A hernia is a protrusion of an internal organ through an opening or a weakened part of an adjacent wall or connective tissue, and it commonly occurs in the abdominal area. Most hernias do not have an obvious cause, but they do tend to happen due to excessive straining or heavy lifting.
You could be at an increased risk of developing a hernia if you are obese or have chronic respiratory conditions, and it can occur at any age, including infancy. Let’s talk about the symptoms of the most common types of hernias, and where you can go for an evaluation and possible treatment.
Symptoms of Common Hernias
The following are some of the most common types of hernias and what their main symptoms tend to be:
Inguinal Hernia
If you experience pain when you cough or lift something heavy, it may be due to an inguinal hernia. This is the most common type of hernia, and it occurs when part of the small intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weakened muscle in the groin area.
Umbilical Hernia
If you have an obvious bulge near the belly button, you probably have an umbilical hernia – which is a small protrusion of the intestine in the abdominal area. It usually occurs when the muscles in the area do not close properly after birth, but it can also happen in adulthood due to obesity, pregnancy, abdominal surgery, dialysis, and other health issues and treatments.
Incisional Hernia
If you have an internal organ or tissue that is protruding through a scar after healing from surgery, you probably have an incisional hernia. Patients who have had their appendix removed are at risk of developing an incisional hernia, especially if they have gained excessive weight or have experienced a pregnancy. This type of hernia can cause pain and may become larger without medical intervention.
Femoral Hernia
If you have a bulge in the upper thigh or groin area, you may have a femoral hernia. This is usually due to the intestine poking through the femoral canal.
This hernia can cause life-threatening strangulation of the organ, which is a medical emergency because it can severely interfere with blood circulation. For this reason, surgery usually needs to be performed within two weeks of the presentation of the lump.
Hernia Treatment in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Manatee County
Hernias that protrude or are painful warrant medical attention. Here at Intercoastal Medical Group, our doctors will explain your treatment options and provide the benefits and risks associated with each type of treatment.
Our own Dr. Robert Browning has years of experience performing hernia surgeries. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Browning, call our Lakewood Ranch facility today at (941) 362-8662. You can also request an appointment now via our online request form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
