What is a hernia?
• A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. In the same way that an inner tube pushes through a damaged tire, the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small balloon-like sac. This can allow a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue to push into the sac. The hernia can cause severe pain and other potentially serious problems that could require emergency surgery. • Both men and women can get a hernia. • You may be born with a hernia (congenital) or develop one over time. • A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A HERNIA? • The common areas where hernias occur are in the groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical), and the site of a previous operation (incisional). • It is usually easy to recognize a hernia. You may notice a bulge under the skin. You may feel pain when you lift heavy objects, cough, strain during uri
Hernia is nothing but a weakness or a tear in the abdominal muscles which allows fatty tissue or an organ such as the intestines to protrude through the weak area. This can cause a noticeable buldge under the skin, and the pressure of tissue pushing its way through the weakened area, can be the cause for Considerable pain and discomfort.
A hernia usually occurs when a hole or rupture appears in the wall of the abdomen. The abdominal wall consists of tendons and very tough muscle. It runs from the rib area down to the groin area and stops just before the legs. One of the abdominal wall’s functions is to hold in the intestines. When a rupture occurs, the intestines can begin to push through the abdominal wall. A hernia can happen to anyone, regardless of age or sex. It is usually felt as a small lump, but if left untreated, can grow to any size. There have been cases in which an untreated hernia has grown to the size of a football, and even larger hernias have been recorded. The hernia can become quite visible to the sufferer and to other people as it presses against the skin. As it grows larger, with more intestine protruding through the abdominal wall, the hernia can cause more acute pain. It can also be extremely dangerous if the intestine becomes trapped inside the abdomen wall, as it may have a strangulating effect.
