WHAT IS HERNIA?

Hernia is a bulge caused by tissue pushing through the wall of muscle that's holding it in. Most hernias are abdominal hernias. This means they happen in the belly and groin areas.

You may have a hernia if you can feel a soft lump in your belly or groin or in a scar where you had surgery in the past. The lump may go away when you press on it or lie down. It may be painful, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift something heavy.

Types of hernias include:

• Inguinal hernia.
• Femoral hernia.
• Umbilical hernia.
• Incisional hernia.
• Epigastric hernia.
• Hiatal hernia.

What causes a hernia?

Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time.

Common causes of muscle weakness include:

• failure of the abdominal wall to close properly in the womb, which is a congenital defect
• age
• chronic coughing
• damage from injury or surgery

Factors that strain your body and may cause a hernia, especially if your muscles are weak, include:

• being pregnant, which puts pressure on your abdomen
• being constipated, which causes you to strain when having a bowel movement
• lifting heavy weight
• fluid in the abdomen, or ascites
• suddenly gaining weight
• persistent coughing or sneezing

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area. In the case of an inguinal hernia, you may notice a lump on either side of your pubic bone where your groin and thigh meet. You’re more likely to feel your hernia through touch when you’re standing up.

Other common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

• pain or discomfort in the affected area (usually the lower abdomen), especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
• weakness, pressure, or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
• a burning, gurgling, or aching sensation at the site of the bulge

Other symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

• acid reflux, which is when stomach acid moves backward into the esophagus causing a burning sensation
• chest pain
• difficulty swallowing

In some cases, hernias have no symptoms. You may not know you have a hernia unless it shows up during a routine physical or a medical exam for an unrelated problem.

Treatment

Whether or not you need treatment depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may simply monitor your hernia for possible complications. Treatment options for a hernia include:

Lifestyle changes

Dietary changes can often treat the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Avoid large or heavy meals, don’t lie down or bend over after a meal, and keep your body weight in a healthy range.

If these changes in diet don’t eliminate your discomfort, you may need surgery to correct the hernia. You can also improve symptoms by avoiding foods that cause acid reflux or heartburn, such as spicy foods and tomato-based foods. Additionally, you can avoid reflux by losing weight and giving up cigarettes.

Medication

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.

Surgery

If your hernia is growing larger or causing pain, your doctor may decide that it’s best to operate. Your doctor may repair your hernia by sewing the hole in the abdominal wall closed during surgery. This is most commonly done by patching the hole with surgical mesh.

Preventing  hernia

You can’t always prevent the muscle weakness that allows a hernia to occur. However, you can reduce the amount of strain you place on your body. This may help you avoid a hernia or keep an existing hernia from getting worse. Prevention tips include:

• not smoking
• seeing your doctor when you’re sick to avoid developing a persistent cough
• maintaining a healthy body weight
• avoiding straining during bowel movements or urination
• lifting objects with your knees and not your back
• avoiding lifting weights that are too heavy for you