How does hernia happen

Laparoscopic surgery is similar to open surgery, but instead of a cut to the outside of the abdomen or groin, a surgeon makes small incisions in order to insert surgical tools to complete the procedure. Robotic hernia repair , where a surgeon handles surgical instruments from a console in the operating room.

Robotic surgery can be used for some smaller hernias or weak areas, as well as to reconstruct the abdominal wall. Medication Options If you have a hiatal hernia that causes heartburn and acid reflux, your doctor may recommend: 9 Antacids Over-the-counter antacids like Mylanta , Rolaids , and Tums can help neutralize stomach acids.

H2-receptor blockers These medications — including Tagamet , Pepcid famotidine , and Axid nizatidine — reduce acid production. Proton pump inhibitors These medications — including Prevacid 24HR lansoprazole and omeprazole Prilosec, Zegerid — are stronger acid blockers than H2-receptor blockers. Alternative and Complementary Therapies In some cases, a supportive truss may be worn to relieve hernia symptoms. Learn More About Treatment for a Hernia: Medication, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Surgery Options and More Prevention of Hernia You can help prevent an inguinal hernia by reducing strain on your abdominal muscles and tissues in the following ways: 6 Maintain a healthy weight with diet and exercise.

Eat foods high in fiber , like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to prevent constipation. Lift heavy objects with care or avoid heavy lifting. If you have to lift something heavy, it's important to always bend from your knees.

If you smoke, quit. Smoking can cause a chronic cough that can lead to an inguinal hernia or make it worse. In some cases, a hernia can lead to complications. These include: Incarcerated or obstructed hernia If the contents of the hernia get stuck in the weak spot in the abdominal wall, it can obstruct the bowel, which can lead to extreme pain, nausea, and vomiting, and prevent you from having a bowel movement or passing gas. A strangulated hernia is life-threatening; immediate surgery is necessary.

Pressure on surrounding tissues In men, large hernias can push into the scrotum, which can cause pain and swelling. Recurrence, infection, or chronic pain after hernia surgery. Johns Hopkins Medicine Headquartered in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins Medicine specializes in medical education, research, and clinical care.

Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit academic medical center that combines clinical and hospital care with research and education. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Hernia in Adults. Types of Hernia in Adults. September 27, Umbilical Hernia. Mayo Clinic.

May 27, Inguinal Hernia. February 26, Diagnosing Hernia in Adults. Watchful Waiting for Hernia in Adults. Hiatal hernia. April 15, Umbilical Hernia Treatment for Children. The exception is if you have risk factors for complications or hernia recurrence, such as obesity or poorly controlled diabetes.

Some patients do not have symptoms and may decide to delay repair after discussion of the risks and benefits with their surgeon. Surgical options and recovery time for ventral hernias vary widely because these hernias come in all shapes and sizes. A small umbilical or incisional hernia can often be treated on an outpatient basis. However, repairing more complicated hernias may require a hospital stay of one to five days.

A: When most hernias start, the internal tissue that pushes through the muscle gap is usually fat. The risk of this is very low, but when it happens, it needs emergency repair. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:. For more information about hernias and their treatment, visit the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Hernia Center. Health Home Conditions and Diseases.

Q: What is a hernia? Q: Who is at higher risk for a ventral hernia? Q: How can you tell if you have an inguinal groin hernia? Symptoms in Men A bulge you can see or feel Aching pain in the area A feeling of pressure A tugging sensation of the scrotum around the testicles Pain that worsens with activities that add pressure to the area, such as heavy lifting, pushing and straining Symptoms in Women Aching or sharp pain Burning sensation A bulge at the hernia site, but this may not be present with a groin hernia Discomfort that increases with activity Q: How are hernias treated?

Inguinal Groin Hernias Inguinal hernias in women are more likely to become emergencies. Abdominal Hernias For both men and women, repair is recommended for most abdominal hernias.

Q: What are the signs of a hernia emergency? In women, the inguinal canal contains a ligament called the round ligament that helps hold the uterus in place. Inguinal hernias are more common in men because the testicles descend through the inguinal canal shortly after birth.

The canal is supposed to close almost completely behind them. Learn more about inguinal hernias. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm into your chest cavity.

The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that helps you breathe by contracting and drawing air into the lungs. It separates the organs in your abdomen from those in your chest.

This type of hernia is most common in people over 50 years old. Hiatal hernias almost always cause gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. In GERD, the stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus , causing a burning sensation. Get more information on hiatal hernias. Umbilical hernias can affect children and babies. They occur when the intestines bulge through the abdominal wall near the belly button. An umbilical hernia is the only kind that often goes away on its own as the abdominal wall muscles get stronger.

This typically happens by the time the child is 1 or 2 years old. Adults can also have umbilical hernias. They can occur from repeated strain on the abdomen due to conditions such as obesity, fluid in the abdomen ascites , or pregnancy.

Discover additional details about umbilical hernias. A ventral hernia happens when tissue bulges through an opening in the muscles of your abdomen. Common factors in ventral hernia formation include obesity, pregnancy, and strenuous activity. Ventral hernias can also occur at the site of a surgical incision.

This is called an incisional hernia and can result from surgical scarring or weakness of the abdominal muscles at the surgical site. Continue reading about ventral hernias. The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area. For example, in the case of an inguinal hernia, you may notice a lump on either side of your pubic bone where your groin and thigh meet. Discomfort or pain in the area around the lump may also be present. Some types of hernia, such as hiatal hernias, can have more specific symptoms.

These can include heartburn , trouble swallowing , and chest pain. In many cases, hernias have no symptoms. Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time. The only way to effectively treat a hernia is through surgical repair. Whether or not you need surgery depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may want to simply monitor your hernia for possible complications.

This approach is called watchful waiting. In some cases, wearing a truss may help to ease the symptoms of a hernia. A truss is a supportive undergarment that helps to hold the hernia in place. Always see your doctor to make sure that a truss fits properly before using it. If you have a hiatal hernia, over-the-counter OTC and prescription medications that reduce stomach acid can relieve your discomfort and improve symptoms.

These include antacids , H2 receptor blockers , and proton pump inhibitors. To diagnose your condition, your doctor will first perform a physical examination. During this examination, the doctor may feel for a bulge in your abdominal or groin area that gets larger when you stand, cough, or strain.

Your doctor will then take your medical history. They may ask you a variety of questions, including:. If your doctor suspects a hiatal hernia, they may use other tests that allow them to assess the inside of your stomach:. Increasing your fiber intake may help relieve constipation. Constipation can cause straining during bowel movements, which can aggravate a hernia. Some examples of high fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Dietary changes can also help with the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. To prevent acid reflux, avoid foods that may cause it , such as spicy foods and tomato-based foods. Additionally, giving up cigarettes may also help, if you smoke. Exercise may work to strengthen muscles around the hernia and promote weight loss, helping reduce some symptoms.