HERNIA

A hernia occurs when the contents of a body cavity bulge out of the area where they are
normally contained. These contents, usually portions of intestine or abdominal fatty tissue, are
enclosed in the thin membrane that naturally lines the inside of the cavity. Hernias by themselves
may be asymptomatic (produce no symptoms) or cause slight to severe pain. Nearly all have a
potential risk of having their blood supply cut off (becoming strangulated). When the content of
the hernia bulges out, the opening it bulges out through can apply enough pressure that blood
vessels in the hernia are constricted and therefore the blood supply is cut off. If the blood supply
is cut off at the hernia opening in the abdominal wall, it becomes a medical and surgical
emergency as the tissue needs oxygen, which is transported by the blood supply.
Different types of abdominal wall hernias include the following:
1. Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They make up about 70
percent of all hernias, according to the British Hernia Centre (BHC). These hernias occur
when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often
in the inguinal canal.
The inguinal canal is found in your groin. In men, it is the area where the
spermatic cord passes from the abdomen to the scrotum. This cord holds up the testicles.
In women, the inguinal canal contains a ligament that helps hold the uterus in place.
This type of hernia is more common in men than in women. This is because a
mans testicles descend through the inguinal canal shortly after birth, and the canal is
supposed to close almost completely behind them. Sometimes, the canal does not close
properly and leaves a weakened area prone to hernias.
2. Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach protrudes up through the
diaphragm into your chest. The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that helps you breathe by

contracting and drawing air into the lungs. It separates the organs in your abdomen from
those in your chest.
This type of hernia is most common in patients over 50 years old. If a child has
the condition, its typically caused by a congenital (birth) defect. Hiatal hernias almost
always cause gastroesophageal reflux, which is when the stomach contents leak backward
into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.
3. Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias can occur in children and babies under 6 months old. This
happens when their intestines bulge through their abdominal wall near their bellybutton.
You may notice a bulge in or near your childs bellybutton, especially when theyre
crying.
An umbilical hernia is the only kind that often goes away on its own, typically by
the time the child is 1 year old. If the hernia has not gone away by this point, surgery may
be used to correct it.
4. Incisional Hernia
Incisional hernias can occur after youve had abdominal surgery. Your intestines
may push through the incision scar or the surrounding, weakened tissue.

Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its
cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time.
Common causes of muscle weakness include:
1. failure of the abdominal wall to close properly in the womb, which is a congenital defect
2. age
3. chronic coughing

4. damage from injury or surgery

Factors that strain your body and may cause a hernia, especially if your muscles are weak,
include:
1. being pregnant, which puts pressure on your abdomen)
2. being constipated, which causes you to strain when having a bowel movement
3. heavy weight lifting
4. fluid in the abdomen, or ascites
5. suddenly gaining weight
6. persistent coughing or sneezing