A hernia happens when one of the body's internal parts, usually the intestine, is able to push through a muscle or tissue wall. Usually, it happens somewhere between the hips and the chest. In the majority of cases, there are only a few hernia signs and symptoms. At most, many people experience a lump or swelling in their groin or abdomen. Usually, if you lie down, the lump will disappear and it can also be pushed back. However, straining or coughing will bring the lump back out.
Different Types of Hernia:
Hernia signs and symptoms, if any, also depend on the type of hernia.
1. An inguinal hernia happens when part of the bowel or fatty tissue pushes through at the top of the inner thigh, where the groin is. This is the most common hernia type, affecting men in particular. It is generally caused by repeated abdominal strain and aging.
2. Femoral hernias happen in the same way as the inguinal hernia. However, these are more common in women than in men.
3. Umbilical hernias happen when a part of the bowel or the fatty tissue pushes through near the navel (belly button) on your abdomen. This kind of hernia is most common in babies, particularly if their umbilical cord passage does not properly seal after they have born. Adults may also have an umbilical hernia, usually caused by abdominal strain.
4. Hiatus hernia, whereby a part of the stomach enters the chest through a diaphragm opening. The diaphragm is a thin muscle that keeps the abdomen and the chest apart. Often, there are no hernia signs and symptoms associated with this type of hernia at all. Some people may experience heartburn and acid reflux, however. The causes of hiatus hernias are not truly understood. However, it is believed that abdominal pressure or a weakening and aging diaphragm may be at the heart of it.
There are some other hernias, which are much less common. These include:
– Incisional hernias, which can happen after surgery, when the incision wound hasn't healed yet properly
– Epigastric hernias, which happen between the sternum (breastbone) and the navel
– Spigelian hernias, which happen below the navel to the side of the abdominal muscle
– Diaphragmatic hernias, where abdominal organs enter the chest cavity. This is more common in babies who have an improperly developed diaphragm.
– Muscle hernia, whereby the muscle pushes through. This happens mostly in the leg following a sports injury.
In terms of hernia signs and symptoms, most people notice very little. The lump that can be moved back in and pops back out with physical exertion is the most common sign. Some people, however, also experience significant pain as a result of their hernia. Either way, if you do have a hernia, or you believe to have a hernia, it is important to seek medical attention. This is mainly due to the fact that the hernia could become strangulated, and this can have devastating consequences, including organ failure and even death. Always seek the opinion of a doctor with regards to your condition.