Hernias

A hernia occurs when the mass of muscles and tissues known as the fascia of an organ burst out of the cavity which contains them. Hernias most commonly occur in the lower torso, when the fascia protrudes the abdominal cavity. These types of hernia can be caused by various types of intense straining, but there are many other kinds of hernias which affect all different parts of the body, and are caused by many different things.

There is a hereditary element to hernias, so if you have a history of them in your family you should be especially aware of the possibility. They are often difficult to identify because they do not always produce symptoms, but can be enormously harmful if they manage to cutoff the blood supply. If this occurs, the hernia must be removed surgically to restore blood flow to the affected area. Doing nothing in such a case could very likely be fatal.

There are many different kinds of hernia, but there are seven more common types. Brain hernias are one of the most dangerous and often fatal types of hernia which are also known as cistern obliterations. They occur when blood-filled lesions are formed in the brain, putting excess pressure on cranial nerves. Epigastric hernias, or navel hernias are usually formed in a weak part of the abdominal wall and are therefore typically located right above the navel.

Perhaps the most common hernia for women in particular is the femoral hernia, which will occur just below the groin. These hernias will typically form during pregnancy or after child birth, and often require medical attention. Many hernias are caused as a result of obesity, the most common of which is the hiatus hernia, which occurs in the upper region of the stomach.

An incisional hernia will often appear in the abdominal region where a surgical incision was made that isn’t properly healed yet. Roughly one in every twenty people who undergo abdominal surgery may develop this kind of hernia.

The most common hernia for men is the inguinal or scrotal hernia, which occurs in the groin and can lead to a disruption of blood flow to the area. Hernias can affect small children as well, particularly the umbilical hernia which sometimes occurs in babies near the navel immediately after birth. These hernias can last years but often cure themselves after three or four years.

If you think you might have a hernia it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.  While generally hernias can be easily taken care of, it is nevertheless important to have them examined by a professional.