If you've had a hernia, you probably know a bit about what to expect. It's a common condition that affects people of all ages.
But if you've never had a hernia—or don't know someone who has—you may wonder about your risk and what to watch for.
Here's a quick look at the facts.
A hernia is a tear in your abdominal muscle or tissue that allows part of your insides to bulge out. The bulging area may be caused by your intestines poking through the tear or by an internal organ. You might even be able to see the hernia, depending on its size and where it's located.
Which type of hernia you have depends on where it is. You might have a:
• Femoral hernia. Located just below the groin. It's more common in women than in men.
• Inguinal hernia. A bulge in the groin. The most common of all hernias. It's more frequently found in men.
• Hiatal hernia. This type occurs when the upper stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm muscle.
• Incisional hernia. A bulge where an existing surgery scar is.
• Umbilical hernia. A bulge around your belly button. It most often happens in babies.
When it comes to hernias, there's often no clear cause, although some may run in families or are present at birth.
Other causes may include:
• Lifting heavy objects.
• Long-term constipation or pushing hard to have a bowel movement.
• Straining to urinate because of an enlarged prostate.
• Chronic coughing or sneezing.
• Extra body weight.
• Smoking.
• Overexertion of weak muscles.
No matter the cause, the bulge created by a hernia may be the only sign that something is wrong. It may cause no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include worsening discomfort while standing, straining or lifting heavy objects. If the spot gets sore and grows bigger, the bulging tissues may be trapped, cutting off the blood supply. This is a medical emergency.
Go to the hospital right away if you:
• Have pain and swelling at the hernia site.
• Experience nausea and vomiting.
• Can't pass gas or have a bowel movement.
The only permanent treatment for a hernia is surgery to fix the hole with stitches or a mesh patch. Options include traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, like laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. Even with surgery, hernias sometimes come back.
You can reduce your chances of developing a hernia—or getting a second hernia—with certain lifestyle changes, including eating smaller meals, losing weight if you're overweight and using proper lifting techniques when carrying heavy things.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Library of Medicine; UpToDate