What Is a Hernia?
A hernia is an abnormal bulge of intestines or other body parts through a weakness or opening in the wall of tissue enclosing them.
Hernia Types
The type of hernia is determined by the area of weakness in which it occurs.
Click on a type of hernia to learn more about it.
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Inguinal
This is the most common type of hernia, especially for men. It occurs in the groin area. This is a natural area of weakness.
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Umbilical
The navel is a point of natural weakness in the abdominal wall. Though more common in infants, adults can also experience umbilical hernias. For infants, the hernia may heal on its own within a year or two. Other hernias do not heal without medical intervention.
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Hiatal/Paraesophageal
This type of hernia occurs at the hiatus—where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. This natural passage may stretch or tear, allowing the stomach or gastroesophageal junction to push through the opening.
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Incisional
The muscle layer is weak at the site of a prior surgery where the incision was made, creating a prime location for a hernia.
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Ventral
A ventral hernia occurs in the upper abdomen, between the navel and chest.
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Causes
Hernias occur at weak sites in the muscular layer of the body. These weak areas can be congenital (something you are born with) or can develop from age, straining, injury or prior surgery. Areas of the abdomen are naturally weak, such as around the navel, inguinal canal and the hiatus.
Symptoms
Hernia symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of the condition. Hernias do not heal without surgical treatment, so symptoms are likely to increase with time.
Symptoms may include:
- A bulge you can see or feel in your abdomen or groin area (it may disappear when you lie down or you may be able to push it in temporarily)
- Pain that typically worsens when lifting; exercising; straining during a bowel movement, urination or coughing
- Constipation
- Blood in your stool
Some symptoms may indicate certain types of hernias. An enlarged or swollen scrotum may indicate an inguinal hernia. Heartburn, regurgitation or chronic belching can be caused by a hiatal hernia.
»Show Emergency Conditions
»Hide Emergency Conditions
It is important to seek medical advice about hernia symptoms before they progress to emergency conditions.
Incarceration of the Bowel: A portion of the intestine is trapped in the hernia sac. This may block your digestive system or damage internal organs and could progress to strangulation. Seek medical treatment immediately.
Signs to watch for:
- A bulge that cannot be pushed back
- Severe pain
- Bloating of abdomen
- Tenderness at site
- Nausea or vomiting
Strangulation of the Bowel: A portion of the intestine is tightly trapped by the hernia, reducing or entirely cutting off the blood supply. This can quickly cause the tissue to die. Seek medical treatment immediately.
Signs to watch for:
- A bulge that cannot be pushed back in
- Sudden increase in severe pain
- Bloating of abdomen
- Intense tenderness at site
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lack of bowel movements
- Inability to pass gas
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may have you bend, sit or cough as he or she feels the area of your suspected hernia. If it is difficult to feel, other tests may be performed, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography scan (a CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or diagnostic laparoscopy.
For more detailed information, you can also visit our
resource library for physicians. Please note this information has been created for medical professionals and may not be appropriate for everyone.
