What is a Hernia?
A hernia is a defect in the abdominal muscle or tendons that allow intra-abdominal content, such as intestines and fatty tissue, to protrude through the tissues under the skin.
A hernia often shows up as a bulge or lump under the skin — usually in your belly or groin. Some hernias don’t cause problems right away, but others can become painful or dangerous.
Symptoms of Hernia
Common Symptoms
- Heaviness or tugging feeling that feels like something is pulling in your lower belly or groin.
- Bulge or lump under the skin that gets bigger when you stand, cough, or lift something heavy.
- Pain or pressure around the bulge, especially when you bend over or move around.
- Burning or aching near the bulge
Symptoms will often go away when you lay down.
Some hernias can become trapped or lose blood flow. This is serious and needs medical care right away. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you have:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the area of the hernia
- A bulge that gets hard and won’t go away, even when you lie down
- Redness, swelling, or warmth over the bulge
- Nausea, vomiting, or belly bloating
- Trouble passing gas or having a bowel movement
Hernia Risk Factors
Extra Pressure in the Belly
When there’s too much pressure inside your abdomen, it can strain your muscles and cause a hernia. Common ailments can increase pressure on the belly, including:
- Chronic cough
- Constipation
- Heavy lifting
- Being overweight or obese
- Pregnancy
- Fluid buildup in the belly (ascites)
Weak Muscles or Tissue
- Family history - some people naturally have weaker muscles and tissue
- Age - muscles and tissues can weaken as you get older.
- Smoking - damages the body’s ability to repair tissue, which can lead to weaker muscles or tissue.
Past Surgeries or Injuries
Past incisions, strains or tears will weaken muscles and tissues, putting you at higher risk of developing a hernia.
Types of Hernias
Inguinal Hernia
Occurs as a bulge in the groin area and is more prevalent in men. It is rare for an inguinal hernia to cause complications.
Femoral Hernia
Occurs as a bulge in the groin area, is more prevalent in elderly women and has a higher likelihood to cause complications.
Ventral Hernia
Occurs on the front of the abdominal wall.
Incisional Hernia
Occurs on a previous incision line of the abdominal wall.
Umbilical Hernia
Occurs around the belly button.
Complex Hernia
A hernia that is involved with other problems, such as a fistula, chronic mesh infections, stoma and multiple recurrences. All complex hernias have a higher recurrence rate.