Hiatal and Inguinal Hernias

A hernia is weakness or an opening in a tissue, such as a muscle, that normally holds an organ in place. If the weakness or opening is large enough, it allows a portion of the organ to bulge through it. The most frequent locations for hernias are in the abdomen and groin areas. There are many different types of hernias, but the most common are inguinal hernias and hiatal hernias.

An inguinal hernia occurs when a part of the intestine bulges through a weak area in the muscles of the abdomen. In this inguinal hernia the intestine has bulged through the passage where the testicle descends into the scrotum

Inguinal Hernias

An inguinal (groin) hernia develops when the intestines push through the inguinal canal, a passageway for the spermatic cord in boys and for a ligament that holds the uterus in place in girls. Normally, the inguinal canal closes, but in some people it does not close tightly enough to prevent the intestines from sliding through. These hernias are more common in males.

Causes

Causes of an inguinal hernia include obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining to pass a stool. A familial history or inguinal hernia may be a risk factor.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an inguinal hernia may start slowly. They include the following:

• Visible bulges where the thigh and groin meet. In males the bulge may extend into the the scrotum

• Pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen and scrotum

• Feeling of pressure or weakness in the groin

• Aches and pain in the abdomen that start and stop, especially during coughing, lifting something heavy, or bending over.

Treatment

Inguinal hernias are usually treated with surgery. In some cases the intestine may become twisted (called a strangulated hernia) and the blood supply may be cut off blood. This can have serious consequences and is considered an emergency. Rapidly increasing pain in the groin is a sign that the hernia has become strangulated. Go to the hospital if you suspect that you have a strangulated hernia.

Self-Care for Inguinal Hernias

• Avoid heavy lifting, which can cause straining and place more pressure on the abdomen.

• Use correct lifting techniques: Lift objects by bending your legs and keeping your back straight. Your leg muscles, not your back or abdomen, should do the most work.

• Loose weight if you are overweight

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves up through the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the stomach from the chest

Hiatal Hernias

A hiatal hernia occurs when a weak spot in the diaphragm muscle allows the stomach to push up through the diaphragm. The hernia develops at the spot where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm and enters the stomach .

Causes

Hiatal hernias can be caused by obesity, pregnancy, wearing tight clothing, sudden physical exertion, straining or coughing, vomiting, or injury to the abdomen.

Symptoms

Hiatal hernias cause no bulges that you can see . However, when you have a hiatal hernia, stomach contents may pass back into the esophagus from the stomach, causing heartburn, indigestion, chest pains, and hiccupping and belching.

Treatment

Hiatal hernias usually do not require treatment unless you develop severe heartburn or an inflammation of the esophagus. In these cases your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the problem.

Self-Care for Hiatal Hernias

• Take antacids.

• Avoid foods that may irritate the lining of your stomach.

• Raise the head of your bed several inches to prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. Use 4- to 6-inch blocks under the legs at the head of the bed.

• Eat small, frequent meals.

• Avoid going to sleep or lying down right after meals.

For more information on treatment of heartburn symptoms, see heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease.