Types Of Hernia And Its Causes

A hernia may be likened to a failure in the sidewall of a pneumatic tire

. The tire's inner tube behaves like the organ and the side wall like the body cavity wall providing the restraint. A weakness in the sidewall allows a bulge to develop, which can become a split, allowing the inner tube to protrude, and leading to the eventual failure of the tire. Hernias may present either with pain at the site, a visible or palpable lump, or in some cases by more vague symptoms resulting from pressure on an organ which has become "stuck" in the hernia, sometimes leading to organ dysfunction. Fatty tissue usually enters a hernia first, but it may be followed by or accompanied by an organ.

Hiatal hernia affects both sexes equally. Although it can occur at any age, the disorder has the highest incidence in elderly people. Hiatal hernia is also common in overweight people and in people who frequently sustain intense physical effort (weight lifting).

Some people who suffer from hiatal hernia usually don't have any symptoms at all. However, hiatal hernia can generate symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain and discomfort and nausea. Most people affected by hiatal hernia suffer from heartburn, which usually intensifies after meals. This common symptom of hiatal hernia occurs due to reflux of the stomach content inside the esophagus. When doctors suspect the presence of hiatal hernia in patients, they usually perform additional tests in order to confirm the clinical diagnose. Hiatal hernia can be revealed by X-ray scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and computerized tomography. Nowadays, the disorder can be quickly diagnosed with the means of a laparoscope.

The causes of hernia are weaknesses in the muscles. These can occur because of old age, or if the muscles are worn after many sporting activities. Those who practice a lot of sports, especially football and tennis often have a condition called sports hernia. Sports hernia is similar to hiatal hernia, but in sports hernia the lower abdomen protudes through the tear, and in hiatal hernia the upper abdomen.

Here is an outline of seven different kinds of hernias and how patients can recognize them.

Inguinal, or groin, hernia: This kind of hernia accounts for nearly 75 percent of all abdominal wall hernias. They are about 25 percent more likely to occur in men. There are two different kinds of inguinal hernias - direct and indirect.

Femoral hernia: The femoral canal is the path through which the femoral artery, vein and nerve leave the abdominal cavity and enter the thigh. This can become enlarged when abdominal contents protrude into the femoral canal. This usually occurs in women and has the greatest risk for not being able to be pushed back in.

Umbilical hernia: This type accounts for between 10 and 30 percent of all hernias. In most cases, an umbilical hernia can be noted at birth as a protrusion of the belly button. This kind of hernia is caused by an opening in the abdominal wall. If the opening is small - less than half an inch - it will likely close before the child is two years old.

Inscisional hernia: Abdominal surgery can create weak areas in which a hernia can form. Hernias develop after between two and ten percent of all abdominal surgeries. Some abdominal surgery patients are more at risk than others, so be sure to consult with the surgeon after your procedure to learn your risk.

Epigastric hernia: These will occur between the naval and lower part of the rib cage. They are usually made of fatty tissue and rarely contain any intestinal matter. The epigastric hernia is formed in an area of relative weakness of the abdominal wall and is often painless.

by: rickiewright

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