Hernia Awareness Month: 11 Things You May Not Know About Hernias

“Most people don’t understand what a hernia is or what causes one. Simply put – a hernia is an uncomfortable condition in which an organ or bit of tissue protrudes through a weak point in the surrounding muscle or tissue. It can occur and develop anywhere in the body, especially in the abdominal wall. 

Pain associated with hernias can prevent people from engaging in activities they normally love to do. And ignoring symptoms can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. Although the treatment for a hernia usually requires surgery, minimally invasive techniques allow for a shorter recovery time and decreased recurrence rates.”

In this article, we will be sharing the 11 things that you might not know about Hernia. Read on to learn more.

What are the different types of hernias?

A hernia is a condition that occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak point in the surrounding muscle or tissue. Hernias can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common in the abdomen. 

There are several different types of abdominal hernias, including inguinal, incisional, femoral, and hiatal hernias. Each type of hernia occurs at a different location and has its own set of symptoms. 

Inguinal hernias occur when a portion of the intestine bulges through the inguinal canal located in the groin region.

Incisional hernias occur at the site of a previous incision. It happens when the stitches fail to heal correctly or come apart with time.

Femoral hernias occur when a portion of the intestine bulges through the femoral canal, located in the upper thigh. 

Hiatal hernias occur when a portion of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and abdomen. 

Hernias can be painful and cause discomfort, but they can often be treated with surgery.

1. What causes hernias?

When it comes to hernias, they usually occur when an organ or other piece of tissue protrudes through a weakening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Hernias often occur in the abdominal area, although they can also happen in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin. 

Hernias are often caused by strain on the surrounding muscles, such as from lifting heavy objects, coughing, or sneezing. Other causes include congenital defects and previous surgery. In some cases, the cause of a hernia is unknown. 

2. What are the first signs of a hernia?

The first sign of a hernia is usually a bulge or lump in the affected area. Hernias can also cause pain, tenderness, and burning sensation. 

Sometimes hernias can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treatment can help to prevent serious health complications from developing.

3. How do you feel when you have a hernia?

If you have a hernia, you may feel a lump or bulge in your abdomen or groin caused by the protrusion of a part of the intestines through a weak spot in your abdominal muscles. Apart from the bulge, you may not experience any symptoms unless they are triggered by certain movements, leading to pain and discomfort. The pain may worsen when you cough, bend over, or lift something heavy. You may also feel pressure in your groin or abdomen. 

If the hernia becomes entangled in your intestine, it can cut off the blood supply to that section of your intestine (strangulation). This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. If you have any symptoms related to a hernia, it’s important to see a doctor so they can rule out other possible causes and develop a treatment plan for the hernia that is suited to you.

4. Can I exercise with a hernia?

It is possible to exercise if you have a hernia, but it’s important to be cautious and focus on exercises that won’t strain the affected area. If you have an abdominal hernia, it’s best to avoid exercises or lifting routines that involve straining or pulling in the abdominal area. These activities can put additional pressure on the weakened area, causing the hernia to become more pronounced or even leading to complications.

5. How can I test myself for a hernia?

There are several ways to test for a hernia. The most common method is to apply pressure to where you suspect the hernia is located. If you feel a bulge, it is likely that you have a hernia. Another way to test for a hernia is to lie down and cough. If a bulge can be felt when you cough, you likely have a hernia. 

6. Should I push my hernia back in?

While it is possible to temporarily push a hernia back into the abdominal wall, it is not recommended. This is because a hernia occurs when a part of the intestine or other organ protrudes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Attempting to push the hernia back in can be dangerous as it can cause damage to the tissue or organ trapped in the hernia. This can lead to serious complications, including infection or even bowel obstruction.

If you have a hernia, the recommended course of action is to see a medical professional for evaluation and treatment. In most cases, surgery is required to repair the hernia and prevent further complications. The procedure is typically simple and involves closing the gap in the abdominal wall where the hernia has occurred.

7. How long can a hernia go untreated?

Although hernias are usually not dangerous, they can cause pain and discomfort. If left untreated, however, a hernia can lead to more severe complications such as obstruction of the intestines or strangulation of the hernia (when blood flow to the protruding organ is cut off). 

For these reasons, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you believe you may have a hernia. Surgery may be recommended depending on the extent of the hernia and the underlying health condition of the patient. 

8. When should I see a doctor for a hernia?

Most hernias do not cause any symptoms and can be safely left untreated. However, once you start experiencing pain and discomfort, it is a sign that you should see a doctor.

If a hernia is large or painful, it may need to be surgically repaired. Hernias can also become strangulated, meaning that the blood supply to the protruding organ is cut off. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. If you think you have a hernia, it is important to see a doctor to determine whether or not you need treatment.

9. How are hernias diagnosed? 

Hernias are most commonly diagnosed during a physical examination. Our doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Our doctor will look for a bulge in your groin area during the exam. In some cases, hernias can also be diagnosed with imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI. If our doctor suspects you have a hernia, they may refer you to a surgeon for further evaluation. 

10. What is the recommended treatment for a hernia?

In most cases, surgery is the only way to diagnose and treat a hernia definitively. During the procedure, the doctor will close the opening in the muscle and reinforce the area with stitches or a wire mesh. 

Sometimes, a hernia may not require treatment unless it is causing pain or other symptoms. However, large hernias that cannot be pushed back into place may require surgery to prevent intestinal tissue from becoming trapped in the opening. 

11. Can you fix a hernia without surgery?

A hernia cannot heal on its own. However, the good news is that it can be effectively treated with surgery in almost all cases. Surgery is typically the recommended course of treatment for hernias, as it can repair the weakened area of the abdominal wall and prevent the hernia from getting larger or causing further complications.

Conclusion

And there you have it, your top 11 things to know about hernias! So, what are the different types of hernias? What causes them? And how can you tell if you have one? 

If you’re experiencing any common symptoms of a hernia—pain, swelling or a bulge in the area where the hernia is located—it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Hernias don’t usually go away on their own and often worsen over time. Fortunately, most hernias can be treated successfully with surgery. 

If you think you might have a hernia, consider speaking to our staff at G&L Surgical Clinic, you may contact us directly via WHATSAPP or call our CLINIC for assistance!