The Cleveland Clinic explains that, “A hernia occurs when an internal organ or other body part protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally contains it.” According to WebMD, there are different types of hernias. The following are the most common:
- Inguinal – Inner Groin.
- Incisional – Resulting from an incision.
- Femoral – Outer Groin.
- Umbilical – Belly Button.
- Hiatal – Upper Stomach.
The most common symptoms of a hernia, according to Healthline, is a “bulge or lump in the affected area.” Other symptoms may include pain or discomfort, weakness or pressure, burning, gurgling, or an arching sensation, all in the affected area. In the case of a hiatal hernia, symptoms may include acid reflux, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Women’s Health Magazine stresses that it is important not to ignore any bulges on your body, as some untreated hernias do not go away on their own. “Left untreated, certain hernias can lead to discomfort, pain, and more dangerous conditions like intestinal blockages and even gangrene.”
Hernias are very common and while some asymptomatic hernias will resolve themselves, most symptomatic hernias do require surgical repair. Prevention of hernias lay in the form of awareness of its risk factors by reducing pressure to the areas most prone to hernias. Some causes and risk factors for hernias include family history of hernia, pregnancy, and smoking.
To schedule an annual physical at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15757-hernia
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hernia-basics
https://www.healthline.com/health/hernia#risks
https://www.crbard.com/Davol/en-us/Hernia/Hernia-Causes-and-Risk-Factors