HERNIA

<p>HERNIA</p><p>hernia is an opening or weakness in the muscular structure of the wall of the abdomen. This defect causes a bulging of the abdominal wall.</p><p>OR<br> A hernia is an opening or weakness in the wall of a muscle, tissue, or membrane that normally holds an organ in place. This bulging is usually more noticeable when the abdominal muscles are tightened, thereby increasing the pressure in the abdomen.</p><p>Any activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure can worsen a hernia; <br>examples of such activities are lifting, coughing, or even straining to have a bowel movement. Hernias happen more frequently in certain parts of the body, like the abdomen, groin and upper thigh area, and belly button area. They also can happen in any place where you may have had an incision from surgery.</p><p>How Do People Get Hernias?</p><p>It might take a long time for a hernia to develop or it might develop suddenly. Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain, although the cause of the weakness and the type of strain may vary. Here are some types of strain on the body that may induce hernias: obesity or sudden weight gain lifting heavy objects diarrhea or constipation persistent coughing or sneezing pregnancy These types of strain on their own probably won&#x27;t give you a hernia. But when they team up with a weak muscle, a hernia is more likely to result.</p><p>Inguinal hernia<br> - the most common;</p><p>found in the groin, especially in males, and</p><p>associated with the development of the</p><p>testes</p><p>Femoral hernia<br> - also in the groin</p><p>Incisional hernia - develops in operation</p><p>wounds</p><p>Epigastric hernia<br> - occurs in the midline between the breastbone and the navel</p><p>Umbilical hernia<br> - develops in and around the navel (umbilicus)</p><p>What is inguinal hernia?</p><p>An inguinal hernia is a condition in which intra-abdominal fat or part of the small intestine, also called the small bowel, bulges through a weak area in the lower abdominal muscles. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin - the area between the abdomen and thigh. This type of hernia is called inguinal because fat or part of the intestine slides through a weak area at the inguinal ring, the opening to the inguinal canal. An inguinal hernia appears as a bulge on one or both sides of the groin. An inguinal hernia can occur any time from infancy to adulthood and is much more common in males than females. Inguinal hernias tend to become larger with time.</p><p>Symptoms of inguinal hernia include</p><p>a small bulge in one or both sides of the groin that may increase in size and disappear when lying down; in males, it can present as a swollen or enlarged scrotum</p><p>discomfort or sharp pain - especially when straining, lifting, or exercising - that improves when resting</p><p>a feeling of weakness or pressure in the groin</p><p>a burning, gurgling, or aching feeling at the bulge</p><p>An incarcerated inguinal hernia is a hernia<br> that becomes stuck in the groin or scrotum and cannot be massaged back into the abdomen. An incarcerated hernia is caused by swelling and can lead to a strangulated hernia, in which the blood supply to the incarcerated small intestine is jeopardized. A strangulated hernia is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. <br>Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include</p><p>extreme tenderness and redness in the area of the bulge</p><p>sudden pain that worsens in a short period of time</p><p>fever</p><p>rapid heart rate</p><p>The main symptom is a bulge or swelling.<br> It can usually be pushed back into place (a reducible hernia) with gentle pressure or may simply disappear on lying down. The lump gurgles when it is pushed back. In men, swelling of the scrotum can also be a sign of hernia. Mild discomfort or transient pain can occur but hernias are usually painless. Loops of intestine can get into the hernia and the gurgling noise of the bowel can be felt or heard.</p>