Where is hernia

Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time. The only way to effectively treat a hernia is through surgical repair. Whether or not you need surgery depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may want to simply monitor your hernia for possible complications.

This approach is called watchful waiting. In some cases, wearing a truss may help to ease the symptoms of a hernia. A truss is a supportive undergarment that helps to hold the hernia in place. Always see your doctor to make sure that a truss fits properly before using it. If you have a hiatal hernia, over-the-counter OTC and prescription medications that reduce stomach acid can relieve your discomfort and improve symptoms.

These include antacids , H2 receptor blockers , and proton pump inhibitors. To diagnose your condition, your doctor will first perform a physical examination. During this examination, the doctor may feel for a bulge in your abdominal or groin area that gets larger when you stand, cough, or strain.

Your doctor will then take your medical history. They may ask you a variety of questions, including:. If your doctor suspects a hiatal hernia, they may use other tests that allow them to assess the inside of your stomach:. Increasing your fiber intake may help relieve constipation. Constipation can cause straining during bowel movements, which can aggravate a hernia.

Some examples of high fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Dietary changes can also help with the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. To prevent acid reflux, avoid foods that may cause it , such as spicy foods and tomato-based foods. Additionally, giving up cigarettes may also help, if you smoke. Exercise may work to strengthen muscles around the hernia and promote weight loss, helping reduce some symptoms.

A study from investigated the effects of an exercise program on people with obesity who were undergoing ventral hernia repair surgery. The people who completed the exercise program had fewer complications following surgery. Remember that some types of exercise, such as weightlifting or exercises that strain the abdomen, may increase pressure at the area of the hernia. This may actually cause the hernia to bulge more. The same is true for exercises that are done improperly.

They can work closely with you to let you know which exercises are best for you and how to perform them properly to prevent irritating your hernia. A doctor can assess your hernia and determine the best treatment option. Early medical care and lifestyle changes can minimize symptoms. However, surgery is the only way to effectively treat a hernia. There are different types of hernia repair surgeries, and a surgeon can advise on which one is right for your condition. The outlook for people who undergo hernia repair surgery is generally very good.

However, it can depend on the nature of the hernia, your symptoms, and your overall health. In some cases, the hernia may recur after repair surgery. If the hernia causes an extra hole in your abdominal wall, they may repair your hernia by sewing the hole in the abdominal wall closed during surgery.

This is commonly done by patching the hole with surgical mesh. For example, this can occur in the space where the esophagus is meant to pass through the diaphragm. In these cases, surgery can be performed to tighten the opening.

Hernias can be repaired with either open or laparoscopic surgery. During open surgery, the surgeon makes an incision close to the site of the hernia, and then pushes the bulging tissue back into the abdomen. They then sew the area shut, sometimes reinforcing it with surgical mesh. Finally, they close the incision. Laparoscopic surgery uses a tiny camera and miniaturized surgical equipment to repair the hernia.

It only requires a few small incisions and is less damaging to the surrounding tissue. Not all hernias are suitable for laparoscopic surgery. If your hernia requires an open surgical repair, your surgeon will work with you to determine which technique is best for your condition. Find out more about inguinal hernia repair. After your surgery, you may experience pain around the surgical site. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help ease this discomfort while you recover.

Contact them promptly if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, redness or drainage at the site, or pain that suddenly worsens. Following your hernia repair, you may be unable to move around normally for several weeks. Additionally, you should avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds 4. This type of hernia may not have any noticeable symptoms, although it can cause heartburn in some people. It's not exactly clear what causes hiatus hernias, but it may be the result of the diaphragm becoming weak with age or pressure on the tummy.

See a GP if you think you have a hernia. They may refer you to hospital for surgical treatment, if necessary. A strangulated hernia and obstructed bowel are medical emergencies and need to be treated as soon as possible.

In some cases, they may refer you to a nearby hospital for an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis or assess the extent of the problem. This is a painless scan where high-frequency sound waves are used to create an image of part of the inside of the body.

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, a GP or hospital doctor will determine whether surgery to repair the hernia is necessary. Most people are able to go home the same day or the day after surgery and make a full recovery within a few weeks. If your doctor recommends having surgery, it's important to be aware of the potential risks, as well as the possibility of the hernia coming back.

Make sure you discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with your surgeon in detail before having the operation. Page last reviewed: 19 June Next review due: 19 June Types of hernia Inguinal hernias Inguinal hernias occur when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel pokes through into your groin at the top of your inner thigh. For both men and women, repair is recommended for most abdominal hernias.

The exception is if you have risk factors for complications or hernia recurrence, such as obesity or poorly controlled diabetes. Some patients do not have symptoms and may decide to delay repair after discussion of the risks and benefits with their surgeon. Surgical options and recovery time for ventral hernias vary widely because these hernias come in all shapes and sizes. A small umbilical or incisional hernia can often be treated on an outpatient basis.

However, repairing more complicated hernias may require a hospital stay of one to five days. A: When most hernias start, the internal tissue that pushes through the muscle gap is usually fat. The risk of this is very low, but when it happens, it needs emergency repair. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:. For more information about hernias and their treatment, visit the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Hernia Center.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Q: What is a hernia? Q: Who is at higher risk for a ventral hernia? Q: How can you tell if you have an inguinal groin hernia? Symptoms in Men A bulge you can see or feel Aching pain in the area A feeling of pressure A tugging sensation of the scrotum around the testicles Pain that worsens with activities that add pressure to the area, such as heavy lifting, pushing and straining Symptoms in Women Aching or sharp pain Burning sensation A bulge at the hernia site, but this may not be present with a groin hernia Discomfort that increases with activity Q: How are hernias treated?

Inguinal Groin Hernias Inguinal hernias in women are more likely to become emergencies. Abdominal Hernias For both men and women, repair is recommended for most abdominal hernias.