An internal bodily part pushing through a weakness in the surrounding tissue wall or muscle causes a hernia. It commonly happens in the abdomen, but can also occur in the groin areas, upper thigh, and belly button. Dr Tarun Mittal, the Best Hernia Doctor in Delhi educates us about various types of hernias, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options available.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia manifests when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue called fascia. The most common example is the abdomen, where a small bulge is often visible under the skin.

Types of Hernia

• Inguinal Hernia: The most common type, where the intestine or the bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin.
• Hiatal Hernia: Occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
• Umbilical Hernia: When intestinal tissue bulges through the abdominal wall near the navel. Common in newborns and obese women or those who have had many children.
• Femoral Hernia: Less common and mainly affects older women, occurring when fatty tissue or part of the bowel protrudes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh.

Causes of Hernia

A combination of muscle strain and weakness leads to hernias. Reasons for muscle weakness include:

• Ageing
• Congenital (present from birth) defects
• Damage from injury or surgery

Factors that can aggravate the condition and may lead to a hernia, especially if there is already a weakness, include:

• Being pregnant, which puts pressure on the abdomen
• Constipation, which causes straining during bowel movements
• Lifting heavy weights
• Fluid in the abdomen, or ascites
• Sudden weight gain
• Persistent coughing or sneezing

Symptoms of Hernia

Some hernias are asymptomatic and only become evident when undergoing medical exams for an unrelated issue. However, typical signs include:

• A noticeable lump or bulge which can be pushed back in, or disappear when lying down
• Pain at the site of the bulge, particularly when lifting or bending
• Groin or scrotal swelling or bulging
• Increased discomfort where the bulge is located
• Pain while lifting
• A dull aching sensation
• A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction in severe cases

Treatment for Hernia by the Best Hernia Doctor in Delhi

Dr Tarun Mittal, the Best Hernia Doctor in Delhi mentions that Treatment options vary depending on the size of the hernia and the severity of the symptoms.

• Monitoring: Small, painless hernias can be monitored without immediate surgery, with regular check-ups to monitor any growth or pain.
• Surgery: The primary and most effective treatment to repair a hernia is surgery. It might be performed as open surgery or laparoscopically. Both methods involve pushing the bulge back into the abdomen and reinforcing the abdominal wall with stitches or mesh.
• Lifestyle Changes: Addressing the root causes such as losing weight, managing chronic cough, and avoiding heavy lifting can alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening.

Prompt medical attention for any abdominal bulge or pain ensures timely diagnosis and treatment of a hernia, preventing complications such as strangulation, which occurs when the blood supply to the part of the trapped tissue is cut off. Always consult with a healthcare provider like Dr Tarun Mittla for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.