hernias hiatal hiatus signs symptoms types

Hernia.

A hernia is the protrusion, of an organ or tissue, from the body cavity, where it normally resides. The most common hernias develop in the abdomen. It is a weakness in the abdominal wall. This evolves into a localized hole, or "defect", through which the protrusion occurs.

Hernia signs and symptoms.

A hernia is accompanied by:

pain at the site,
a visible or palpable lump, or
more vague symptoms.

These result from pressure, on an intraabdominal organ, which becomes "stuck" in the hernia.

Usually, fatty tissue enters a hernia first. However, it may be followed, or accompanied, by a segment of intestine or other intraabdominal organ. Generally, it is advisable to repair hernias in a timely fashion. This prevents complications including intestinal blockage, gangrene, and death.

Hernia treatment.

Most hernias are surgically repaired. Recovery rarely requires long-term changes in lifestyle.

Hernia types.

The most common abdominal hernias are so-called inguinal hernias. They are named for the Latin word for "groin". These involve the bulging of abdominal contents into a defect, in the inguinal canal in the lower abdomen. Since they involve the embryological route, of descent of the testicle, inguinal hernias are more common in males than females.

In males, the hernia contents commonly enter the scrotum. Inguinal hernias are further divided into the more common "indirect inguinal hernia" and the "direct" type. For the "indirect inguinal hernia", the inguinal canal is entered via a congenital weakness at its apex. For the "direct" type, the hernia contents push through a weak spot in its back wall. hernias hiatal hiatus signs symptoms types

More abdominal hernias.

Other abdominal hernias are umbilical, femoral, incisional, and diaphragmatic. Umbilical hernias are especially common in infants of African descent. They involve protrusion of intraabdominal contents. It is through a weakness, at the site of passage of the umbilical cord, through the abdominal wall.

Often, in children, these resolve spontaneously. However, in some communities, mothers routinely push the small bulge back in. They tape a coin over the palpable hernia hole, until closure occurs. This is not medically recommended. There is a small risk of trapping a small loop of bowel, under part of the coin. This results in a small area of ischaemic bowel.

Femoral hernias are sometimes indistinguishable, from the inguinal type. They occur just below the groin crease. This happens when abdominal contents pass into the weak area. This weak area is created by the passage, of the femoral blood vessels, into the lower extremities.

An "incisional hernia" is a defect resulting in an incompletely healed surgical wound.

An (internal) "diaphragmatic hernia" results when part of the stomach, or intestine, protrudes into the chest cavity. This is through a defect in the diaphragm.

A hiatus (or hiatal) hernia is a variant of the "diaphragmatic hernia". The passageway where the esophagus meets the stomach serves as a functional "defect". It allows part of the stomach to periodically "herniate" into the chest.

Symptoms, of a hiatal hernia, include pains. These are similar to heartburn, in the chest and upper stomach. Surgery is recommended. However, there are minor side-effects, such as increased production of stomach and intestinal gas. hernias hiatal hiatus signs symptoms types

Causes of a hiatal (hiatus) hernia.

These are possible causes, or contributing factors, for an hiatal hernia:

Obesity
Poor seated posture (such as slouching)
Frequent coughing
Straining with constipation
Frequent bending over or heavy lifting
Heredity
Smoking
Congenital defects

hernias hiatal hiatus signs symptoms types.