What is a hernia?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:A hernia develops when the intestine pokes through a hole in the muscle wall. Learn more about hernias in this video with Dr. Oz.
A hernia develops when the intestine pokes through a hole in the muscle wall. Learn more about hernias in this video with Dr. Oz. More -
A hernia is a portion of one organ protruding through the muscle wall that contains it. Most hernias are abdominal wall hernias. Abdominal wall hernias involve a portion of the intestine pushing into or through the abdominal muscle wall. In some cases, fatty tissue or a portion of the stomach or other digestive organ is involved. A hernia can develop through any acquired or congenital opening or weak spot in the abdominal wall. There are several types of hernias named for where the hernia sac is located.
- Inguinal (groin area)
- Femoral (femoral canal within the groin area)
- Umbilical (naval area)
- Diaphragmatic (diaphragm)
Hernias can be congenital or develop later in life. Children and adults can have hernias.
A hernia is a portion of one organ protruding through the muscle wall that contains it. Most hernias are abdominal wall hernias. Abdominal wall hernias involve a portion of the intestine pushing into or through the abdominal muscle wall. In... More -
Dr. Hien Nguyen of Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:A hernia, which means “rupture” in Latin, refers to a weakness in the abdominal muscle wall which creates a separation or gap between the muscle layers. A soft bulge is seen underneath the skin where the hernia has occurred. Sporting events and excessive physical strain are often the causes of hernias.
A hernia, which means “rupture” in Latin, refers to a weakness in the abdominal muscle wall which creates a separation or gap between the muscle layers. A soft bulge is seen underneath the skin where the hernia has occurred. Sporting... More -
Healthwise answered:A hernia is tissue from inside the abdomen that bulges out through a weak spot in the muscles of the abdominal (belly) wall. The weak spot may have been present since birth or may develop after surgery or from violent or ongoing coughing, lifting heavy objects, or aging.
There are several types of hernias:
- A femoral hernia appears as a bulge on the top of the thigh.
- A hiatal hernia is a part of the stomach bulging up through the diaphragm (the wall of muscle that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity).
- An incisional hernia occurs after surgery to the wall of the abdomen.
- An inguinal hernia occurs when a small portion of the bowel bulges into the groin.
- An umbilical hernia appears in the belly button. A periumbilical hernia is similar to an umbilical hernia, but it occurs next to the belly button.
A person with a hernia often feels pain, pressure, or burning or feels like something has given way.
A hernia is tissue from inside the abdomen that bulges out through a weak spot in the muscles of the abdominal (belly) wall. The weak spot may have been present since birth or may develop after surgery or from violent or ongoing coughing, lifting... More -
National Athletic Trainers’ Association answered:A hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal viscera through a weakened portion of the abdominal wall. It can be acquired or congenital (meaning a person is born with it). It is commonly misdiagnosed as an abdominal or groin strain.
(This answer provided for NATA by the University of Tampa Athletic Training Education Program)
A hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal viscera through a weakened portion of the abdominal wall. It can be acquired or congenital (meaning a person is born with it). It is commonly misdiagnosed as an abdominal or groin strain. (This answer... More -
Dr. Todd Mangione of Baptist Health South Florida answered:A hernia is a hole, tear or weakness in a body tissue in which another body structure may become stuck, causing a potentially serious blockage. There are many types of hernias, depending on where in the body the hernia occurs and how severe it is. Hernias occur most often in the abdomen or stomach area.
Some hernias are not serious medical problems, while others may constitute medical emergencies. For example, in some cases, a small loop of the bowel may get caught in a hernia in the abdomen. The piece of bowel may become irritated and swell to a point where it cannot slip out of the hernia, resulting in a bowel obstruction, a medical emergency.A hernia is a hole, tear or weakness in a body tissue in which another body structure may become stuck, causing a potentially serious blockage. There are many types of hernias, depending on where in the body the hernia occurs and how severe it... More
