Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Types of Hernias
• Method 2 of 2: Symptoms
• Tips
• Warnings

A hernia occurs when some area in the muscle tissue, membrane, or tissue that holds internal organs in place becomes weakened. As soon as the weakened area becomes large enough, part of the internal organ begins to protrude through it. Fortunately, there are several ways to check for a hernia and find out what type of hernia it belongs to.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Types of Hernias

1. 1 Know how to check yourself for hernias that occur in the abdomen or chest area. A hernia can affect different areas of the body in different ways, while abdominal hernias are the most common type. These include:
   • Hiatal hernia The hiatal opening occurs in the upper abdomen. Hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm that separates the chest area from the abdomen. There are two types of hiatal hernias: sliding or paraesophageal. A hiatal hernia is more common in women than in men.
   • Epigastric hernia occurs when small layers of fat bulge through the abdominal wall between the sternum and the belly button. This hernia can be repeated. Although epigastric hernias are often asymptomatic, surgery may sometimes be required.
   • Incisional hernia occurs due to improper care after abdominal surgery, as a result of which a bulge appears through the surgical scar. In some cases, doctors incorrectly set the mesh lining during the operation, and the intestines, slipping out of the mesh, form a hernia.
   • Umbilical hernia especially common among babies.When the baby cries, look for bulges around the navel.
2. 2 Types of hernias that occur in the groin area. Hernias can also occur in the groin, pelvis, thighs, or when the intestines extend outside the abdominal wall, resulting in unpleasant, painful lumps in those areas.
   • Inguinal hernia occurs in the groin when part of the small intestine exits through the abdominal wall. Surgery is sometimes required for inguinal hernias, as complications can become life-threatening.
   • Femoral hernia occurs in the upper thigh, just below the groin. While it may be painless, it looks like a bulge in the upper thigh. Like hiatal hernias, femoral hernias are more common in women than in men.
   • Perineal hernia occurs when tissue begins to bulge around the anal membrane. Such hernias are rare and most common in older people, people with constipation, and those with a weak pelvic floor. They are often confused with hemorrhoids.
3. 3 Other types of hernias. Hernias can appear elsewhere in the body besides the abdomen and groin. In particular, the following hernias can present medical problems:
   • Herniated disc is formed when a disc in the spine ruptures and begins to bulge and pinch the nerve. The vertebral discs are shock absorbers, but can be displaced due to injury or illness, resulting in a hernia.
   • Intracranial hernia arise in the head. They form when brain tissue, fluid, and blood vessels are displaced in the skull. Head trauma, bump, and swelling can cause misalignment. It is especially dangerous if hernias inside the skull form near the brain stem - they must be treated immediately.

Method 2 of 2: Symptoms

1. 1 Know how to look for possible symptoms or signs of a hernia. Hernias can be caused by many different factors. If they have arisen, then they may be accompanied by pain or not. Pay attention to the following symptoms, especially hernias located in the abdominal or groin areas:
   
   
   • The painful area is swollen. Bloating usually occurs on the surface of areas such as the thighs, abdomen, or groin.
   • The bloating can be painful or painless. Hernias that are not painful are common.
   • Some bumps are "smoothed out" if you lie down and press lightly on them. Bulges that don't align when pressed require immediate medical attention.
   • You may notice pain that ranges from severe to mild discomfort. A common symptom of a hernia is pain caused by exertion. You may have a hernia if you experience pain during the following activities:
   • Lift heavy objects.
   • You cough or sneeze.
   • Exercise or stress.
   • The pain gets worse towards the end of the day. Hernia pains are often worse at the end of the day or after standing still for a long time.
2. 2 See your doctor to have a hernia confirmed. Some hernias are “strangulated,” which means that the bulging organ loses its blood supply or blocks the intestines. Such hernias require immediate medical attention.
   • See your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor about all of your symptoms.
   • Get a medical check-up. Your doctor will check to see if the hernia grows larger when you lift something, bend, or cough.
3. 3 Know which people are at increased risk for hernias. Why do more than five million Americans suffer from hernias? Hernias can occur for many reasons. Here are just a few of the factors that put people at increased risk:
   
   
   • Genetic predisposition: If any of your parents had a hernia, chances are high that you will develop it as well.
   • Age: The older you get, the higher the chance of getting a hernia.
   • Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the mother's abdomen stretches, making it more likely to have a hernia.
   • Sudden weight loss: People who suddenly lose weight are at increased risk of developing a hernia.
   • Obesity: Overweight people have a higher chance of developing a hernia compared to people who are overweight.
   • Persistent cough: Coughing causes severe pressure in the abdomen, which can cause a hernia.

Tips

• If you notice any of the above symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
• Hernia can be prevented in a variety of ways. For example, you can use the correct lifting technique, lose weight (if you are overweight), or add more fiber and fluid to your diet to avoid constipation.
• The only way to treat a hernia is surgery. The doctor can perform open or laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is performed with less pain, fewer surgical incisions, and faster recovery.
• If you have a small hernia and there are no painful symptoms, your doctor may prefer to follow a wait-and-see approach and monitor your condition.

Warnings

• If you are a man and have to strain while urinating, see your doctor right away. You may have an enlarged prostate.
• When the weakened area increases in size and compresses the tissue, thereby disrupting the blood supply, urgent surgery is necessary.