel. You can find more detailed information, among other things about the complications of a fistula at the navel, in our article: Fistula at the navel.
These are the accompanying symptoms
Urine may leak out in the context of an Urachus fistula. This can become noticeable in those affected by a weeping navel. The contact of urine with the skin of the navel can also lead to an inflammation at or around the navel.
Eczema can also develop as a result of skin contact with urine. The weeping navel is the main symptom of an uracic fistula. Due to the remaining connection between the bladder and the navel, urine is discharged through the navel.
In most cases this is only a small amount of fluid. The escaping fluid is often conspicuous by its sour, acrid smell and is usually taken as an occasion to have a clarifying physical examination by a doctor. In addition to the Urachus fistula, other diseases can also be associated with a weeping navel.
These include an inflammation of the navel due to poor hygienic care or an umbilical granuloma, i.e. a tissue growth at the base of the navel. Furthermore, a remaining ductus omphaloentericus (yolk duct) can lead to the appearance of a weeping navel. This is a duct that naturally exists prenatally between the intestine and the navel.
Normally this connection closes as the unborn child matures. If the closure does not occur, “stool-like” secretions can escape from the navel after birth. Here, too, the unpleasant odor, namely after defecation, can provide a decisive indication of the cause of the weeping navel.
An inflammation of the navel is usually noticeable by a reddened, swollen and pressure-painful navel. A purulent secretion or a weeping navel can also occur in the context of an infected navel. The causes of an inflammation are manifold.
Above all, poor hygienic conditions can lead to an inflammation. Bacteria are mainly responsible as triggers. In the context of a bacterial infection of the navel, the inflammation should be treated immediately to counteract its spread.
Particularly with babies and children, it is important to start treatment quickly to prevent sepsis or blood poisoning caused by spreading germs. Furthermore, an inflammation can be caused by an existing urinary tract, but also by a ductus omphaloentericus (yolk duct). In the omphaloenteric duct, a connection remains between the navel and the intestine.
This can lead to the discharge of faeces, which can eventually lead to an inflammation of the navel through contact with the skin. In adults an inflammation can also be caused by non-sterile piercings, for example. Thereby it can already be caused by piercing of the piercing or by insufficient hygienic care. If the above mentioned symptoms should appear at the navel, it is advisable to consult a doctor for children as well as for adults. This doctor can then conclude the cause of the inflammation by a physical examination as well as simple diagnostic measures as for example an ultrasound and initiate the suitable therapy measures.
