In the human body, each organ is contained within an empty chamber, also known as a "cavity". When an organ protrudes outside its cavity, you may suffer from a hernia - a disorder that is not usually fatal and that sometimes goes away on its own. Typically, the hernia develops in the abdominal area (between the chest and hips) and in 75-80% of cases in the groin area. Over the years, the chances of developing a hernia increase and surgery to remedy it becomes more risky. There are different types of hernia and each of these requires specific treatment, so it is important to learn to recognize this disorder.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Assess your risk factors
Although anyone can suffer from a hernia, some factors can increase the chances of it. It may be some chronic or temporary illness, such as a bad cough. Among the risk factors for hernia are:
- Increased abdominal pressure;
- Cough;
- Weight lifting;
- Constipation;
- Pregnancy;
- Obesity;
- Aging;
- Smoke;
- Taking steroids.
Step 2. Watch out for any protrusion
A hernia is an imperfection of the muscle tissue that contains an organ. Due to this defect, the organ protrudes outside the opening, causing the hernia; this phenomenon manifests itself as a swollen area or a bump on the skin. The hernia often becomes larger when the patient stands or makes an effort; the site of the swollen area may vary depending on the type of hernia. The classification of the different types of hernia uses criteria that refer to both the development site and the cause.
- Inguinal: develops in the groin region (between the hip bone and the pelvic floor);
- Umbilical: occurs around the navel;
- Femoral: occurs along the inside of the thighs;
- Incisional: it develops in the site where a surgical intervention was previously performed that has weakened some points of the muscle tissues that hold an organ;
- Diaphragmatic or hiatal: forms when there is a congenital defect in the diaphragm.
Step 3. Watch out for vomiting
If the hernia affects the intestine, it can change or even block the flow of food in the digestive system. This can cause intestinal reflux which leads to nausea or vomiting. When the bowel is not completely blocked, you may experience milder symptoms, such as nausea without vomiting or decreased appetite.
Step 4. Check for signs of constipation
You may experience this symptom if you have an inguinal or femoral hernia in the lower body area. Constipation basically consists of the opposite manifestation of vomiting. When you can't evacuate, you suffer from constipation - the stool stays in the intestine instead of coming out. It is evident that this symptom requires immediate surgical intervention.
The different types of hernia can be very serious when they interfere with the normal functions of the body necessary for survival. If you have any signs of constipation, see your doctor right away
Step 5. Do not neglect the abnormal or fullness sensations
Many people with a hernia do not experience any signs of particularly severe or significant visible pain or symptoms. However, many patients experience a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the affected area, especially in the abdomen. You may think this symptom is due to some bloating and intestinal gas; if nothing else, you will have complete awareness of the abdominal area, regardless of whether it is a feeling of fullness, weakness or a simple inexplicable pressure. You can relieve this "swelling" due to a hernia by resting in a reclined position.
Step 6. Track your pain level
Although it is not always present, pain is an indicator of a hernia, especially if there are complications. Inflammation can cause a burning sensation or sharp pain; the build-up of pressure can cause excruciating pain indicating that the hernia is directly touching the muscle walls. Here's how this disorder causes pain in different stages:
- Irreducible hernia: it is unable to return to its normal location, on the contrary it tends to protrude more; you may experience occasional pain.
- Strangled hernia: The protruding organ is losing its blood supply and can die if not treated promptly. In this case, you experience severe pain, as well as nausea, vomiting, fever and difficulty in defecating; urgent surgery is therefore necessary.
- Hiatal hernia: The stomach protrudes from its cavity, causing chest pain. This also impairs blood flow, causing acid reflux and making swallowing difficult.
- Untreated hernia: This disorder generally causes no pain or other symptoms, but if left untreated it can hurt and lead to other health problems.
Step 7. Know when to see your doctor
All types of hernia are potentially dangerous. If you are concerned that you are affected, you should visit your doctor to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. He will be able to determine if you actually have a hernia and will evaluate the severity with you, as well as possible treatments.
