Hernia: Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Treatment

Disease Insights: hernia

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Welcome to the ultimate guide on hernia. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.

Description for hernia

A condition where an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue.

General Information on hernia

Cause: 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.

Cure: Surgery (hernia repair), lifestyle modifications (avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining a healthy weight).

Symptoms:

Symptoms of hernia

discomfort when bending or lift, nausea, pain in the affected area, swelling or bulge, vomiting

Precautions for hernia

Avoid heavy lifting, Maintain a healthy weight, Wear a hernia belt if prescribed, Seek medical treatment for surger

Questions Covered:

what is hernia?
What are the usual symptoms of hernia?
causes of hernia?
How do doctors usually treat hernia?
How do doctors usually figure out if someone has hernia, diagnosis?
What are the possible complications that could arise from hernia?
What are the ways to prevent hernia?

Answers:

Question: what is hernia?

Hernias typically result from a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Doctors may suggest watchful waiting for complications or surgery to repair the hernia, depending on severity.

Question: What are the usual symptoms of hernia?

The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area. For example, 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 may find that the lump 'disappears' when you're lying down. You're more likely to feel your hernia through touch when you're standing up, bending down, or coughing. Discomfort or pain in the area around the lump may also be present.
Some types of hernia, such as hiatal hernias, can have more specific symptoms. These can include heartburn, trouble swallowing, and chest pain.
In many cases, hernias have no symptoms. You may not know you have a hernia unless it shows up while you're undergoing a medical exam for an unrelated problem or a routine physical.

Question: causes of hernia?

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.
Some common causes of muscle weakness or strain that can lead to a hernia include:
a congenital condition, which occurs during development in the womb and is present from birth
aging
damage from an injury or surgery
strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights
chronic coughing or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
pregnancy, especially having multiple pregnancies
constipation, which causes you to strain when having a bowel movement
being overweight or having obesity
ascites
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

Question: How do doctors usually treat hernia?

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.
Your doctor may want to simply monitor your hernia for possible complications. This approach is called watchful waiting.
In some cases, wearing a truss may help to ease the symptoms of a hernia. A truss is a supportive undergarment that helps to hold the hernia in place. Always see your doctor to make sure that a truss fits properly before using it.
If you have a hiatal hernia, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that reduce stomach acid can relieve your discomfort and improve symptoms. These include antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has hernia, diagnosis?

To diagnose your condition, your doctor will first perform a physical examination. During this examination, the doctor may feel for a bulge in your abdominal or groin area that gets larger when you stand, cough, or strain.
Your doctor will then take your medical history. They may ask you a variety of questions, including:
When did you first notice the bulge?
Have you experienced any other symptoms?
Do you think something in particular may have caused it to occur?
Tell me a little bit about your lifestyle. Does your occupation involve heavy lifting? Do you exercise rigorously? Do you lift weights professionally or recreationally? Do you have a history of smoking?
Do you have a personal or family history of hernias?
Have you had any surgeries in your abdominal or groin area?
Your doctor will also likely use imaging tests to aid in their diagnosis. These can include:
Abdominal ultrasound. Abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the structures inside the body.
Abdominal CT scan. Abdominal CT scan combines X-rays with computer technology to produce an image.
Abdominal MRI scan. Abdominal MRI scan uses a combination of strong magnets and radio waves to create an image.
If your doctor suspects a hiatal hernia, they may use other tests that allow them to assess the inside of your stomach:
X-rays of your digestive tract. A healthcare professional will have you drink a liquid containing diatrizoate meglumine/diatrizoate sodium (Gastrografin) or a liquid barium solution. These liquids help your digestive tract appear highlighted on X-ray images.
Endoscopy. During an endoscopy, a healthcare professional threads a small camera attached to a tube down your throat and into your esophagus and stomach.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Question: What are the possible complications that could arise from hernia?

Sometimes an untreated hernia can lead to potentially serious complications.
Your hernia may grow and cause more symptoms. It may also put too much pressure on nearby tissues, which can cause swelling and pain in the surrounding area.
A portion of your intestine could also become trapped in the abdominal wall. This is called incarceration. Incarceration can obstruct your bowel and cause severe pain, nausea, or constipation.
If the trapped section of your intestines doesn't get enough blood flow, strangulation occurs. This can cause the intestinal tissue to become infected or die. A strangulated hernia is life threatening and requires immediate medical care.
Some symptoms that can signal that you need to seek out emergency medical attention for your hernia include:
a bulge that becomes red or purple
pain that suddenly gets worse
nausea
vomiting
fever
not being able to pass gas or have bowel movements

Question: What are the ways to prevent hernia?

You can't always prevent a hernia from developing. Sometimes a hernia occurs because of an existing inherited condition or a previous surgery.
However, you can make some simple lifestyle adjustments to help lower your risk of a hernia. These steps aim to reduce the amount of strain you place on your body.
Here are a few general prevention tips:
If you smoke, consider quitting. You can work with your doctor to create a smoking cessation plan that's right for you.
See a doctor when you're sick to avoid developing a persistent cough.
Maintain a moderate body weight.
Try not to strain while having a bowel movement or during urination.
Eat enough high fiber foods to prevent constipation.
Perform exercises that help to strengthen the muscles of your abdomen.
Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy for you. If you must lift something heavy, bend at your knees and not your waist or back. Also avoid holding your breath when lifting heavy objects. Instead, exhale during the lift to decrease the chance of a hiatal hernia happening or worsening.

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Conclusion & Takeaways

Learning about hernia is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.