All you need to know about Hernia

By Ujala Cygnus

Reviewed by : Jalaz Jain

January 20, 2025

Overview

A hernia is a disorder in which there is a breach in the continuity of internal organs, and any of the internal organs protrude into another. It is commonly seen in the abdominal cavity, especially between the hips and chest.

Types

Hernias are of different types depending on their location and cause. Those are:

Inguinal hernia

Femoral hernia

Umbilical hernia

Hiatal hernia

Incisional hernia

Epigastric hernia

Spigelian hernia

Diaphragmatic hernia

Causes

Hernias are commonly caused due to pressure or due to an opening with weak muscles or fascia on the lining of internal organs. The pressure eventually pushes the organ tissue through the weak area. The weak area is often present since birth. However, it may also occur later in life. Some other causes include:

A congenital condition that occurs during the development of the foetus in the womb and maybe present since birth

Ageing

Damage from an injury or surgery

Strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights

Being overweight or obese

Pregnancy

Constipation

Ascites

Symptoms

Hernias often produce a lump or a bulge in the abdomen that becomes invisible on lying down. The lump appears on performing activities that apply pressure on the abdomen, such as laughing, coughing, crying or straining during a bowel movement.

Other symptoms include:

Evident swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum

Painful bulge

Pain while lifting heavy objects

Increase in the bulge size as the disease progresses

A dull aching sensation throughout

Hiatal hernias do not cause bulges outside the body. Its symptoms are indigestion, heartburn or acidity, dysphagia and regurgitation.

Diagnosis

Most hernias require a physical examination for diagnosis by a physician or a specialist. Some imaging techniques like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis of abdominal hernias. Hiatal hernias fail to be diagnosed by physical exam only and require imaging techniques such as upper GI scans done in radiology or by upper endoscopy.

Treatment

Hernia can only be treated with surgery. There are three main types of surgeries employed:

Prevention

Hernias can be prevented by:

Maintaining an ideal body weight.

Eating adequate fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This will prevent constipation.

The correct form of lifting weights should be practised when lifting weights or heavy objects. Patients should avoid lifting heavy objects.

Avoid smoking since it leads to a cough that may trigger the hernia.

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