Beneath all that skin, fat and muscles that our abdominal walls is made of lies our intestines. Now, imagine there’s a weakening in all these overlying layers and somehow a loop of one’s intestine finds it’s way to the surface of the abdomen. That’s the classical description of an abdominal hernia.
As you may already understand, a hernia is a protrusion of contents of the abdominal cavity through a defect in the abdominal wall. They may be present at birth or develop later in life. Based on location, there are different types of hernias.
Inguinal hernias occur more or less in the groin region. They’re the most common kinds of abdominal hernias. The inguinal canal is an opening that allows the spermatic cord and testicle to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum as the fetus develops and matures. In some people, after the testicles descend, the opening closes improperly allowing for a hernia later in life. Of course, they seldom occur in women.
Hernias may occur in the belly button region and are known as umbilical hernias. This type is common in newborns. Epigastric hernias tend to occur higher up the abdomen, along the midline also common in infants. Other kinds of abdominal hernias are spigelian, obturator, femoral(more in women because of their wider bone structure), incisional(as a result of surgeries).
Now, what could cause an hernia? Basically, anything that increases pressure within the abdominal cavity causes an hernia. When you cough or defecate you have to strain the abdominal muscles and that increases the pressure. Now, if someone has a chronic cough due to a condition like tuberculosis, or constipation, a hernia may happen through an already weak point.
Lifting excess weights, pregnancy, abdominal obesity, abdominal surgeries, recurrent vomiting and increased fluid within the abdominal cavity (ascites) are all possible contributing factors.
Usually the most common inguinal hernia will come with a bulge in the affected area. Usually, a piece of bowel will slide in and out depending on level of pressure. If it gets stuck, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may be seen. This requires urgent medical attention as it may worsen rapidly.
Almost all hernias will require surgical attention. Surgeries are low risk and usually simple. In preventing hernias, maintaining an healthy weight is important. An healthy diet can also prevent constipation. In lifting heavy objects, use proper lifting techniques at home, work or in sports. Avoid smoking to reduce risk of recurrent coughs.
A medical professional should be seen in the earnest if a hernia is suspected.
Reference: www.medicinenet.com
