What is a Hernia?

Ever had a blinding pain in the stomach or groin which made you pass out. Well it's a matter where you seek medical care immediately because if you don't, it could lead to further complications. In this article you will get detailed information on hernia and various points about its treatment.

What is Hernia and How is it Treated

An individual suffers from hernia when a hole or rupture appears in the wall of your stomach. The abdominal wall of your stomach consists of tendons and tough muscles. The abdominal wall starts from the rib area, passes through the groin and ends just above the legs. The function of the abdominal wall is to hold the intestines, when a hole occurs the intestines can begin to push through the wall. The most common type of hernia is abdominal hernia also called hiatal hernia. Hernia can happen to anybody infants, adults and children. In most cases hernia is caused due to heavy lifting.

Surgical procedure is performed in order to repair hernia. According to leading doctors, a surgery is only suggested when the hernia causes disruption in daily activities. Hernia repair surgery is also performed when hernia grows in size and bulges out through a small hole. If this happens then the hernia could block blood flow and damage the muscle. Hernia surgery is simple and comes with minimum risks. After the patient has been sedated, the surgeon makes a cut over the area of hernia. The hernia is removed, the tissues are put back inside the muscle and the skin is stitched.

Hernia in the Stomach

Hernia in the stomach or hiatal hernia happens when part of your stomach pushes upwards through your diaphragm. A human diaphragm has a normal opening which allows your food tube to pass through, so that it can connect to the stomach. A part of the stomach pushes itself up in to the chest cavity. This anatomical abnormality is called hiatal hernia. Lump in throat feeling, heartburn, nausea and tightness in chest are a few hiatal hernia symptoms that you should be aware off.

Surgical procedure is required to treat hernia in the stomach. During hiatal hernia repair the stomach is pulled down in the abdomen, a small opening is made and the food tube is properly attached to the diaphragm. Hiatal hernia themselves never cause problems but give rise to acid reflux and indigestion. Surgical treatment is only performed if the person has a severe hiatal hernia pain. At the time of hiatal hernia treatment it is removed and the tissue of that area is put back at its right place. This procedure restores normal anatomy.

Hernia in the Groin

Hernia in the groin or inguinal hernia is a condition in which a part of small intestine bulges out from the lower abdominal muscles. In majority cases, inguinal hernia is caused due to a weak muscle which is present since birth. The bulge in the groin is one of the most common inguinal hernia symptoms in men and women. Symptoms in children are vomiting, nausea, irritability and abdominal pain.

Inguinal hernia is not a life-threatening condition. But if not dealt soon, it can cause several complications. Therefore, if one experiences frequent pain, he/she should consult the doctor immediately. In most cases doctors will advise surgery for inguinal hernia treatment. Doctors may suggest an open surgery where an incision is made or a laparoscopic surgery where small incisions are made and infected muscles are repaired by placing a synthetic mesh.

So I hope now you must have understood the concept of a hernia. If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms and pain in your abdomen and groin area, consult a doctor immediately.