Hernia

What is hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Most hernias aren’t immediately life threatening, but they don’t go away on their own. Sometimes they can require surgery to prevent dangerous complications.

Myths on Hernia

The treatment methods of hernia are not to dissolve or melt the hernia. It is to strengthen to close the area of protrusion. Taking medications to melt or dissolve hernia bulges is not advisable, since the protrusion is often good tissue. Although hernias itself are not dangerous, they may become life threatening if blood to the herniated portion is interrupted. After surgical treatment of hernias, they may recur if risk factors are still present. Example in preachers or manual workers who strain their abdominal muscles continually.

Types Of Hernia

Inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They occur when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal. Inguinal hernias are more common in men because the testicles descend through the inguinal canal shortly after birth. The canal is supposed to close almost completely behind them. Sometimes the canal doesn’t close properly, leaving a weakened area.

Hiatal hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm into your chest cavity. The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that helps you breathe by contracting and drawing air into the lungs.

Umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernias can affect children and babies. They occur when the intestines bulge through the abdominal wall near the belly button. You may notice a bulge in or near your child’s belly button, especially when they’re crying.

Ventral hernia

A ventral hernia happens when tissue bulges through an opening in the muscles of your abdomen. You may notice that a ventral hernia decreases in size when you’re lying down. Common factors in ventral hernia formation include obesity, pregnancy, and strenuous activity. Ventral hernias can also occur at the site of a surgical incision. This is called an incisional hernia and can result from surgical scarring or weakness of the abdominal muscles at the surgical site.

What puts one at risk of hernia?

There are also certain risk factors that make you more likely to develop a hernia. They include:

• Being born prematurely or having a low birth weight
• Being older
• Chronic cough (likely due to the repetitive increase in abdominal pressure)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pregnancy
• Chronic constipation
• Being overweight or having obesity
• Smoking, which leads to the weakening of connective tissue
• A personal or family history of hernias

Symptoms of hernia

Most hernias may not show any symptoms especially if they are small and starting. Symptoms may include:

• Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum (the pouch that contains the testicles).
• Increased pain at the site of the bulge.
• Pain while lifting.
• Increase in the bulge size over time or when coughing/straining
• A dull aching sensation.
• A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction.

Hernia treatment

The only way to effectively treat a hernia is through surgical repair. Whether or not you need surgery depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms.