Hernias are one of the more commonly diagnosed health issues. Depending on the source, it is estimated that up to 10% of the population may suffer from this condition. It primarily affects men. Groin hernias develop in about 25% of the male population and only two percent of women. How can they be dealt with?
Table of Contents:
- What is a hernia?
- Types of hernias
- Causes of hernia formation
- Risk groups hernia
- How to recognize a hernia?
- What are the consequences of neglecting hernia treatment?
What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when a protruding organ or tissue passes through a weakened or ruptured tissue or muscle that normally holds it in place. In other words, it is a condition where an organ or tissue passes through another weakened or ruptured tissue or muscle that should keep it in place. Depending on the part of the body in which it is located, we distinguish, among others, inguinal, femoral, umbilical hernias, gastrointestinal hernias, etc. Hernias also come in different sizes. Their size is measured by the doctor at their widest point. Small changes may be around 1-2 centimeters. Large hernias are those that reach a minimum size of 5 cm.
Types of hernias
The term „hernia” encompasses many types of changes. Ultimately, the exact type of hernia affecting a patient is determined by a specialist based on assessment and imaging diagnostics. Inguinal hernia – the most commonly diagnosed. It appears in the groin area and involves the displacement of internal organs or fatty tissue through the inguinal ring of muscles. This type of hernia occurs in both men and women.
Umbilical hernia. It occurs in the umbilical area, where the muscle tissue around it is weakened, allowing internal organs to bulge through this part of the body.
Femoral hernia. Internal organs or fatty tissue move through the femoral canal, which connects the thigh to the abdominal cavity.
Hiatal hernia occurs in the area of the esophagus, where the stomach passes through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm and protrudes into the chest cavity.
Secondary hernia appears at the site of a previous surgery, due to the weakening of the scar or the site of mesh implantation. Lateral inguinal hernia is associated with excessive physical exertion.
Spiegel hernia, also known as transverse inguinal hernia, is a specific type of change that occurs in the area of the inguinal canal. It is a rare type of hernia characterized by the protrusion of internal organs or tissue through the Spiegelian hernia orifice in the transverse abdominal muscle.
Scrotal hernia, also known as inguinoscrotal or scrotal-inguinal hernia, is a type of hernia that occurs only in men. It involves the displacement of tissue or internal organs through the space between the lower edge of the groin and the scrotum, or more simply, the prostate gland.
Causes of hernia formation
Hernias are a very common condition, but only a small percentage is due to genetics or anatomical defects in the patient. It is important to know what factors contribute to their formation and to give up harmful habits.
Congenital anatomical defects
Some types of hernias have a genetic basis and result from congenital anatomical defects. These include, among others, umbilical hernias, which arise from the improper closure of the umbilical ring after birth.
Weak spots in tissues or muscles
In the human body, there are areas where tissues and muscles are naturally weaker, making them more susceptible to hernia formation. Such areas include, among others, the groin, where hernias often occur.
Hernias and chronic loads and strains
Prolonged or heavy loads and frequent strain on the abdominal muscles can contribute to hernia formation. This applies to heavy physical work, frequent lifting of weights, chronic coughing, or constipation.
Postoperative condition
After some surgeries in the abdominal area, tissue may weaken or scar. These areas become more prone to hernia formation.
Obesity
Excess body weight can put additional strain on muscles and tissues, including those vulnerable to hernias, such as inguinal or abdominal areas. Obesity also leads to weakening of muscles and tissues in the abdominal and pelvic areas, making them more susceptible to hernia formation, as they are unable to hold internal organs in place. High pressure in the abdominal cavity can also increase the load on its walls and cause tissue weakness.
Older age With age
Body tissues may weaken and lose elasticity, making them unable to keep internal organs in place. The bodies of older people lose the ability to effectively regenerate tissues, and when micro-injuries or damage occur within a potential hernia, the body may have difficulty repairing and strengthening them. Seniors often also have higher pressure in the abdominal cavity, which favors abdominal wall strain and contributes to tissue weakening, increasing the risk of hernia formation. In older people, chronic conditions such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, or constipation are more frequently diagnosed than in younger people.
Tobacco smoking
In chronic smokers, the so-called smoker’s cough may develop over time. Continuous muscle tension during this activity weakens the abdominal wall and contributes to the development of hernias in the groin area. Coughing also promotes increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, which affects the strain on the abdominal walls. Tobacco and its chemical compounds also affect the digestive system, often leading to disorders such as heartburn, chronic constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux. These conditions increase the risk of hiatal hernia formation. Smoking also contributes to complications after hernia repair surgery. This is due to the smoker’s reduced ability to regenerate and heal tissues.
Constipation Chronic
Constipation leads to excessive accumulation of stool in the large intestine, which in turn increases pressure in the abdominal cavity. Additionally, during defecation, people with constipation excessively strain the lower abdominal muscles, creating additional stress on their walls. Such prolonged and intense effort contributes to tissue weakening. Improper intestinal flora formation during constipation leads to gas production and bloating, which strain the abdominal muscles.
Pregnancy
Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s belly grows, stretching muscles and tissues around it. This can weaken them, especially in the groin, and increase the risk of hernia formation. Pregnancy can also lead to increased pressure in the abdominal cavity due to the increased volume of the uterus and pressure on internal organs, which weakens its walls. During pregnancy, a woman’s body also produces a hormone called relaxin. Its role is to relax ligaments and connective tissues to allow for pelvic expansion during childbirth. However, there is a risk that the hormone may also weaken the muscles around the groin. Additionally, during difficult or prolonged labor, abdominal pressure may increase, which consequently weakens tissues and increases the risk of hernia formation. It is also worth noting that most hernias that occur during pregnancy usually resolve spontaneously after childbirth, as a woman’s body returns to its original state. However, if a hernia causes discomfort or other complications, pharmacological or surgical treatment may be necessary. Any alarming symptoms should be reported to the attending physician as soon as possible so that timely decisions can be made regarding further treatment.
Risk groups Hernia
Risk groups Hernia is a condition that can, under favorable circumstances, affect anyone regardless of gender or age. However, there are individuals particularly prone to this ailment. In individuals with weak abdominal muscles, as their bodies are unable to keep organs in their natural positions. Doctors recommend working to increase muscle mass in these areas as a preventive measure.
Some people are born with anatomical defects that predispose them to hernia formation. In this case, an example would be congenital abdominal wall weakness or improperly formed muscle rings that keep internal organs in place.
In overweight individuals, excess body weight can put additional strain on abdominal muscles and tissues, weakening them and predisposing them to hernia formation.
In individuals with increased pressure in the abdominal cavity. This can be caused by chronic coughing, constipation, bloating, or heavy physical exertion.
In older adults, as muscles and connective tissues weaken with age. At the same time, the elderly body becomes more susceptible to other conditions that predispose to hernia formation.
In pregnant women, anatomical and hormonal changes can lead to hernias.
How to recognize a hernia?
Self-diagnosing any disease is discouraged by the medical community. Especially in the case of hernias, it is difficult for a layperson to judge anything. Although its symptoms are not as obvious as a cold, with a bit of good will, one can detect disturbing symptoms prompting consultation with a specialist.
Touch
When suspecting changes, you can gently press the selected area of the body and check if the lump enlarges or becomes more visible.
Observation
In addition to touch, changes can be observed by changing body position, such as standing or lying down. Lumps also tend to protrude during coughing.
Accompanying symptoms
Pain, discomfort, or tension in a specific area of the body should signal that something is wrong. Hernia can also cause digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or bowel problems.
Regardless of the symptoms that appear, it is important to contact a doctor as soon as possible, especially if the person belongs to any of the risk groups. The specialist will carefully examine the suspicious area and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or computed tomography, to confirm or exclude suspicion of changes. Neglecting signs that something is wrong with the body can lead to many dangerous health complications over time.
What are the consequences of neglecting hernia treatment?
It can lead to serious health complications. Hernia is a condition in which an organ or tissue protrudes through natural openings or weakened areas in the body wall, where they should not normally occur. In the case of neglect or treatment undertaken too late, many dangerous complications may arise.
Strangulation of the hernia
If the hernia becomes trapped in the opening through which it protruded from the body cavity, it may lead to congestion and cause restricted blood flow to the protruding organ or tissue. The consequence of this condition is necrosis, otherwise known as ischemia of the affected area. This is considered an emergency, life-threatening condition that requires immediate surgical intervention.
Pain
The hernia can cause persistent or recurring pain at the site where it occurs. The longer it remains untreated, the more likely it is that the discomfort will become more severe and can lead to problems in performing daily activities.
Infection susceptibility
A hernia creates an additional area that can become prone to infections, especially if the tissues are exposed to friction or injury.
Intestinal obstruction
If the hernia occurs in the abdominal area, it can disrupt the normal flow of intestinal contents, leading to bowel obstruction, which causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Organ displacement
An untreated hernia can lead to the displacement of an organ, thereby disrupting its proper functioning within the body and causing serious health consequences.
Ignoring worrisome symptoms related to a hernia is dangerous to health, which is why doctors emphasize seeking medical attention as soon as troubling symptoms appear. It may happen that a patient who delays contacting a specialist may require a life-saving operation. In the case of neglect or treatment undertaken too late, many dangerous complications may arise.