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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.
Hernias are most common in the abdomen, but they can also appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin areas. Most hernias are not immediately life-threatening, but they do not go away on their own. Sometimes they can require surgery to prevent potentially dangerous complications.
Inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They make up about 70 percent of all hernias, according to the British Hernia Centre (BHC). These hernias occur when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal.
The inguinal canal is found in your groin. In men, it is the area where the spermatic cord passes from the abdomen to the scrotum. This cord holds up the testicles. In women, the inguinal canal contains a ligament that helps hold the uterus in place.
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. It separates the organs in your abdomen from those in your chest.
Umbilical hernia
Umbilical hernias can occur in children and babies under 6 months old. This happens when their intestines bulge through their abdominal wall near their bellybutton. You may notice a bulge in or near your childs bellybutton, especially when they are crying.
An umbilical hernia is the only kind that often goes away on its own as the abdominal wall muscles get stronger, typically by the time the child is 1 years old. If the hernia has not gone away by this point, surgery may be used to correct it.
Incisional hernia
Incisional hernias can occur after you have had abdominal surgery. Your intestines may push through the incision scar or the surrounding, weakened tissue.
Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time.
Common causes of muscle weakness include:
- failure of the abdominal wall to close properly in the womb, which is a congenital defect
- age
- chronic coughing
- damage from injury or surgery
Factors that strain your body and may cause a hernia, especially if your muscles are weak, include:
- being pregnant, which puts pressure on your abdomen
- being constipated, which causes you to strain when having a bowel movement
- lifting heavy weight
- fluid in the abdomen, or ascites
- suddenly gaining weight
- surgery in the area
- persistent coughing or sneezing
The factors that increase your risk of developing a hernia include:
- a personal or family history of hernias
- being overweight or obese
- a chronic cough
- chronic constipation
- smoking, which can trigger a chronic cough
- Conditions such as cystic fibrosis can also indirectly increase your risk of developing a hernia. Cystic fibrosis impairs the function of the lungs, causing a chronic cough.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area. In the case of an inguinal hernia, you may notice a lump on either side of your pubic bone where your groin and thigh meet.
You are more likely to feel your hernia through touch when you are standing up, bending down, or coughing.
If your baby has a hernia, you may only be able to feel the bulge when their crying. A bulge is typically the only symptom of an umbilical hernia.
Other common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:
- pain or discomfort in the affected area (usually the lower abdomen), especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
- weakness, pressure, or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
- a burning, gurgling, or aching sensation at the site of the bulge
Other symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:
- acid reflux, which is when stomach acid moves backward into the esophagus causing a burning sensation
- chest pain
- difficulty swallowing
- In some cases, hernias have no symptoms. You may not know you have a hernia unless it shows up during a routine physical or a medical exam for an unrelated problem.
Your Health Is Our Concern!
Mawuena Workartey/ Ghanahospitals.org
