A hernia is defined as any protrusion of a structure through an area of weakness or disruption of the tissues of the body wall that contains it.
Most often the hernias are present in the groin area (about 75-85%), but they may also be found in the upper thigh and near the belly button. Hernias may also arise post a surgery due to the weakness of the abdominal wall.
Many factors can influence the development of hernia in the body. These include excessive straining, lifting of heavy weights and conditions that result in long-term cough, like tuberculosis, bronchial asthma and emphysema. Any disease that affects the gastric motility and does not allow feces to pass through (constipation) can also increase the abdominal pressure, thus leading to hernia. Rectal structures may also cause this condition.
Diseases of the urinary system like benign prostatic hyperplasia, carcinoma of the prostate gland and structures of the urethra can also lead to hernia. Obesity and smoking have also been found to make an individual susceptible to the development of hernias.
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In females, pregnancy can be an influencing factor for the protrusion of an abdominal structure like the gut or the omentum through a weakness in the wall. A history of appendicectomy is important, as the incision during the surgery may injure the ilioinguinal nerve, which can lead to a right sided direct inguinal hernia.
Inguinal hernia is more common in males than females (about twenty times more in males). The affected person may experience a dragging pain and swelling in the groin area, which increases slowly over the course of time. The swelling usually becomes more prominent while coughing or standing, and in some cases, (in males), it may extend till the scrotum.
The contents of the hernia may be either the small bowel, large bowel or omentum. All of these may also be present in the hernia at once. In women, the ovary or the fallopian tubes may also be present in it.
The inguinal hernia is usually reducible, but in cases with complications, the hernia may become irreducible and inflamed.
However, it should not be confused with other conditions like hydrocele, lipoma of the cord, enlarged lymph node in the inguinal region or a groin abscess.
The treatment for hernia is always surgery, but the precipitating factors should be controlled first, like asthma, smoking and chronic cough.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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