A hernia is a condition which occurs when an internal organ pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall of the abdominal. Typically, this develops between your chest and hips in the abdomen area. Brashear Family Medical has put together a list of important things you should know about hernias.
Common Types of Hernias Brashear Family Medical Sees in Our Patients
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia we see in our patients here at Brashear Family Medical. This type of hernia makes up about 70 percent of all hernias, and occurs when the intestines pushes through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal which is found in your groin. This type of hernial is more common in men than women.
Hiatal Hernia
This type of hernia occurs when part of your stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm into your chest. Hiatal hernias are most commonly seen in Brashear Family Medical’s patients over 50 years old. If a child has the condition, it’s generally caused by a congenital (birth) defect. This type of hernia almost always causes gastroesophaegeal reflex.
Umbilical Hernia
This hernia type can occur in children and babies under 6 months old. Umbilical hernias occur when their intestines bulge through their abdominal wall near the bellybutton. The bulge may be noticed in or near your child’s bellybutton, particularly when they’re crying.
Causes of a Hernia in Brashear Family Medical Patients
Hernias occur as a result of a combination of muscle weakness and strain. They can develop quickly or over a long period of time. Common causes of muscle weakness include:
- failure of abdominal wall to close properly in the womb
- age
- chronic coughing
- damage from injury or surgery
Factors that strain your body and may cause a hernia, particularly if your muscles are weak, include:
- pregnancy
- constipation
- lifting heavy weight
- fluid in the abdomen, or ascites
- suddenly gaining weight
- persistent coughing or sneezing
Risks for a Hernia in Patients at Brashear Family Medical
Factors that increase the risk of developing a hernia include:
- personal or family history of hernias
- being overweight or obese
- chronic cough
- chronic constipation
- smoking
Symptoms of a Hernia that Brashear Family Medical Commonly Notices in Our Patients
A bulge or a lump in the affected area is the most common symptom of a hernia that we notice our patients here at Brashear Family Medical. In the case of an inguinal hernia, you may see a lump on either side of your pubic bone where your groin and thigh meet. Individuals are more likely to feel a hernia through touch when they are standing up. If a baby has a hernia, the bulge may only be able to be felt when he or she is crying. Generally, a bulge is the only symptom of an umbilical hernia.
Common symptoms of inguinal hernia include:
- pain or discomfort in the affected area (typically the lower abdomen), particularly when bending over, coughing or lifting
- weakness, pressure or feeling of heaviness in the abodomen
- burning, gurgling or aching sensation at the site of the bulge
Common symptoms of hiatal hernia include:
- acid reflux
- chest pain
- difficulty swallowing
Brashear Family Medical’s Tips for Preventing a Hernia
Brashear Family Medical’s hernia prevention tips include:
- not smoking
- visiting your doctor when you’re sick to avoid developing a persistent cough
- maintaining a healthy body weight
- avoiding straining during bowel movements or urination
- lifting objects with your knees and not your back
- avoiding lifting weights that are too heavy for you
These are just a few of the important things to know about hernias. For more information, or if you believe you have a hernia, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Brashear Family Medical with the link below!