Hernias

HERNIAS IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA

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A hernia is health condition that occurs when an organ pushes through the muscle or tissue of your body that is meant to hold it in place. The most common part of the body that experiences a hernia is the abdomen when intestines can penetrate a weaker area of the abdominal wall. The groin and upper thigh areas can also experience hernias. If you have suffered a hernia, or are experiencing their symptoms, it is important to have it treated by a physician. Here are all of the details you need to know about hernias.

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  • What Causes a Hernia?

    A combination of muscle weakness and strain can lead to the development of hernias.  Hernias can be quick to occur, can develop over a long period of time.  To determine the cause of a hernia, the cause of muscle weakness and needs to be identified.  There are several that can lead to strain and muscle weakness, including:

    • Age
    • Injury 
    • Surgery
    • Congenital Conditions
    • Strenuous Exercise
    • Obesity
    • Constipation
    • Pregnancy
    • Chronic Coughing

  • What are the Symptoms of a Hernia?

    A large lump or bulge in the affected area is the most common sign of a hernia.  It is also not unusual for this lump to go away when you lie down.  It will be easier to feel through touch when bending, standing, or coughing.  However, it is also common for hernias to have no symptoms at all.

  • What are the Different Types of Hernias?

    While there are many different types of hernias, the most common are inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, ventral hernias, and Hiatal hernias.  Inguinal hernias are the most common and are present when your intestines are pushed through a weak spot in the abdomen.  The inguinal canal is where this penetration occurs and is located in the groin.


    Umbilical hernias occur in children and infants when the intestines push through the abdominal wall near the belly button.  Strain from crying makes this bulge visible.  As the abdomen gets stronger, the hernia will eventually go away.  However, if it persists past the age of five, surgery will be necessary to correct it.  


    Ventral hernias are bulges of tissue that break through the abdominal wall.  Obesity, pregnancy, and strenuous activity and exercise can cause ventral hernias.


    When part of the stomach protrudes through your diaphragm into the chest cavity it is known as a Hiatal hernia.  This type of hernia Is most common in older people (age 50+) and typically causes GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

  • How is a Hernia Diagnosed?

    A physical examination is performed by your physician that will include feeling for a bulge in the abdominal or groin area to detect a bulge.  If one is found, it will be checked to see if it gets larger as you strain, cough, or simply stand.  Beyond the examination, information about when the bulge was first noticed, a list of symptoms, any specific potential causes for the bulge, lifestyle, and more will be collected.  A CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI scan of the abdomen can also be used to gather a better idea of what is happening with the hernia.  

  • How is a Hernia Treated?

    Surgery is the ideal way to treat a hernia.  However, the size, severity, and symptoms of your hernia will dictate how necessary surgery is.  The type of hernia and other health considerations will also determine if surgery should be performed.  There are other things that you can do on your own to alleviate some of the hernia’s symptoms.  Dietary changes like additional fiber intake, avoiding heavy meals, and mini mizing acid reflux can help ease the symptoms; however, surgery will be necessary to completely eliminate the hernia itself.

  • How Can Hernias be Prevented?

    While hernias can’t always be prevented there are habits and lifestyle factors that can be addressed to minimize the amount of stress on the body that can cause a hernia to occur.  Changes in habits like not smoking, maintain a consistent and healthy body weight, and eating a fiber filled diet can all reduce the likelihood of a hernia.  Other actions like exercising to strengthen the muscles of these body parts, specifically the abdomen, can be very beneficial.  However, avoid lifting to much weight or other heavy items that could lead to too much straining.

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