Learn about Hernia-Risk factors, Symptoms, Test and Diagnosis

Hernia

Learn about Hernia- Risk factors, Symptoms, Test & Diagnosis

Hernia is a bulging of abdominal organ through a weakened muscle area.

Learn about Hernia- Risk factors, Symptoms, Test & Diagnosis

Types of hernias

Hiatus or diaphragmatic hernias occur when a part of stomach protrudes through the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest region from the abdominal area) via the opening through which the esophagus (food tube) passes into the stomach.
Incisional hernias occur when a piece of intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall in an area where surgery has been performed.
Umbilical hernia is found in the area of the umbilicus (the navel or belly button area).
Inguinal or groinhernias occur when part of the abdominal contents (usually part of the intestine or a piece of bowel) protrudes into the groin area.
Femoral hernias occur when a piece of intestine protrudes though the passage that is normally used by large blood vessels as they pass between the abdomen and leg.

Risk factors

All hernias are a result of a combination of pressure and an opening or weakness of muscle or fascia; the pressure pushes an organ or tissue through the opening or weak spot. Anything that causes an increase in pressure in the abdomen can cause a hernia, including: Lifting heavy objects without stabilizing the abdominal muscles, diarrhea or constipation or persistent coughing or sneezing. In addition, obesity & poor nutrition can all weaken muscles and lead to hernia progression to larger size.

Symptoms

In Hiatus hernia, symptoms of GERD (Reflux) may be associated. Heartburn is the main symptom.

In all other hernia, there will be bulge at respective site, that become prominent while doing some activities like coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy weight. This bulge usually subsides itself in initial stage in lying down position. As this bulge progress in size over a time, it may cause abdominal pain, nausea & vomiting, and some time abdominal distension, signaling that part of intestine had stuck into hernia site.