A comprehensive guide of hernia. Common medical conditions affecting millions of people worldwide.
Soft lump in your stomach or Groin or in any injured part, or in previous surgical part. A hernia occurs when an organ bulges out through the walls of the muscles or tissue that holds the organ in place. All hernias have the potential for trapping abdominal contents like intestines. Commonly all types of hernia need surgical repair because of its bothersome properties.
As soon as an individual gets to know that they have hernia then patients wonder what they have to whether they need surgery or not.
There are many kinds of hernias, different methods to diagnose and surgical approaches that are currently used to repair them.
What is Hernia?
A hernia is defined as a bulging organ or other tissue through a soft or weak spot in the abdomen. Hernia results in a bulge or swelling with severe pain.
What Are Types of Hernia?
The most common types of hernia are:
Inguinal Hernia
- Most common type of hernia
- Male are commonly affected
- It happens when part of your bowel protrudes into your inguinal hernia.
- You may see a lump in the groin area or in pubic bone.
- Patients may feel a burning or pinching sensation that may radiate through the pelvis or down in the leg.
- It may occur due to weak pot, Chronic coughing or sneezing, chronic strain during bowel movement or exercise.
Femoral Hernia
- Also known as femorocele.
- A femoral hernia will appear as a bulge near the groin or thigh.
- Cause of femoral hernia is not clear.
- Factors that can cause femoral hernia- childbirth, chronic constipation, heavy lifting, overweight. Difficulty in urination and chronic coughing.
- Small hernia remains silent and doesn't cause any symptoms. But large hernias can cause discomfort.
Umbilical Hernia
- An umbilical hernia is a condition when a bulge of intestine comes out through the opening in your abdominal muscles near the belly button.
- It is most common in infants.
- It appears on children when they cry, cough or strain.
- Umbilical hernia in children close on their own in the first 2 years of life while umbilical hernia in adults need surgical repair.
Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia occurs in the upper portion of your stomach protruding through a diaphragm.
It commonly occurs in older individuals.
Although symptoms aren't always present, they are typically connected to acid reflux or gastric issues.
In case of severe symptoms associated with hiatal hernia they need treatment.
Incisional Hernia
It's a tissue protrusion which occurs at the site of a healing surgical scar.
This is the most common type of abdominal hernias.
Spigelian Hernia
- Hernias happen when there's an abnormal bulging of an organ through a weak spot
- It may occur due to increased abdominal pressure, chronic coughing, liver cirrhosis and obesity.
- It commonly occurs after 50 years of age.
- It can be treated with surgery.
Epigastric Hernia
- This kind of hernia occurs in the abdominal wall's epigastric area.
- It usually causes a bump in the area below your sternum or breastbone or above the belly button.
- This type of hernia causes many complications that's why they need surgery.
Diaphragmatic Hernia
- A birth defect known as a diaphragmatic hernia is characterised by an abnormal opening in the diaphragm.
- The muscle that helps you breathe between your chest and abdomen is called the diaphragm. A portion of the abdominal organs can pass through the abnormal opening and enter the chest cavity close to the lungs.
- It may occur at the time of development.
- Symptoms include- breathing problems, bluish coloured skin, tachypnea and tachycardia.
What Are Symptoms of Hernia?
All types of hernia do not cause symptoms and different types of hernias possess different symptoms. Laughing, coughing, crying, physical activity or straining , bowel movement can cause a burst of internal organs or tissue after being pushed.
Symptoms of hernia are:
- Bulge or inflammation in the scrotum or groin.
- Pain in the location of the bulge
- A sense of feeling full or bowel obstruction signs
- Heartburn
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Chest pain
How to Diagnose Hernia?
To diagnose the hernia, the doctor will examine it physically. Your doctor will recommend the following test to diagnose, these are:
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal MRI scan
- X-ray of digestive tract
- Endoscopy
- Barium swallow
Preventive Tips of Hernia
Although there is nothing you can do to cure your hernia at home, there are some things you can do to help manage the symptoms.
Increasing your fiber consumption could aid with constipation relief. A hernia may become worse as a result of straining during bowel movements brought on by constipation. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are a few foods high in fiber.
Modifications in diet may also alleviate hiatal hernia symptoms. Try to avoid large or heavy meals, don’t lie down or bend over after a meal, and keep your body weight in a moderate range.
Avoid foods that can aggravate acid reflux, such as those high in spice or tomato content, in order to prevent it. Additionally, giving up cigarettes may also help, if you smoke.
5 Best Foods That Can Help People With Hernia
- Non-citrus food: bananas, pears and melons
- Green leafy vegetables
- Fibre rich food like cucumber
- Lean protein: Chicken, yoghurt and beans
- Whole grains and oatmeal
A Note From Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre
Although most hernias are not dangerous, they can develop complications. As time passes, pain and other issues become more probable. Watch your hernia closely and visit your doctor before it gets worse. Because hernias are permanent, you'll probably need surgery to repair one. You'll be among the most common surgical patients worldwide, so you have to choose the best diagnostic centre in Delhi. Choose the best diagnostic centre for the MRCP test near you in Delhi at the most affordable price. Ganesh Diagnostic centre offers 50% discount on all types of MRI scan, Ct scan and ultrasounds with or without contrast. You can book a 3T MRCP scan to diagnose the pancreatic and biliary issues.
Team of ganesh diagnostic centres provides World class service with NABH and NABL accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are a Few Risk Factors for Developing a Hernia?
Hernias can be caused by a number of risk factors, such as heavy lifting, straining during a bowel movement, being overweight or obese, chronic constipation, pregnancy, smoking, chronic coughing, and a history of hernias in the family.
What Are Some Ways to Avoid Hernias?
Risk Factors for Hernias: Retaining a healthy weight is the best strategy to lower your chance of getting a hernia. Additionally, refrain from straining when lifting or working out. Additionally, if you have any of the hernia's symptoms, make sure you get medical help.
Which Tests Look for Hernias?
Your physician will examine you for any potential groin bulges. You will probably be asked to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can accentuate a hernia. Your doctor may request an imaging test, such as an MRI, CT scan, or abdominal ultrasound, if the diagnosis is unclear.
