Hernias are areas of tissue that protrude through a weakened area of muscle. Most hernias occur along a portion of the abdominal wall. Risk factors for developing hernias include obesity, lifting heavy objects, constipation and pregnancy. Men experience inguinal hernias more often than women, according to MayoClinic.com. Many hernias are uncomplicated and do not cause any bothersome symptoms. These hernias do not require medical treatment beyond monitoring. Hernias that strangulate or cause severe pain require surgical repair.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach slides upward through a natural opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large muscle that runs horizontally and separates the chest from the abdomen while it assists in breathing. Most often, hiatal hernias result in any signs or symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Large hiatal hernias may cause an individual to experience chest pain, nausea, heartburn from acid reflux, and bloating. Some individuals can experience difficulty swallowing due to the hernia.
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is a section of intestine that protrudes through a hole in the muscular abdominal wall. The condition, which is common in infants, will usually resolve without medical treatment before the baby turns a year old. Symptoms of an umbilical hernia include a bulge near the navel. The bulge feels soft when pressed and can be as large as two inches across, according to MayoClinic.com. Coughing and crying can make the hernia protrude further. Adults with an umbilical hernia may experience pain.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when a section of intestine protrudes through an opening in the abdominal wall. The intestine enters the groin and possibly into the scrotum in males. An inguinal hernia is usually painless. The bulge can slide in and out of the groin when standing and lying down. The bulge appears on one side or both sides of the groin. Straining can cause pain. An individual may feel a burning sensation or ache at the area of the bulge as well as pressure in the area, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Some males may experience severe pain if the intestine strangulates in the scrotum. The strangulation will cut off blood supply to that portion of the intestine and cause death of the tissue, according to the Merck Manuals. Strangulated hernias require emergency surgery to remove the intestine from the scrotum and prevent serious complications.