If you know for sure you have a hernia and experience a sudden throbbing sensation or pain in the area, go to the emergency room immediately. The hernia can "choke" and block blood flow, an extremely dangerous situation
Part 2 of 4: Knowing the Risk Factors
Step 1. Take gender into consideration
Men are more likely to suffer from a hernia than women. According to some studies, even congenital hernia - a fairly frequent occurrence in newborns - mainly affects males; the same happens in adulthood. Men are at greater risk, because hernia is linked to testicular retention; these descend through the inguinal canal shortly before birth. The inguinal canal in humans - which contains the ducts that connect with the testes - usually closes after birth; in some cases, however, this process does not occur properly, making the formation of hernias more likely.
Step 2. Know the family history
If any other family member has suffered from a hernia in the past, you too are at greater risk of having it. Some inherited diseases affect the connective and muscle tissues, making you more vulnerable to this ailment. Keep in mind that the odds of a hereditary hernia are associated only with genetic defects; in general, there are no known genetic patterns for hernias.
If you have had other hernias in the past, you are more likely to have one more in the future
Step 3. Pay attention to the health of your lungs
Cystic fibrosis (a life-threatening lung problem) fills the lungs with thick mucus. People with this disease develop a chronic cough due to trying to clear the airways of these mucus plugs. The increased pressure due to coughing is a risk factor for hernia; it is in fact a disorder that applies greater pressure on the lungs, stressing them and damaging the walls. Sick people experience pain and discomfort when they cough.
Smokers also have a higher risk of developing a chronic cough and consequently suffering from a hernia
Step 4. Watch out for chronic constipation
Constipation requires more effort on the part of the abdominal muscles to evacuate. If these muscles are weak and you keep putting pressure on them constantly, you are more likely to suffer from a hernia.
- Muscles can be weak due to a nutrient-poor diet, lack of physical activity, and older age.
- Straining while urinating can also increase the chances of suffering from a hernia.
Step 5. Know that you are at risk if you are pregnant
The growth of the baby in the womb greatly increases intra-abdominal pressure, as well as the weight of this area, which is an additional risk factor.
- Even premature babies are at risk of suffering from this disorder, because their muscles and tissues are not yet fully developed and strong enough.
- Genital defects in babies can put stress on the areas most at risk of developing a hernia. These include an abnormal position of the urethra, fluid in the testicles, and genital ambiguity (the newborn has genital characteristics of both sexes).
Step 6. Bring your weight to normal levels
Obese or overweight people are more likely to suffer from a hernia. Just like for pregnant women, a larger abdomen again increases pressure in the area, affecting weak muscles. If you are overweight, you should start a weight loss diet plan.
Watch out for sudden and drastic weight loss, such as crash diets, because they weaken the muscles and can cause a hernia. If you decide to lose weight, follow a gradual and healthy process
Step 7. Assess whether your work may be responsible for the problem
You are at risk of developing a hernia if your duties involve prolonged standing stretches and a lot of physical exertion. Among the categories of workers most at risk of hernia for professional reasons are bricklayers, shop assistants, carpenters and so on. If you fall into one of these categories, talk to the owner; it may find you other tasks that are not so directly associated with the hernia.
Part 3 of 4: Recognizing the Types of Hernia
Step 1. Know how your doctor diagnoses hernia
During the physical exam, the doctor should always leave you in an upright position. As he examines and feels the swollen area, he asks you to cough, make some effort or some movement as much as possible. Your doctor will then look at the flexibility and movements you are able to make that involve the area where the hernia is suspected. After the evaluation, you will be able to get a diagnosis and know if it is actually a hernia and what type.
Step 2. Recognize the inguinal hernia
It is the most common type and develops when the intestine or bladder presses the lower abdominal walls towards the groin and inguinal canal. In men, this channel contains the spermatic ducts that connect with the testes, and the hernia is usually caused by a natural weakness of this channel. In women, the canal contains the ligaments that hold the uterus in place. There are two types of inguinal hernia: direct and, much more frequent, indirect.
