Hernia, a condition caused by pressure forcing fatty tissue or a bodily organ through a weak area of muscle or connective tissue, can occur in men, women and children. Symptoms may range from a painless lump to an extremely painful and swollen bulge.
Whether the hernia seems minor and is not painful or large and severe, all should be examined by a physician immediately. In the majority of cases, the hernia will have to be repaired with a surgery called herniorrhaphy.
Multiple types of hernia are identified by their location. The most common: inguinal (inner groin); incisional; femoral (outer groin); umbilical (belly button); and hiatal (upper stomach). There are others that are extremely rare.
Some abdominal hernias are present at birth. An estimated 10 percent to 30 percent of infants are born with an umbilical hernia, a protrusion of the navel, which sometimes disappears.
Certain categories are more likely to occur in men, such as inguinal (inner groin), because males have a natural weakness in that area. This type of hernia occurs up to 25 times more often in men.
But femoral (outer groin) more commonly occur in women, often those who are obese or pregnant.
Depending on the type, symptoms can include pain or discomfort; weakness, pressure or heaviness; burning, gurgling or aching; acid reflux; or chest pain. Sometimes a person is asymptomatic and the condition is only detected through a routine physical.
Hernias can occur and recur throughout life. A common misconception is that heavy lifting is a major cause. Actually, a weakness of the muscle or tissue must be present coupled with pressure. Causes of pressure can include chronic coughing or sneezing, straining during a bowel movement or any activity resulting in straining. Obesity, smoking and poor nutrition can all weaken muscles thus setting the right conditions in motion. A family history can also predisposed a person to developing this problem.
Mild hernias may be pushed back into the abdomen while those that are more severe are unable to be moved. In mild cases, a physician will recommend that the patient wear a special belt-like device known as a truss to secure the hernia until surgery can be performed. Discomfort can be alleviated by over-the-counter pain relievers.
In the most serious of cases, the blood supply, thus oxygen, is cut off to an organ or protruding tissue resulting in infection, gangrene, intestinal perforation and — in extreme instances — death. This medical emergency requires immediate surgery.
Treatment is determined by the type and degree of severity. In most cases, they will be surgically repaired to prevent intestinal strangulation. With laparoscopic surgery, the procedure is no longer as involved and many people can be treated as an outpatient. However, new studies indicate that some patients can do well over a long period of time without undergoing surgery.
Regardless, hernias should not be ignored. With immediate attention, serious complications can be prevented and a person can resume a normal life.