A hernia is a condition in which part of tissue of an organ gets displaced and extends beyond the wall of the cavity that contains it. Hernia can develop at any point of the abdomen but if often occurs at a weak point of the intestine or the abdominal wall called as inguinal hernia. It appears as small swelling or bumps on the groin or sometimes as swelling of scrotum bag (that contains the testicles). The lump can be seen when the person tries to lift something from the ground surface. The bump will disappear once he lies down. It is the responsibility of the muscles to bind the tissues and organs of intestine in its place. But hernia can develop at some weak point of the muscle in the abdomen.
Symptoms :
The signs of hernia vary according to the type of hernia and the location it occurs. Some of the common symptoms of hernia are swelling below the skin in the region of groin or abdomen that can be seen clearly when the person bends to lift something. It would cause heavy feeling or fullness in the abdomen and also constipation problem or bloody discharge in the stool. In addition there would be sharp pain and discomfort on the groin or abdomen when the person bends over.
Types :
- Inguinal Hernia – It occurs when part of the body tissue protrudes through the lower abdomen or groin.
- Femoral Hernia – It occurs when part of fatty tissue pokes through the groin into the top of inner thigh region.
- Incisional Hernia – Any part of the tissue protruding though the surgical wound on the abdomen is incisional hernia.
- Umbilical Hernia – This type of hernia occurs when part of the body tissue protrudes out of the abdomen through the tiny opening of belly button.
- Hiatus Hernia – It is the hernia that occurs when part of the stomach tissue gets pushed upwards and opens through the diaphragm region. Although different types of hernia are given, still it rarely occurs. Most of the hernias are of inguinal hernia.
Who Are At Risk ?
Men are more prone to develop hernia than women, at some point of their life. Other factors that increase the risk of hernia are old age, obesity, chronic cough, and chronic constipation and employed in manual weight lifting industry. Hernia repair is known as hernioplasty or herniorrhaphy in medical terms.
Causes :
Inguinal hernia develops when part of the tissue from the intestine protrudes through the groin located at the top portion of the inner thigh. Inguinal canal is that part of the body where the blood vessels of the testicles pass in men, and through which the important ligament that surrounds the womb passes in women.
In contrary to the popular myth that hernia occurs only in men, it can occur in women also. It would cause intense pelvic pain in women. Femoral hernia is common among women. Ageing is another main cause of hernia since old age makes the muscles of the abdomen weaker and vulnerable giving rise to hernia. In some cases, hernia can develop suddenly due to sudden straining while passing stool or lifting heavy objects.