The Who, What’s and Why’s of Hernias

Hernias are a very common and often misunderstood issue. One specific type of hernia (inguinal) affects 25% of men over the course of their lifetime. A different type of hernia (hiatus) will be seen in 20% of Americans at some point in their lives and 15% of newborn babies are seen to have another separate type of hernia (umbilical). Overall the chances are you will experience one form of hernia at some point in your life.

Hernias occur when certain points in your soft tissues weaken, which allow parts of your internal body to push through. This mainly occurs in your abdomen due to all those organs being packed tightly into your abdominal cavity with just muscles and fascia to keep them in there. Add that to the increased abdominal pressure seen then lifting heavy objects, sneezing, coughing, giving birth and it’s no wonder these things happen so commonly. 

Here are the main locations where these occur.

The presentation of a hernia can range from a slight ache and a small palpable bump/swelling, to intense pain that worsens on certain movements/activities. In addition, depending on the location of the hernia, things like irritable bowels, acid reflux, nausea can be noted. For us clinicians it’s essential we are aware of these as they can mimic other more common presentations that we see every day. 

So be aware of them, and if you do suspect you have one, let us or any other healthcare professional know so they can be treated appropriately.