Hernia

Types:

There are several different types of hernias. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common ones.

Inguinal Hernia:

• Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia.
• These occur when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal.
• This type is also more common in men.
• The inguinal canal is found in your groin.
• In men, it’s the area where the spermatic cord passes from the abdomen to the scrotum. This cord holds up the testicles.
• In women, the inguinal canal contains a ligament that helps hold the uterus in place.
• These hernias are more common in men because the testicles descend through the inguinal canal shortly after birth. The canal is supposed to close almost completely behind them. Sometimes the canal doesn’t close properly, leaving a weakened area. Explore more about inguinal hernias.

Hiatal Hernia:

• A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm into your chest cavity.
• The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that helps you breathe by contracting and drawing air into the lungs. It separates the organs in your abdomen from those in your chest.
• This type of hernia is most common in people over 50 years old.
• If a child has the condition, it’s typically caused by a congenital birth defect.
• Hiatal hernias almost always cause gastroesophageal reflux, which is when the stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.

Umbilical Hernia:

• Umbilical hernias can occur in children and babies.
• This happens when their intestines bulge through their abdominal wall near their belly button.
• You may notice a bulge in or near your child’s belly button, especially when they’re crying.
• An umbilical hernia is the only kind that often goes away on its own as the abdominal wall muscles get stronger, typically by the time the child is 1 or 2 years old.
• If the hernia hasn’t gone away by 5 years of age, surgery can be used to correct it.
• Adults can also have umbilical hernias. This can occur from repeated strain on the abdomen due to things like obesity, pregnancy, or fluid in the abdomen (ascites). 

Ventral Hernia:

• A ventral hernia happens when tissue bulges through an opening in the muscles of your abdomen.
• You may notice that the size of a ventral hernia reduces when you’re lying down.
• Although a ventral hernia can be present from birth, it’s more commonly acquired at some point during your lifetime.
• Common factors in ventral hernia formation include things like obesity, strenuous activity, and pregnancy.
• Ventral hernias can also happen at the site of a surgical incision. This is called an incisional hernia and can happen due to surgical scarring or weakness of the abdominal muscles at the surgical site.

Treatment:

• The only way to effectively treat a hernia is through surgical repair.
• However, whether or not you need surgery depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms.
• Your doctor may want to simply monitor your hernia for possible complications. This is called watchful waiting.
• In some cases, wearing a truss may help to ease the symptoms of a hernia. This is a supportive undergarment that helps to hold the hernia in place. You should always see your doctor to make sure that a truss fits properly before using it.
• If you have a hiatal hernia, over-the-counter and prescription medications that reduce stomach acid can relieve your discomfort and improve symptoms. These include antacids, H-2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

Hernia in Pregnancy

• If you’re pregnant and think that you have a hernia, be sure to see your doctor.
• They can evaluate it and determine if it poses any health risks.
• Often, hernia repair can wait until after delivery. However, if a small hernia that’s present before or during the pregnancy begins to get larger or cause discomfort, surgery may be advised to repair it.
• The preferred time to do this is during the second trimester.
• Hernias that have been previously repaired may come back with later pregnancies. This is because pregnancy places a strain on abdominal muscle tissue that may have been weakened by surgery.
• Hernias can also occur following a cesarean delivery, also known as a C-section. During a cesarean delivery, an incision is made into the abdomen and uterus. The baby is then delivered through these incisions. An incisional hernia can sometimes occur at the site of a cesarean delivery. 

Complications:

• Sometimes an untreated hernia can lead to potentially serious complications. Your hernia may grow and cause more symptoms.
• It may also put too much pressure on nearby tissues, which can cause swelling and pain in the surrounding area.
• A portion of your intestine could also become trapped in the abdominal wall. This is called incarceration. Incarceration can obstruct your bowel and cause severe pain, nausea, or constipation. If the trapped section of your intestines doesn’t get enough blood flow, strangulation occurs. This can cause the intestinal tissue to become infected or die. A strangulated hernia is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.