Healthcare providers worldwide repair more than 20 million hernias each year, but many more go undiagnosed and untreated. A hernia is when an organ pushes through the tissue or muscle that contains it. The most common types of hernias occur in the abdominal area. Many hernias don’t cause symptoms but instead are visible, creating bulges that are easy for doctors to diagnose.
Hernias can impact people of all ages, but older people, smokers, and overweight people are more likely to develop them. Smoking, in particular, increases your risk because the chemicals in tobacco weaken tissues. Other factors that impact your chances of developing a hernia include strenuous activities and pregnancy. If you have a family history of hernias, you are at higher risk of developing them yourself.
Types of Hernias and Symptoms To Expect
There are several types of hernias. The most common type is inguinal hernia, which affects more men than women. With this condition, the intestines push through tears or weak spots in the lower abdominal wall — often in the inguinal canal in the groin.
Why do inguinal hernias occur more often in men? After the testicles descend into the inguinal canal right after birth, sometimes it doesn’t close correctly, weakening the area.
Another common type of hernia is a hiatal hernia. This is when part of your stomach protrudes into your chest cavity via the diaphragm.
You may also have heard about umbilical hernias affecting children and infants, which occur when the intestines bulge through the abdominal wall near the belly button. As the abdominal wall becomes stronger, this type of hernia disappears.
A perineal hernia occurs when tissue or organs push through a weak spot on your pelvic floor into your abdominal cavity. These types of hernias are rare.
Other uncommon hernias include femoral hernias and congenital diaphragmatic hernias.
Because hernia locations and causes vary, not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but the most common ones are:
- Lump in the affected area
- Pain when standing, straining, or lifting
- Chest pain
- A pinching or dull ache
Some hernias, like hiatal hernias, may cause trouble swallowing and heartburn.
Causes of Hernias
In most cases, there’s no obvious cause of a hernia. It usually comes down to a combination of factors that include muscle weakness and strain. Sometimes, that weakness can be present from birth, but it usually develops as you age.
Common causes of strain and muscle weakness that can lead to a hernia include:
- Obesity
- Long-term constipation
- Chronic coughing or COPD
- Pregnancy
- Cystic fibrosis
- History of abdominal surgery
If you have a job that requires continuous or frequent heavy lifting and other strenuous activities, you are also at risk of developing a hernia.
Treatments for Hernias
The only hernias that resolve on their own are umbilical hernias. Most hernias will require surgical intervention, but not all need surgery immediately. If you have a mild hernia that only appears occasionally, your healthcare provider may want to wait and see if it worsens.
Hernia repair surgery may be a minor procedure in which the surgeon pushes the displaced tissue back into its original location and then reinforces the area with surgical mesh or stitches. For many hernias, laparoscopic surgery is a good option, as it requires only a small incision. For others, traditional open surgery is necessary.
Wearing a truss can alleviate symptoms in some instances, especially for mild hernias. If you have a hiatal hernia, taking over-the-counter antacids could help.
You can try exercises to help strengthen muscles around the hernia, though you should avoid weight lifting or anything that puts pressure on your abdomen.
If you notice pain that doesn’t go away, numbness, or changes of color in the herniated tissue, or if you develop a fever or vomiting, contact a medical professional.
Can You Prevent a Hernia?
It’s not always possible to prevent hernias, especially if there’s a history of them in your family, but some lifestyle changes can help.
If you’re sick, see a doctor quickly to avoid developing a persistent cough, and try to add more fiber to your diet to prevent constipation. Don’t lift weights, but do exercise in ways that can strengthen the abdominal area.
Keeping Yourself Safe
By paying attention to your body and noticing any changes in how you feel or your abdomen looks, you can catch the hernia quickly so that your doctor can help. Although your physician may decide on a wait-and-see approach, you should always contact experts for medical advice.
Resource Links:
- “Abdominal Wall Hernias” via National Library of Medicine
- “Inguinal Hernia” via National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- “Hiatal Hernia on Chest High-Resolution Computed Tomography and Exacerbation Rates in COPD Individuals” via COPD Foundation
- “Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair” via National Library of Medicine
