A hernia occurs when an internal organ protrudes through a weak tissue or muscular spot. Most hernias develop within the abdominal cavity, between your chest and hips. In rare cases, hernias appear in the upper thigh and groin areas. Most hernias are not severe, but they cannot go away independently. If your hernia is not treated, it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Sometimes your hernia surgeon Astoria, can recommend surgery to prevent dangerous complications. There are various types of hernia, depending on the affected part and below are some.
Inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernias develop when your intestines push through a weak spot or tear in your lower abdomen, mainly in the inguinal canal, and are the most common type of this condition. The inguinal canal is found in your groin. In men, this is the area between the abdomen and scrotum. This cord attaches to the testicles. In women, the inguinal canal contains ligament that helps hold the uterus in place.
However, inguinal hernias are more common in men than women because the testicles descend through the inguinal canal shortly after birth. The duct should close nearly entirely behind them. If the passage does not close properly, leaving a weakened area, an inguinal hernia can develop.
Hiatal hernia
Hiatal hernias happen when part of your stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into your chest cavity. The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that helps you breathe by contracting and drawing air into your lungs, and separates the abdominal organs from the respiratory ones in the chest.
Hiatal hernias are most common in adults over fifty years. When it occurs in children, it results from congenital birth abnormality. In most cases, hiatal hernias cause gastroesophageal reflux disease, where your stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling.
Umbilical hernia
Umbilical hernias mainly affect children and babies. They develop when the intestines bulge through the abdominal wall near the belly button. You may notice the bulge in your child’s belly button, especially when crying. Umbilical hernias can go away without treatment as the abdominal wall muscles get stronger.
Nevertheless, umbilical hernia heals by itself mostly if your child is between one to two years. If the hernia does not go away by the time your child is five years old, surgery can correct it. Adults can also get umbilical hernias due to repetitive strain on the abdomen like obesity, fluid in the stomach, or pregnancy.
Ventral hernia
Ventral hernias occur when tissue bulges through an opening in the abdomen muscles. You may notice your ventral hernia decreases in size when you lie down. A ventral hernia can be present from birth, but mainly you acquire it at some point in your life. Obesity, pregnancy, and strenuous activities are the common causes of ventral hernias. Ventral hernias can also develop at the surgical incision site due to scarring or weakness of your abdominal muscles.
Although your doctor can recommend medications to ease your hernia symptoms, surgery is the only effective treatment. The surgery depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms. Schedule an appointment at the Surgical Specialists of NY for hernia treatment to prevent life-threatening conditions.
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