What are the First Signs of Hernia?
Dr. Shudhhatam Jain
MBBS, DNB - General Surgery
The signs of a hernia in the stomach occur in the abdomen area when an organ pushes through the surrounding muscle or tissue. It can manifest as a peculiar bulge that appears and disappears with varying activities or positions. The presence of symptoms, such as discomfort or pain may vary from case to case. However, surgical repair is typically required for the majority of hernias.
What exactly is a hernia?
A hernia is a condition in which a portion of your internal organs protrudes through a weak spot or opening in the surrounding muscle or tissue. Typically, hernias occur when one of your abdominal organs pushes through the walls of your abdominal cavity. These signs of a hernia in the groin can develop slowly over time due to natural wear and tear on your muscles or they can be caused by factors such as injuries, surgical procedures or congenital abnormalities.
What are a few common parts where hernias can occur?
Hernias can develop in the following areas:
What is the prevalence of hernias?
Hernias are generally common, although their occurrence varies depending on the type. Inguinal hernias affect approximately 25% of men or individuals assigned male at birth. Hiatal hernias are found in around 20% of people in the United States, with the prevalence increasing to 50% among those over 50 years old. Congenital hernias occur in approximately 15% of newborns, primarily umbilical hernias. Incisional hernias constitute around 10% of all hernias, while the remaining 10% comprise other types.
How severe can a hernia be?
Most hernias are not severe, but there is potential for them to become serious, particularly as time progresses. A hernia becomes serious when it becomes incarcerated, meaning it gets trapped in the opening it has protruded through and cannot return to its original position. This can result in pain, and in severe cases, the trapped tissue may experience reduced blood supply, leading to necrosis or tissue death. Since hernias generally worsen over time, surgical repair is often necessary sooner or later.
What is the appearance of a hernia?
A hernia appears as an abnormal bulge in areas where it shouldn't be present. Common locations include the abdomen or the upper part of the inner thigh. The visibility of a hernia may vary, being noticeable at times and not visible at other times. Certain hernias, such as femoral hernias and hiatal hernias, are situated deep within the body and cannot be seen from the outside.
What are the first signs of a hernia?
You may observe or experience the emergence of a hernia in a specific area when you engage in activities like squatting, bending over or exerting yourself. In the case of infants, you may notice a hernia when they cry or have a bowel movement, and they may display signs of discomfort. If engaging in a particular activity consistently triggers the same symptoms, it is likely indicative of a hernia.
What is the primary reason behind hernia?
Hernias occur when there is a weakness or pre-existing opening in your muscle or connective tissue, enabling an organ or other tissue to protrude through. While some weaknesses or openings may be present since birth, they typically develop over time. Although a traumatic injury or surgery can contribute to hernias, they are commonly associated with repetitive stress injuries. Years of pressure or exertion can gradually wear down the tissue, leading to the formation of a hernia.
What are the warning signs of a hernia?
Most complications arise when a hernia becomes trapped and cannot be reduced (incarceration). An incarcerated hernia can progressively become more painful and serious. If the trapped organ is the bowel, it may result in an obstruction that obstructs the passage of food or gas. When incarcerated tissue is deprived of blood supply (strangulation), it can lead to tissue death, known as necrosis or gangrene.
The complications related to diaphragmatic hernias differ. Generally, organs herniating through the diaphragm are less likely to become trapped. Hiatal hernias rarely cause complications, except for chronic acid reflux. However, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is always complex, as it affects the development of fetal organs. Infants born with CDH require intensive care as they are critically ill.
How is hernia diagnosed?
A hernia is typically diagnosed through a simple physical examination, depending on the type. Your healthcare provider may visually or manually observe the hernia, or it may become more noticeable when you cough or change your position. They will assess if they can physically reduce the hernia by pushing it back in, which helps determine its severity. In some cases, certain hernias may require additional diagnostic methods, such as Ultrasound or soft tissue imaging like a CT scan.