- Direct inguinal hernia: Put a finger on the inguinal canal - the crease along the pelvis where the legs begin. You should feel a bulge that protrudes forward and gets bigger when you cough.
- Indirect inguinal hernia: When you touch the inguinal canal, you should feel a bump that goes from the outside to the middle of the body (from the lateral to the medial sector). This bulge can also move towards the scrotum.
Step 3. A hiatal hernia may be suspected in patients over the age of 50
This type of hernia occurs when the upper stomach presses on the opening of the diaphragm and the chest. The people most affected, however, are those over 50 years of age; if a child is affected, the cause is probably due to a birth defect.
- The diaphragm is a thin muscle band that helps you breathe; it is also the muscle that separates the abdominal organs from the thoracic ones.
- A hiatal hernia causes a burning sensation in the stomach, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Step 4. Look for umbilical hernia in newborns
Although it is a hernia that can also occur at a later stage in life, it mostly affects infants and children who are less than 6 months old. It occurs when the intestine presses on the abdominal walls near the navel and the bulge is especially visible when the baby cries.
- With this type of hernia you should see a bump on the navel.
- The umbilical hernia usually goes away on its own, but if it lasts until 5-6 years of age, if it is very large or causes symptoms, it requires surgery.
- Make a note of the measurement; when the hernia is small in size, about 1.3 cm, it can disappear on its own; however, if it is larger, a surgical operation is required.
Step 5. Pay attention to the incisional hernia (laparocele) which can occur after a surgical procedure
The incision (cut) made during the operation takes time to heal and heal properly; it also takes time to restore the surrounding muscles to their original strength. If organ tissues press against the scar before it heals, this type of hernia can occur. It is more common in the elderly and in overweight patients.
Apply gentle but firm pressure near the incision site with your fingers; you should feel a bulge in the area
Step 6. Recognize femoral hernia in women
Although it can occur in both sexes, most cases affect women, due to the larger pelvis. In this area there is the channel that passes the arteries, veins and nerves towards the upper part of the thighs; generally, it is a narrow space, but it easily becomes larger if the woman is pregnant or obese; when it stretches, it becomes weak and therefore more susceptible to hernias.
Part 4 of 4: Treating the Hernia
Step 1. Immediately report acute pain
If symptoms come on suddenly, the first thing your doctor will want to do is manage the pain. In the case of a strangulated hernia, the doctor will first want to try to physically squeeze it, to return it to its original position. This can reduce acute inflammation and swelling, allowing more time to arrange for a scheduled surgery. This type of hernia requires immediate operation to prevent cellular tissue from dying and organs from perforating.
Step 2. Consider an elective surgical procedure
While this is not an extremely serious problem, your doctor may recommend this treatment to repair the damage before the hernia can worsen and become more dangerous. Studies have shown that preventive elective surgery significantly reduces morbidity and mortality.
Step 3. Be aware of the potential manifestations of a hernia
Depending on the type of hernia and the individual characteristics of the patient, the chances of recurrence are highly variable.
- Inguinal (pediatric): this type of hernia has a less than 3% chance of recurrence after surgical treatment; sometimes, it heals spontaneously on its own in infants.
- Inguinal (adults): depending on the level of experience of the surgeon who intervenes for this type of hernia, relapses after the operation can fluctuate from 0 to 10%.
- Incisional: Approximately 3-5% of patients relapse after the first surgery. When the hernia is larger, it can re-form in 20-60% of cases.
- Umbilical (pediatric): This type of hernia generally tends to resolve spontaneously.
- Umbilical (adults): this is the type of hernia in the adult population that is most likely to recur. Typically, 11% of patients are expected to still suffer from it after surgery.
Advice
Avoid lifting heavy loads, coughing too hard, or bending over too much if you think you have a hernia
Warnings
- See your doctor right away if you think you have a hernia. This disorder can quickly turn into a very serious problem. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid heartbeat, sudden pain that increases rapidly, or a lump that turns red, purple, or dark.
- Surgical interventions to repair a case of acute hernia generally have a lower survival rate and a higher morbidity rate than those planned that are not urgent.
