Hernia is a medical condition that affects millions of people in India. Did you know that around 10 million Indians alone suffer from a hernia? This common condition occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or tissue, resulting in a bulge or swelling. Hernias can occur in different body parts and can be caused by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and age. Hernias can cause discomfort, pain, and even life-threatening complications if left untreated.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of hernia, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options, so that you can better understand this condition and take the necessary steps to seek medical attention. So, let’s dive into the hernia and learn more about this common medical condition affecting people across India.
Several types of hernias can occur in different parts of the body. Let’s take a closer look at each type:
Inguinal Hernia:
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, accounting for about 75%. They occur when a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue bulges through a weak spot or tear in the inguinal canal, a passageway in the lower abdomen that carries the spermatic cord in men and the round ligament in women.
Causes of Inguinal Hernia:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Previous abdominal surgeries
- Heavy lifting or straining during bowel movements
- Chronic coughing or sneezing
- Pregnancy or childbirth
Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia:
- A bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in the groin or abdomen, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the groin
- Burning or aching sensation in the groin
- Nausea or vomiting
Example Of Inguinal Hernia:
A man has been experiencing pain and discomfort in his groin area while carrying heavy objects. He might notice a bulge or swelling in the groin area as well.
Femoral Hernia:
Femoral hernias are less common than inguinal hernias, accounting for about 5% of all hernias. They occur when a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue bulges through a weak spot or tear in the femoral canal, a passageway in the groin area just below the inguinal ligament.
Causes of Femoral Hernia:
- Genetics
- Pregnancy or childbirth
- Obesity
- Previous abdominal surgeries
- Straining during bowel movements or urination
Symptoms of Femoral Hernia:
- A bulge or swelling in the groin or upper thigh
- Pain or discomfort in the groin or abdomen, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
- A feeling of pressure in the groin
- Aching or burning sensation in the groin
- Nausea or vomiting
Example Of Femoral Hernia:
An example of a femoral hernia is a woman experiencing pain and discomfort in her upper thigh. She might also notice a bulge or swelling in the same area.
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias occur when a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue bulges through a weak spot or opening in the abdominal muscles around the belly button.
Causes of Umbilical Hernia:
- Genetics
- Pregnancy or childbirth
- Obesity
- Previous abdominal surgeries
- Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)
- Chronic coughing or constipation
Symptoms Umbilical Hernia
- A bulge or swelling near the belly button that may be visible when standing or straining
- Discomfort or pain in the abdomen, especially when lifting or bending over
- Nausea or vomiting
- A tender or swollen belly button
Example Of Umbilical Hernia:
An example of an umbilical hernia is a baby with a protrusion or bulge near the belly button. This is common in premature babies or those with low birth weight.
In conclusion, hernias are a common condition affecting people of all ages and genders. In this blog, we’ve discussed the different types of hernia, including inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional, and hiatal hernia, along with their causes, symptoms, and treatment options, such as laparoscopic hernia surgery.
While some hernias can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding heavy lifting or losing weight, others may require hernia surgery to repair the hernia. Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can help treat hernias with less pain, scarring and faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
If you experience any hernia symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, or a noticeable bulge, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. By doing so, you can get an accurate diagnosis and receive the appropriate hernia treatment, including laparoscopic hernia surgery or other forms of surgery.
We hope this comprehensive guide has given you a better understanding of hernias, hernia treatment, and surgery options.
