What is a hernia? Types and treatment of hernia [WE EXPLAIN]

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Simply put, a hernia is a bulging of a specific part of the body that most often affects the abdomen. A hernia most often occurs when a given patient has a significantly weakened abdominal part. Several types of hernias can occur in humans. Find out how to treat a hernia and when to see a doctor?

Hernia – what is it?

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or other part of the body protrudes through the wall of the muscle or tissue that normally contains it. Most hernias occur in the abdomen, between the chest and hips. According to statistical data, about 20% of the population suffer from various types of hernia in Poland. The most common form that affects about 70% of cases is the inguinal hernia.

There are many different types of hernias. Some are more common in men and others in women, while one type mainly affects children. The most common types of hernia include: inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, abdominal hernia, postoperative hernia, and hiatal hernia.

Read also: What can hip pain mean?

Hernia – causes

With the exception of an incision hernia (a complication of abdominal surgery), in most cases there is no obvious reason that is unequivocally responsible for the development of a hernia. The risk of a hernia increases with age and is more common in men than in women. A hernia may be congenital (present from birth) or develop in children with a weakening of the abdominal wall.

Medical activities and problems that put more pressure on the abdominal wall can lead to a hernia. They include:

1. prolonged constipation,
2. persistent cough
3. cystic fibrosis,
4. enlarged prostate,
5. effort when urinating,
6. overweight or obesity,
7. abdominal fluid,
8. lifting heavy objects,
9. peritoneal dialysis,
10. incorrect diet,
11. smoking tobacco,
12. physical effort,
13. undescended testicles.

Read also: Proven ways for constipation

Hernia – risk factors

The risk factors that may contribute to the development of a hernia depend on the type of hernia:

1. inguinal hernia – this type of hernia most often affects elderly people and people who have an inguinal hernia in their immediate family. Risk factors for its development also include male gender, a previously diagnosed inguinal hernia, smoking (the chemicals in tobacco weaken the tissues, increasing the likelihood of a hernia), chronic constipation, pregnancy, premature birth, and low birth weight.
2. postoperative hernia – Since a post-operative hernia is the result of surgery, the most obvious risk factor is recent abdominal surgery. The greatest risk occurs 3 to 6 months after the procedure. However, the patient with his abnormal behavior may also contribute to its development – it increases the risk of hernia occurrence, if during the above-mentioned period there is an excessive increase in weight, in the case of women becoming pregnant or exercising excessive physical activity, all these factors cause additional tissue load during postoperative treatment.
3. umbilical hernia – Umbilical hernia is most common in low birth weight and premature babies. In adults, risk factors include female gender, being overweight and having multiple pregnancies.

See: Pregnancy – everything you need to know about it

Hernia – symptoms

The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area. For example, with an inguinal hernia, a lump may appear on either side of the pubic bone where the groin and thigh meet. It may fade away when you are at rest or simply lying down. You are more likely to feel a hernia when standing up, bending down, or coughing. There may also be discomfort or pain around the tumor.

Certain types of hernias, such as hiatal hernias, can have more specific symptoms, such as:

1. heartburn,
2. difficulty swallowing
3. pain in the chest.

In many cases, hernias are asymptomatic. You may not know you have a hernia unless it shows up during a routine physical or medical examination to look for an unrelated problem.

Do you want to learn about the possible options for a hernia treatment? Browse through the offers of hernia surgeries in facilities offered by clinics.pl.

Inguinal hernia – causes and symptoms

Most inguinal hernias occur because the opening in the muscle wall doesn’t close as it should. This leaves a weak area in the abdominal muscle. When tissue pushes through a muscle, it forms a bulge. The main symptom of an inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin or scrotum. It often looks like a round lump.

The bulge can be painful and can develop over a period of weeks or months. Nevertheless, the bulge may appear suddenly after lifting heavy weights, coughing, exerting yourself, or laughing. If you are struggling with an inguinal hernia, you must know that it will not heal on its own. Surgery is the only treatment option.

This type of hernia is more common in men because the testicles descend through the inguinal canal shortly after birth. The channel is to close almost completely behind them. Sometimes the duct does not close properly, leaving a weakened area behind.

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

1. a bulge in the area on either side of the pubic bone that becomes more visible when you are standing upright, especially if you cough or strain yourself
2. burning or pain when bulging,
3. groin pain or discomfort, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
4. a feeling of heaviness or dragging in the groin
5. weakness or pressure in the groin
6. sometimes pain and swelling around the testicles as the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum.

