How Do You Know If You Have A Hernia? Types, Causes & Treatment

Introduction

You know it is a hernia when an internal organ pushes through a weak area in your tissue or muscle. There are various types of hernias such as femoral hernias, inguinal hernias, Hiatal hernias, and umbilical hernias. Most hernias take place within the abdominal cavity, between the hips and chest. In this blog, we, at MH Surgery Clinic, will share with you how to determine if you have a hernia, its types, causes, and treatment. 

How Do You Know If You Have A Hernia?

Hernias are common among both men and women, however, their symptoms may differ. For instance, men are more prone to a groin hernia as compared to women. Hernias may cause discomfort and do not go away on their own. But fortunately, almost all types of hernias can be treated surgically. 

It is essential to understand that both men, as well as women, can develop inguinal hernias. Usually, people believe that only men develop them, and due to anatomical reasons, they are at a higher risk. However, women can certainly develop an inguinal hernia. 

According to experts, women are likely to go undiagnosed for this condition as they tend to suffer from different symptoms as opposed to men. They may not have a noticeable bulge. If you are suffering from symptoms that indicate a possible hernia but your doctor is not able to examine it, then an MRI can give definite evidence. 

Symptoms Among Men

• Aching pain in the groin area

• A bulge that can be seen and felt

•  A feeling of pressure

• Pain that gets worse when engaged in activities that add pressure to the area such as pushing, heavy lifting, and straining

• A tugging sensation of the scrotum 

Symptoms Among Women

• Burning sensation

• Sharp or aching pain

• A bulge at the site of a hernia, but this may not be there with an inguinal hernia

• Discomfort increases with straining activities

Types Of Hernias

1. Inguinal Hernia

Among men, the inguinal canal is a passage for the blood vessels and spermatic cord leading to the testicles. Among women, however, the inguinal passage consists of a round ligament that provides support for the uterus. In an inguinal hernia, a part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. It is the most common hernia type and affects men more than women.

2. Umbilical Hernia

A part of the interesting or fatty tissue pokes the abdomen near the navel.

3.Femoral Hernia

A fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. Femoral hernia is less common as opposed to inguinal hernias and usually affects older women.

4. Hiatal Hernia

A part of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm which is the horizontal sheet of muscle that isolates the chest from the abdomen.

5. Incisional Hernia

The fatty tissue pushes through the area of an abdominal scan from a remote pelvic or abdominal operation.

Causes Of A Hernia

Hernias are caused due to a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Based on its cause, a hernia may develop quite rapidly or over a long period of time. Some primary causes of muscle weakness that may lead to a hernia include

• Aging

• A congenital condition that may occur during the development in the womb and is present since birth

• Damage from surgery or injury

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) or chronic coughing

• Heavy weight lifting or strenuous exercise

• Having obesity or being overweight

• Pregnancy, particularly having multiple pregnancies

• Ascites

• Constipation may cause you to strain when having a bowel movement

The following are some risk factors that make you more prone to developing a hernia:

• Being older

• Having a low birth weight or being born prematurely

• Pregnancy

• Cystic fibrosis

• Chronic cough

• Chronic constipation

• Smoking 

• A family history of hernias

Treatment Of Hernia

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is the most effective way to treat an inguinal hernia. Whether you need surgery or not depends majorly on the size of your hernia and how severe your symptoms are. Your healthcare advisor may want to monitor your case for any possible complications. 

If you are suffering from a hiatal hernia, then over-the-counter prescription medications that control stomach acid can relieve your discomfort. 

Hernia Diagnosis

In order to diagnose your hernia, your doctor will perform a physical examination. During this, your doctor may feel a bulge in your abdominal area that gets larger when you cough, stand, or strain. They will then discuss your medical history and ask questions such as

• When did you notice the bulge for the first time?

• Are you experiencing any symptoms?

• Tell me a little about your lifestyle

• Do you think there is something in particular that may have caused it to occur?

• Does your profession involve heavy lifting? Do you work out rigorously? Do you lift weights professionally? Do you smoke?

• Have you ever had any surgeries in your abdomen?

• Do you have a family history of hernias?

Your healthcare provider will also use imaging tests to help the diagnosis, which may include:

• Abdominal Ultrasound

• Abdominal MRI scan

• Abdominal CT scan

Hernia Repair Surgery

If your hernia is getting larger or causing unbearable pain, then your surgeon may decide to operate it. Laparoscopic hernia surgery is the best way to treat a hernia because, in this, your surgeon will use a tiny camera and mini surgical equipment to repair a hernia. It only needs a few incisions and is relatively less damaging to the surrounding area.

Get in touch with MH Surgery Clinic today for more information about your case if you have developed a hernia.