Hernia
There are several kinds of hernias, but the all happen when pressure pushes an organ (often the intestine) through a weak spot in a muscle face or wall. Different kinds of hernias have different risk factors. 4/5 of all hernias are inguinal hernias, where the intestine (or occasionally the bladder) pushes through the lower abdominal wall-near or into the groin. Most of these occur in men, although they are also common in newborns because the abdominal walls in babies are weak.
Treatment for hernias can be no treatment, to medicines to surgery. Many hernias are not serious, although larger ones certainly can be, and complications can include an obstruction of the digestive tract. Modern surgical methods to treat hernias are much improved over older techniques and recovery times are much shorter.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the symptoms of a hiatal hernia?
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Hiatal hernia symptoms can vary from mild heartburn to acid reflux disease. Symptoms may be worse after a large meal or bending forward. Common symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, frequent belching, bad breath, dry cough, nausea, and difficulty... Full Answer
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- Q Can an inguinal hernia be prevented?
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If you have a predisposition for inguinal hernias like a family history or poor fetal development, it is difficult to prevent an inguinal hernia. However, there are several precautions you can take to avoid an inguinal hernia. Precautions for avoiding an... Full Answer
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- Q What causes an inguinal hernia?
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An inguinal hernia occurs because of a weakness in the abdomen muscles. This weakness can develop because of poor fetal development or stress in the abdomen. Stress in the abdomen can result from strenuous work, coughing, constipation, weight gain, or... Full Answer
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- Q How does an inguinal hernia affect the body?
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When there is a weakness in your abdominal muscles, some of your intestines can protrude from the opening, forming an inguinal hernia. This can cause mild to severe consequences. Most of the time, an inguinal hernia will only cause some pain or... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of inguinal hernia?
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Symptoms of inguinal hernia are as follows: A small bulge in one or both sides of the groin that may increase in size and disappear when lying down; in males, it can present as a swollen or enlarged scrotum. Discomfort or sharp pain-especially when... Full Answer
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- Q How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?
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To diagnose inguinal hernia, the doctor takes a thorough medical history and conducts a physical examination. The person may be asked to stand and cough so the doctor can feel the hernia as it moves into the groin or scrotum. The doctor checks to see if... Full Answer
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- Q How do I prepare to see my doctor about my hiatal hernia?
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To help prepare for your doctor's appointment about your hiatal hernia, write a list of symptoms that you'll want to discuss with your doctor. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and include heartburn, belching, chest pains, nausea, bloating, bad... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect a hiatal hernia?
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An illness that causes immobility or increased weight gain can affect hiatal hernias, making symptom management more challenging. An illness that causes chronic coughing, vomiting, or constipation places pressure on the abdomen and stomach.... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my hiatal hernia on a daily basis?
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A hiatal hernia may or may not cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription strength medications to help you manage daily symptoms. Changing your diet is another way to manage symptoms. Foods... Full Answer
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- Q What is a hiatal hernia?
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A hiatal hernia is the result of part of the upper stomach pushing through the diaphragm, the large muscle that separates the abdomen organs from the chest. The esophagus runs through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. Sometimes the... Full Answer
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