Hernia: Definition, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Hernia is a medical condition where an internal organ of your body pushes out through a weak part of your tissue or muscle that contains it. The most, affected areas are the abdomen or groin. It can sometimes be visible in areas like the chest, hips of a human, or near the thighs.

• This condition is not usually life-threatening, however, it can cause a sense of pain and discomfort. 
• Different types of hernia are found in both males and females.
• For example, Femoral Hernia is commonly found in women and in males Inguinal Hernia is prevalent

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What is Hernia?

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Hernia occurs when one of your internal organs bulges out through an opening in the muscle or a tissue. For instance, the small intestine bulges out from the weakened wall of the abdomen.

• This medical condition does not go away on its own and may require a surgery.
• Development of hernia occurs with gradual increase in age.
• According to recent studies, about 15-20% of the population suffer from this condition.
• About 90% men are treated for Inguinal Hernia while only 70% women are treated for Femoral Hernia.

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Types of Hernia

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In this section, we will discuss below the different types of hernia namely:

1. Inguinal
2. Femoral 
3. Umbilical
4. Hiatal
5. Ventral

Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal Hernia is most common in male and accounts for 75% of all hernia types.

• It happens when the intestine pushes the weak lower abdominal wall mostly the Inguinal canal.
• This canal passes down the inner thighs. 

Femoral Hernia

A femoral hernia happens when tissue pushes through the groin region or thighs, mostly in the femoral canal which is found under the inguinal canal.

• This is less common and accounts for only 3% of all types.
• It is most likely to occur due to being overweight, overstraining due to workouts, giving birth or receiving dialysis, etc.

Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is commonly found in children and is present at the time of birth.

• In this type, a portion of the intestine bulges out through the abdominal wall in the belly button region.
• It may cause due to abdominal fluid, overweight, or pregnancy.

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is a condition where the highest point of your stomach swells and pushes up through the opening in the diaphragm.

• This type of hernia mainly occurs in people ageing 50 years or above.
• Hiatal Hernia cause problems like gastroesophageal reflux disease, where the stomach contents travels to the esophagus causing discomfort.

Ventral Hernia

When a tissue pushes through the ventral side of your abdomen it is called a ventral hernia.

• This type may occur at the point of surgical incision and is referred to as incisional hernia.
• Umbilical hernia also comes under this type.

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Causes of Hernia

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One of the major causes of hernias is combination of and strain and muscle weakness. A hernia can grow rapidly or throughout an extensive period depending upon its causes.These causes are:

• A congenital condition that happens during the development in the womb and is present from birth.
• Due to old age.
• Damage caused from an injury or surgery.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
• Strenuous exercise or lifting heavy lifts. 
• Due to multiple pregnancies.
• Constipation, as it causes strain when having a bowel action.
• Being overweight.

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Symptoms of Hernia

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Not every type of hernia show visible symptoms, there are some which do not show any signs at all. Some of the most common symptoms of hernia are:

• Heavy tension in abdomen resulting in constipation.
• Swelling or a lump in the affected area.
• Pain in the affected area during any physical activity like standing, walking, coughing, etc.
• Heartburn, chest pain, difficulty in swallowing in hiatal hernias.

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Prevention of Hernia

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Hernia is one of the diseases that can’t be avoided. There are some cases where an already existing inherited condition or any previous surgery allows a hernia to occur. However, the chances of getting this disease can be reduced by following: 

• Eating a balanced diet.
• Reducing weight.
• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drugs, smoking.
• Avoiding oily, spicy, and fiber rich foods.
• Lifting heavy weights to reduce strain must be avoided. 
• See a doctor, if there is frequent cough.

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Treatment of Hernia

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The only approach to treat hernia effectively is through surgery. However, whether an individual requires surgery or not depends on the size of the hernia and the severity of the symptoms.

• The doctor might require to simply observe the hernia for possible complications. This is termed watchful waiting.
• In some cases, wearing a truss (a surgical instrument) may help reduce the signs of a hernia. It is a supportive undergarment that helps to secure the hernia in position.
• If an individual has a hiatal hernia, over-the-counter and prescription medications that decrease stomach acid can ease the discomfort and improve symptoms.
• These remedies comprise antacids, H-2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

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Things to Remember

• Perineal hernia is a type in which the tissue pushes out through the pelvic floor of the abdominal wall
• This disease can be diagnosed by imaging techniques like CT scan.
• Acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion are the symptoms of this disease.
• Hernia can be inherited as well as acquired.

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Previous Year Questions

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