Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Take a closer look at the different forms of a hernia
• Method 2 of 2: Investigate the complaints
• Tips
• Warnings

A hernia is when part of the muscle wall, membrane, or tissue that keeps your internal organs in place becomes weaker or develops an opening. When the weak part or opening becomes too large, part of the internal organ will bulge and be unprotected. Thus, a hernia is like a bag with a small hole in it through which the contents can protrude out. Because a hernia can have a variety of causes, it is important to know how to check for a hernia to avoid further complications.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Take a closer look at the different forms of a hernia

1. Check for hernias around the stomach, abdomen, or chest. A hernia can occur in various parts of the body, although a hernia in or around the abdomen is the most common. These hernias include:
   • A diaphragmatic hernia concerns the upper part of the abdomen. The hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. There are different types of fractures in the diaphragm: a sliding fracture or a paraesophageal hiatus hernia. Hiatus hernias are more common in women.
   • A epigastric hernia occurs when thin layers of fat push through the abdominal wall between the breastbone and your belly button. You can have more than one of these at the same time. Although an epigastric hernia is often not accompanied by symptoms, it may be that this can only be resolved through surgery.
   • A scar fracture occurs when improper care after abdominal surgery results in a bulge right through the surgical scar. Often times, the mesh is improperly placed and the organs bulge out of the surrounding tissue, causing the hernia.
   • A umbilical hernia mainly occurs in children. When the baby cries, a bump appears around the navel.
2. Know the types of hernias that can occur around the groin. A hernia can also occur in the groin, hip, or upper legs, when the intestines bulge through the surrounding tissue and cause uncomfortable and sometimes painful bumps in those areas.
   • A groin rupture occurs in the groin and involves part of the small intestine protruding through the abdominal wall. Sometimes surgery is necessary, because complications can lead to life-threatening situations.
   • A hernia femoralis can be found in the thigh, directly below the groin. While this doesn't have to cause pain, it looks like a bump on the thigh. Like the diaphragmatic hernia, femoral hernias are more common in women than in men.
   • A hernia perinealis the case where tissues protrude around the anal membrane is said to be the case. These hernias are rare. Often they are confused with hemorrhoids.
3. Learn to recognize the other types of hernias. A hernia can also occur in parts of the body other than the abdomen and loins. Especially the following hernias can cause annoying complaints:
   • A hernia of the intervertebral disc occurs when an intervertebral disc protrudes and presses against a nerve. The discs in the spine are shock absorbers, but can be dislocated due to injury or disease, resulting in a hernia of the intervertebral disc.
   • A intracranial hernia occur in the head. This happens when brain tissue, fluid, and flood vessels shift from their usual place within the skull. Especially if hernias within the skull occur near the brain stem, they should be treated immediately.

Method 2 of 2: Investigate the complaints

1. Investigate possible symptoms or indications of a hernia. A hernia can be caused by a whole range of different complaints. Once they arise, they may or may not hurt. Pay attention to the following complaints, especially when it comes to hernias in the abdominal region or the lumbar region:
   
   
   • You see a swelling at the site of the pain. It usually occurs on the surface of the area, such as the thighs, abdomen, or groin.
   • The swelling may or may not hurt; lumpy but painless hernias are common.
   • Lumps that flatten when pressed require urgent medical attention; lumps that cannot be squashed need immediate medical attention.
   • You may experience pain ranging from severe to uncomfortable. A common complaint with a hernia is pain that occurs during exercise. If you experience pain during the following activities, you may have a hernia:
   • Lifting heavy objects
   • Cough or sneeze
   • During exercises or during exercise
   • If the pain gets worse at the end of the day. Pain from a hernia is often worse at the end of the day or after standing for a long time.
2. Consult a doctor to confirm that it is a hernia. Some hernias are, as doctors call them, "trapped" or "pinched," meaning that the organ in question is losing blood or blocking blood flow in organs. These hernias require immediate medical attention.
   • Make an appointment with your doctor. Make sure you tell the doctor about your symptoms.
   • Get a physical examination. The doctor checks to see if the area gets bigger when you lift, bend, or cough something.
3. Know what puts people at increased risk of developing a hernia. Why does this happen to so many people (5 million Americans are affected)? Hernias can have various causes. Here are just a few of the factors that put people at increased risk of developing a hernia:
   
   
   • Genetic predisposition: If one of your parents has had a hernia, you are more likely to develop one yourself.
   • Age: The older you get, the more likely you are to get a hernia.
   • Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the mother's abdomen stretches, making a hernia more likely.
   • Sudden weight loss: People who lose a lot of weight in a short period of time are at an increased risk of developing a hernia.
   • Obesity: People who are overweight are more likely to develop a hernia than other people.
   • Heavy coughing: Coughing puts a lot of pressure and tension on the abdomen, which can lead to a possible hernia.

Tips

• Consult a doctor if you have any of the aforementioned complaints.
• The only treatment for a hernia is surgery. The doctor may decide on a normal operation or keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). Keyhole surgery is less painful, requires smaller incisions and ensures a shorter recovery time.
• If it's a small hernia with no symptoms, your doctor may decide to just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get worse.
• You can prevent a hernia in several ways. For example: by lifting properly, losing weight (if you are overweight) or by eating more fiber and drinking more to avoid constipation.

Warnings

• A hernia can become an emergency when the weakened portion of the tissue, or opening, expands and begins to squeeze organ tissue and block blood flow. In that case, immediate surgery is necessary.
• Men should contact a doctor if they have to exert themselves while urinating. This could be a symptom of a more serious medical problem, such as an enlarged prostate.