What Is a Hernia? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Some hernias are not serious and do not cause any problems right away, but some can become painful and may need surgery. Doctors say complications can be avoided if caught early.

What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when a part of an internal organ, usually the intestine or fat, pushes through a weak spot in the wall of the abdomen. 

They can develop in many parts of the body but are most commonly found in the groin and abdomen.  
It can occur in people of any age, even children. However, it is more common in adults and older people because the muscles tend to weaken naturally as you get older.

What brings it on?
A hernia usually occurs when a muscle is weak and that muscle is put under additional pressure. Some people are born with weaker muscles, and some people get weaker as they get older.

Typical risk factors include the following:
- Heavy lifting without support and style
-A cough or sneezing that won't go away
- Straining during a bowel movement because of constipation, Overweight
- Previous surgery in the abdomen
  Muscle loss and ageing

Having one or more of these factors does not guarantee a hernia, but it increases your risk.

• Watch for signs
The most common symptom is a soft lump or bulge beneath the skin. It may be more noticeable when you stand, cough, or lift something and may improve when you lie down.

Other symptoms can include:
- Pain or discomfort in the groin area
- A sense of heaviness or pressure in the abdomen or groin
- Burning or tingling feeling
- Denial of exercise

Doctors have warned that a hernia can become ‘trapped’ or cut off the blood supply to the tissue, which can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. This is a medical emergency and needs to be treated right away.

How do you treat it?
Diagnosis is generally based on a physical exam. The doctors can check this with a scan, ultrasound, or CT if necessary.

Small, symptomatic hernias may be simply observed.  
The best treatment for most cases is surgery. During the muscle damage, surgical mesh is used to repair, which generally helps to decrease the chance of recurrence.

Doctors also suggest making lifestyle changes to reduce risk, such as maintaining a normal weight, avoiding heavy lifting, eating a fibre-rich diet to prevent constipation, and managing chronic cough.