A hernia is a medical condition that occurs when internal body parts bulge through a weakness or opening in the muscle or tissue that contains it. For many people, hernias present as an odd-shaped lump that may come or go depending on different body positions or activities.
Hernias usually happen in the abdomen or groin area but can occur anywhere between the chest and hip region.
If you have a suspected or confirmed hernia, speak to our general surgery specialists to discuss your treatment options.
Types of hernias
There are several types of hernias that patients can experience. Each type of hernia occurs in a different part of the body and may also have varying causes. The most common types of hernias are inguinal hernias and femoral hernias, but there are many other rarer hernia types.
Inguinal hernias mostly affect men and happen when fatty tissue or part of the bowel pokes into the inguinal canal. People with inguinal hernias typically experience a bulge around the groin at the top of the thigh, and they are commonly associated with ageing and strain on the stomach.
Although slightly less common than inguinal hernias, femoral hernias also occur when fatty tissue or part of the bowel pokes through into the groin. These types of hernia typically occur due to ageing and continuous strain on the stomach, and they mainly affect women.
Learn more about different types of hernias.
What causes a hernia?
Different types of hernias have differing causes, although most occur due to weakness in the abdominal wall or surrounding area. This weakness may be present at birth, develop due to ageing or surgery, or happen as a result of increased strain on the stomach.
Risk factors for hernias
Some people are more likely to develop a hernia than others, and several risk factors contribute to this likelihood. You may be at higher risk of developing a hernia if you:
- Are male
- Are chronically obese
- Have a job that involves heavy lifting or long periods of standing
- Have a chronic cough
- Experience allergies that cause chronic sneezing
- Suffer from chronic constipation
- Have undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery
- Are pregnant or have had multiple pregnancies
How common are hernias?
Hernias are a common medical condition. However, different types of hernias occur more frequently than others. Inguinal hernias are the most prevalent type of hernia, while several other types are rarer, such as spigelian and perineal hernias.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
There are a number of hernia symptoms to look out for. The most common hernia symptom is a visible bulge or lump between the chest and hip area. You may not notice this lump all the time, but coughing and movement can make it more prominent.
Other symptoms you may experience with a hernia include:
- Aching pain in the affected area
- A feeling of pressure
- Pain that worsens during certain activities
What does a hernia look like?
A hernia looks like a lump or bulge that shouldn’t be there. They may appear and disappear as you move into different positions or take part in various activities, which can make them hard to spot. This is often the case for femoral and hiatus hernias, which occur deeper under the skin and are not visible from the outside.
What does a hernia feel like?
Hernias do not always present symptoms you can feel, but sometimes people can feel a hernia emerge. This is typically described as pressure, a dull ache, or sharp pain as it pokes through the opening. Since many people do not feel their hernia at all, you should contact your doctor if you experience regular discomfort and suspect a hernia.
How is a hernia diagnosed?
If you suspect you have a hernia, diagnosis is possible during a physical examination with a doctor. A healthcare professional will assess the area to establish whether a hernia is present and may ask you to cough or move into different positions to see it more clearly.
During this examination, a doctor might also try to push the hernia back into the space it came from, although this will depend on the type and severity of the hernia. Once a hernia has been diagnosed, a doctor will discuss treatment options with you.
Potential hernia complications
While many hernias are barely noticeable until you move into a certain position, some can cause problems if they get stuck and cannot move back inside. This is known as an incarcerated hernia, which can be painful and will need treatment. Several types of hernia can lead to incarceration, and many cases are serious.
If you have an incarcerated hernia in the bowel area, for example, you may develop an obstruction in the bowel, making it difficult to pass food or gas. Likewise, if tissue stops having access to a blood supply, it can lead to necrosis or gangrene, both types of tissue death.
How is a hernia treated?
Most hernias are treated with surgery. Severe hernias are often treated immediately, but you may be asked to wait a little while if your hernia is not causing too much discomfort. In some cases, alternative hernia treatment options may be offered.
If there are no existing complications, hernia surgery is a minor procedure. Surgeons will move the hernia back into place and reinforce the opening it pushed through with stitches or surgical mesh. Minimally-invasive techniques are often used, resulting in smaller incisions, decreased postoperative pain, and a faster recovery.
What happens if a hernia is left untreated?
For patients with a small hernia and no issues, there is unlikely to be any negative impact if left untreated. However, hernias do tend to grow over time. As more tissue pushes through the opening, patients may experience discomfort and potential incarceration, which can lead to further pain and complications.
While hernias are a common medical condition, treatment is often required. Understanding the causes and symptoms of hernias is important for evaluating your hernia and establishing treatment options. Speak to our general surgery specialists for more information.