Inguinal hernias in newborns and children result from the weakening of the abdominal wall that is present at birth. Sometimes a hernia will only be visible if the infant cries, coughs, or tightens up during a bowel movement. May be irritable and have less appetite than usual.

In an older child, a hernia is likely to be more evident when the child coughs, becomes tense while having a bowel movement, or stands for long periods of time.

A Sanity rubber hot water bottle, which works hot or cold, can be used to alleviate the pain associated with a hernia.

See: Why is scrotal ultrasound so important?

Hiatal hernia – causes and symptoms

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach extends through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a muscle that helps you breathe by contracting and drawing air into your lungs. It separates the organs in the abdomen from those in the chest.

This type of hernia affects pregnant women and people aged 50 and over. Treatment for a hiatal hernia includes lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. When this type of hernia occurs in children, it is usually caused by a birth defect.

Hiatal hernias almost always cause gastroesophageal reflux, which occurs when the stomach contents slide back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.

Want to know more about hiatal hernia – look here.

Umbilical hernia – causes and symptoms

Umbilical hernias can occur in children and babies. It happens when their intestines bulge through the abdominal wall near the navel. This bulge is most often seen in or near the baby’s navel when the baby is crying.

Umbilical hernia is the only type of hernia that often resolves on its own as the muscles in the abdominal wall get stronger, usually by the first or second year of life. If the umbilical hernia has not gone away by age 5, surgery may be used to correct it.

Umbilical hernia can also occur in adults – it can develop as a result of repeated abdominal stress due to obesity, pregnancy or fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites).

The editorial board recommends: Where does the pain in the navel area come from?

Abdominal hernia – causes and symptoms

An abdominal hernia occurs when tissue bulges through an opening in the abdominal muscles. Although an abdominal hernia can occur from birth, it is more likely to occur at some point in life. Common factors causing abdominal hernias include obesity, strenuous exercise, and pregnancy.

Abdominal hernias can also occur at the site of the surgical incision, which is then referred to as a postoperative hernia. The following abdominal hernias are also distinguished:

1. epigastric hernia – an epigastric hernia occurs when a weakened area of ​​the abdominal wall allows a small amount of fat to squeeze through. Epigastric hernias are usually small. They appear in the middle of the abdomen, in the area between the navel and breastbone. Some patients develop more than one epigastric hernia at once. These hernias don’t usually cause symptoms, but you may feel pain in the upper abdomen.
2. Spiegel’s hernia – they are found in the entire fascia of Spiegel. Unlike other types of hernias that develop directly beneath the layers of fat, this hernia occurs in the center of the abdominal muscles. This means that a Spiegel’s hernia may not be immediately visible as, a bulge, or a lump. They may go undetected for a long time. Spiegel hernias tend to be less common than other types of hernias,
3. rosette hernia – a hernia in the area of ​​a previous operation is called an incision hernia. These hernias can occur when the abdominal wall has been surgically weakened or when a surgical incision becomes infected, further weakening the area. Incision hernias are relatively common because surgical incisions weaken the abdominal area. This weakness makes it easier for parts of the intestine or other tissue to protrude. Postoperative hernias may develop soon after surgery, or they may develop slowly, over months or even years. They usually occur along vertical cuts. Post-operative hernias are usually large and rather painful.

See: What might pressure under the breastbone indicate?

Hernia – Home Remedies for Symptom Relief

Keep in mind that home remedies won’t heal a hernia, but there are a few things you can do to help relieve symptoms.

Increasing your fiber intake can help relieve constipation, which can cause strain during bowel movements, which can aggravate a hernia. Some examples of high-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Dietary changes can also help with symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Try to avoid large and heavy meals, do not lie down or bend down after meals, and maintain a healthy weight. To help prevent acid reflux, avoid foods that can cause it, such as spicy spices and tomato-based foods. Additionally, if you smoke cigarettes, it is advisable to quit them.

Hernia – treatment

The hernia is most often treated with surgery. It can be removed laparoscopically, endoscopically, or during open abdominal surgery. The most common choice is open surgery. However, no surgical method can guarantee that the hernia won’t come back. It is not uncommon for patients to suffer from recurrent hernias that appear in the same place.

Pessaries are often used to treat hernias to avoid surgery. Calmona’s silicone ring pessary is available on Medonet Market in various sizes.

After surgery, patients are asked not to exercise for two weeks to a month. A hematoma may form in the postoperative site, which may be the only side effect of the operation. If the hernia was caused by factors such as increased activity or heavy lifting, it is advisable to avoid such activities.

The patient has to wait up to several months for the hernia surgery performed by the National Health Fund. The procedure can be performed privately, then it is most often performed immediately.