Hernia is a general term describing
a bulge or protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening within the anatomic structure
. Although there are many different types of hernias, they are usually related to the abdomen, with approximately 75% of all hernias occurring in the inguinal region
How do you explain what a hernia is?
What is a hernia? A hernia
occurs when an internal organ or other body part protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally contains it
. Most hernias occur within the abdominal cavity, between the chest and the hips.
How do you describe an abdominal hernia?
An abdominal hernia is
a bulge or swelling in your tummy (abdomen) or groin (top part of your leg)
. It happens when some fatty tissue or part of your bowel pushes through a weakness in your tummy wall.
How does a hernia look and feel?
Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include:
A bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone
, which becomes more obvious when you're upright, especially if you cough or strain. A burning or aching sensation at the bulge. Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting.
How would you describe a hernia on a physical exam?
With the fingers placed over the femoral region, the external inguinal ring, and the internal ring, have the patient cough.
A palpable bulge or impulse located in any
one of these areas may indicate a hernia. The examiner should then return to the sitting position.
What are the 3 types of hernias?
The most common types of hernia are
inguinal (inner groin), incisional (resulting from an incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach)
. In an inguinal hernia, the intestine or the bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin.
What can be mistaken for hernia?
(SLS). Hernias can go misdiagnosed in women, and can instead be thought to be
ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis
, or other abdominal issues, according to the SLS. Women's hernias can be small and internal. They might not be a bulge that can be felt in an exam or be visible outside the body, according to the SLS.
What are the signs of a hernia in a woman?
- 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.
How serious is an abdominal hernia?
ANSWER:
Abdominal hernias are common and not necessarily dangerous
. But, a hernia doesn't usually get better on its own. In rare circumstances, it can lead to life-threatening complications. Consequently, surgery is usually recommended for a hernia that's painful or becoming larger.
Have I got a hernia in my stomach?
A hernia usually develops between your chest and hips. In many cases, it causes no or very few symptoms, although you may notice a
swelling or lump in your
tummy (abdomen) or groin. The lump can often be pushed back in or disappears when you lie down. Coughing or straining may make the lump appear.
How do I check myself for a hernia?
- Feel for a lump or swelling around the pubic bone.
- If you find a lump, make note of where it is and lie down.
- Did the lump disappear or become smaller? If so, it may be a hernia.
- Do you feel discomfort when coughing or lifting heavy objects? It's almost certainly a hernia.
What do you get a hernia from?
Hernias can be caused by a variety of circumstances. You might get one because of
muscle weakness
, straining from heavy lifting or a previous injury. When you get a hernia, an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through the wall of the cavity in which it is contained, typically in the abdomen.
What does a hernia feel like to touch?
Usually, the bulge is soft enough that you can gently push, or knead, it back into your abdomen (reducible), and it is often not there when you wake up in the morning. Most hernias are not painful. However, sometimes the area around your hernia may be tender and you may feel some
sharp twinges
or a pulling sensation.
What happens during a hernia exam?
Examination of an adult for an inguinal hernia is best performed from the seated position, with the patient standing. The
inguinal canal areas for the bulge are visualized
. A provocative cough may be necessary to expose the hernia; the cough is repeated as the examiner invaginates the scrotum and feels for an impulse.
Do hernias gurgle?
Inguinal hernias may cause
a burning
, gurgling, or aching sensation in the groin, and a heavy or dragging sensation may worsen toward the end of the day and after prolonged activity. An abdominal bulge may disappear when the patient is in the prone position.
Where are hernias located?
Many hernias occur
in the abdomen between your chest and hips
, but they can also appear in the upper thigh and groin areas. Most hernias aren't immediately life threatening, but they don't go away on their own. Sometimes they can require surgery to prevent dangerous complications.
