This health information blog was written by Griffin Faculty Physicians General Surgeon Dr. Leland Soto.
Hernias are a common health condition that affect many men and women across the United States. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over five million people in the U.S. suffer from hernias annually. Researchers have also found that more than 27 percent of men and three percent of women will have a hernia at some point in their lives.
While mostly non-life-threatening health condition, hernias can be very uncomfortable and – if left untreated – they can get worse and require surgical care.
Not all hernias are the same
Most hernias occur when part of the bowel or the abdomen pushes through a gap in abdominal wall, which is the layers of skin, muscles, fat, and other tissues that surround and protect the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. This usually results in a visible bulge on the outside of the body.
The most common types of hernias are:
Inguinal Hernias – This is the most frequent kind of hernia, and usually affect men. They occur at a weak spot above the groin.
Femoral Hernias – This hernia usually affect women and appear in the upper part of the thigh.
Incisional Hernias – These hernias occur at a surgical scar, which can make the abdominal wall weaker and more vulnerable to hernias.
Umbilical Hernias – Most common in babies and overweight adults, these hernias develop near the belly button.
Epigastric/Ventral Hernias – These hernias occur when tissue protrudes through a gap between the breastbone and the belly button.
Diaphragmatic/Hiatal Hernias – These are an example of an internal hernia. They occur when one of the gaps in the diaphragm becomes bigger and part of the stomach pushes into the chest area from the abdomen.
How to know if you have a hernia
Except for Diaphragmatic/Hiatal Hernias, most hernias can be felt or seen, but they don’t always cause symptoms. They can lead to a feeling of pressure or a pulling sensation, pain, and burning, especially during physical activity. Sometimes hernias are only felt when the abdominal muscles are very tense.
Some hernias can cause problems with digestion if a section of the bowel is pinched. For men with an inguinal hernia, tissue may poke into the scrotum, causing significant swelling.
If the hernia becomes blocked or cut off, it can cause severe or sudden new pain in the area of the hernia, as well as nausea and vomiting. This can lead to serious complications such as inflammation of the abdominal wall.
For diaphragmatic hernias, heartburn, trouble swallowing and breathing difficulties are common symptoms.
Don’t delay care
If you can see a bulge in your abdomen, groin, upper thigh, or belly button, or you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a hernia, contact your primary care physician to have it checked.
Most hernias require surgery. The specialists at Griffin Faculty Physicians General Surgery are highly trained and skilled in hernia care and understand that patient-centered and compassionate care are needed for the concerning and sensitive nature of hernia.
For more information and to make an appointment, visit https://gfp.griffinhealth.org/specialty-care/general-surgery or call 203-732-3443.