Inguinal hernia: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition of an inguinal hernia

What is an inguinal hernia?

Inguinal hernia is a condition that occurs when soft tissue in the body, usually a portion of the intestine, protrudes through a weak or torn part of the lower abdomen near the groin of the thigh.

The resulting bulge is often painful, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift heavy objects.

Inguinal hernias usually don't get better or go away on their own, but they're not necessarily dangerous. Even so, if left untreated, a hernia can lead to life-threatening complications.

So, generally doctors will recommend surgery to repair a hernia that is painful or enlarged. Hernia repair in the area below the abdomen is classified as a general surgical procedure.

How common is this disease?

Inguinal hernias are a common medical condition and can occur in any age group. However, usually hernias in men are more common than in women.

You can reduce the chances of experiencing this condition by avoiding various risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Types of inguinal hernias

What are the types of inguinal hernias?

Quoted from Harvard Health Publishing, inguinal hernias are divided into the following two types.

1. Indirect inguinal hernia

This condition occurs when there is an opening in the inguinal tract. The inguinal tract is the place for the testes, sperm duct, and scrotum (testicular bag) in men.

The inguinal tract should close a few weeks or as soon as the baby is born. However, in some people, the inguinal tract fails to close, causing the intestine to enter the lower part of the stomach.

Inguinal hernias are not always diagnosed in the first year of life and may not appear until adulthood. This condition occurs in about 1% to 5% of normal newborns and 10% of premature babies.

2. Direct inguinal hernia

Direct inguinal hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the weak abdominal muscle along the wall of the inguinal tract. This type of hernia is more common in adults than children.

In adults, direct and indirect inguinal hernias can show almost the same signs. Hernias can appear on one or both sides of the groin.

Your doctor will probably only know what type of hernia you have after surgery. Even so, the two types of conditions are handled in the same way.

Inguinal hernia signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms?

Sometimes the hernia bulge appears without any other symptoms. Generally, sufferers feel pain or a feeling of fullness around the groin area. The bulge can usually be pushed back.

The bulge may come back into the stomach when the patient is lying down. Meanwhile, in babies, the bulge usually appears when the baby feels tense, cries, coughs, or stands up.

Untreated hernias can have complications. The sticking out part of the intestine may become trapped in the ovary / testicle pouch or interfere with certain parts of the intestine and fat tissue. This condition is known as incarcerated hernia.

There is also another complication called strangulation. The sticky intestine is pinched by the muscle wall and cannot get back into it. Strangulation can lead to gangrene, which means that intestinal tissue dies from not getting a blood supply.

There may be other features and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have anxiety about certain symptoms, consult your doctor. This will reduce the risk of trapping the intestine which is an emergency.

When should I call the doctor?

You should visit your doctor if you experience one or more of the following symptoms.

Have unusual symptoms that you suspect are inguinal hernia symptoms.
Swelling of the scrotum.
Have a high fever after undergoing hernia surgery.
The surgery scar looks red, swollen, or oozes discharge.

Each person may experience different signs and symptoms. Therefore, always discuss with your doctor to determine the best method of diagnosis, treatment and treatment for you.

Causes of an inguinal hernia

What causes an inguinal hernia?

Inguinal hernias occur due to the weakening of the abdominal muscle wall as well as the constant stretching of this muscle. It can take a long time for this disease to occur, but there are cases that appear suddenly.

Inguinal hernias are most common in infants and toddlers. Most of the adolescents diagnosed with hernias generally have weakness in the muscles or other tissues around the abdomen since birth.

Inguinal hernia risk factors

What increases my risk for an inguinal hernia?

Here are some factors that can put you more at risk of developing a hernia in your groin.

Gender. You are much more likely to develop an inguinal hernia if you are male. Most of the newborns and children who have this condition are also boys.
Heredity. The risk of an inguinal hernia increases if you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has the condition.
Certain medical conditions. People who suffer cystic fibrosis, a condition that causes severe lung damage and frequent chronic coughing, is more at risk of developing a hernia in the groin.
Cough of croniess. Conditions that trigger a chronic cough, such as smoking, can increase your risk of developing a hernia.
Constipation chronic. Straining during bowel movements is a common cause of many types of hernias, including in the groin.
Obesity. Being overweight or severely overweight can put extra pressure on your stomach.
Pregnancy. The pressure from the developing fetus can weaken the abdominal muscles and cause stretching of your abdominal muscles.
Certain jobs. Jobs that make you stand for long periods of time or do strenuous physical work (including lifting heavy objects) will increase your risk of developing an inguinal hernia.
Premature birth. Babies born prematurely are more at risk of developing hernias because the inguinal canal may not close completely.

The absence of risk does not mean you are free from the possibility of experiencing this health disorder. The features and symptoms listed are for reference only. You need to consult a doctor for more information.

Inguinal hernia diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What tests are used to diagnose an inguinal hernia?

Inguinal hernias are diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination. Initially, the doctor will check for lumps in the groin area. You may be asked to stand, cough, or push at times.

If the physical examination does not produce clear results, the doctor will usually suggest further tests. Examinations that can be done include ultrasound, MRI, CT scan.

What are the treatment options available?

There are various treatment options for inguinal hernias, but these conditions are usually treated with surgery. Surgery should be done as soon as possible, even in babies, especially if the hernia is painful or can't be pushed back.

The operation can be done as standard (with ordinary surgery) or laparoscopically. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube that is inserted through an incision in the skin. This tube is equipped with a light at the end.

Home treatment of inguinal hernias

What are some home remedies that can help treat inguinal hernias?

Home remedies for any type of hernia are generally carried out through a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips that you can apply.

Take pain relievers after surgery as directed by your doctor.
Take a light walk around the house and up and down the stairs. However, only do this if your doctor approves and don't overdo it
Try to prevent constipation by eating foods high in fiber and drinking eight glasses of water every day.
Have sex only when the doctor allows it.
Maintain body weight in order to stay within the ideal range.
Follow safety instructions when you have to lift heavy loads.
Consult a doctor if you have a chronic cough, allergies, or any condition that makes you cough frequently.

An inguinal hernia occurs when soft tissue such as the intestines sticks out into the wall of the weakened abdominal muscles. Treatment is generally in the form of surgery that aims to return the soft tissue to its original position.

Without treatment, a hernia in the stomach is at risk of causing complications. Therefore, don't ignore the symptoms you are experiencing. Check with your doctor to find the best solution.