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Inguinal hernia: causes, symptoms and treatments

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

An inguinal hernia occurs when, due to an injury to the abdominal wall, the organs in that area come out creating a bulge that may be visible. There are two types of hernias: the indirect inguinal hernia , one in which the hole that allows the passage of the blood vessels of the testicle and the seminal duct is too large, which is why a hernia is formed. Organs can be pushed further into the scrotum, appearing in the groin or scrotum. The second type is direct inguinal hernia, takes place when the small intestine passes through a hole created in the abdominal muscles. It usually takes place in the groin. The only treatment that is usually applied is surgery, being one of the most performed interventions in the world. If not treated quickly, it can cause a heart attack in the area or lack of blood risk. At FastlyHealwe explain the causes, symptoms and treatments of inguinal hernia as well as some tips to prevent it.

Causes of inguinal hernia

The cause of an inguinal hernia is the same in both types: the existence of a weak point in the abdominal area through which the viscera come out of it.

  • In indirect inguinal hernia , the viscera may flow closer or closer to the scrotum, causing the hernia to occur in the groin or scrotum . It especially occurs in children, and can develop from birth. The anatomy of this area between men and women is different, men have an internal inguinal orifice responsible for the passage of the blood vessels of the testicle and the seminal duct. When this hole is too large, a hernia can form.
  • On the other hand, direct inguinal hernia takes place in the groin , because the abdominal muscles succeed the leg muscles, generating a more sensitive area that can be more easily damaged.

Another reason why an inguinal hernia can occur is pregnancy , since the abdominal area is pressured and can cause a hole. It is also possible that with age , the tissues weaken helping to cause an inguinal hernia.

Inguinal hernia symptoms

The symptoms of an inguinal hernia do not have to be shown by making the disease obvious. However, the most common is that the person suffering from it notices a lump in the groin or scrotum that becomes larger when he exerts some effort in the abdominal area, such as coughing or going to the bathroom. When the person is standing up, the lump may become larger and smaller if the person is at rest.
Another symptom that can accompany an inguinal hernia is pain , which can come and go as well as be relieved by pressing on the affected area. If the person avoids going to the bathroom so as not to increase the pain, it is very possible that it leads to constipation . When the hernia is not treated, you can have more serious symptoms such asfever, severe pain, or hardening of the area . In these cases a doctor should be visited as soon as possible. If the hernia continues to develop, it can lead to complications, such as:

  • Incarcerated hernia : it produces very strong pain and you should see a doctor immediately. It occurs when the content of the hernia does not have mobility within it, causing it to remain fixed and not disappear by pressing it.
  • Strangulated hernia : the blood supply is interrupted generating intense pain. In the same way as the previous one, you should go to the doctor quickly, since a heart attack can occur in the area. Surgery is necessary to treat it.

Inguinal hernia treatment

As we mentioned before, the only effective treatment if we want to combat a hernia is to undergo a surgical intervention . The operation is simple and is not considered risky. In fact, the intervention usually lasts less than a day and hospitalization is not necessary , but the patient can start recovery at home. The procedure consists of reintroducing the viscera into the abdomen and repairing the damaged area that caused them to come out.
herniorrhaphy can be applied , suturing the hole to prevent another exit from the viscera or carrying out a hernioplasty , with which a mesh is applied to the hernia hole in order to reinforce it.

After the operation, different complications can occur , mostly derived from the infection of the wound caused by the intervention, which is treated with antibiotics. It is possible that, over time, an inguinal hernia could develop again despite the operation, although it is rare.

How to prevent inguinal hernia?

Although there is no method that guarantees us to avoid suffering an inguinal hernia, there are a series of behaviors associated with it that can help its development:

  • Do not carry a lot of weight . Whenever we carry weight, there is a greater pressure on the abdomen. Although we cannot avoid carrying weight on some occasions, because it does not have to be an abnormal weight, it is not advisable to hold your breath and not bend the spine.
  • Take into account the personal history of children . In the event that we have children and we have suffered from an inguinal hernia, it is more likely that they can develop this ailment. Another factor that can contribute to suffering from hernia is the lift testicle or hydrocele.
  • Check the English . If at any time we appreciate a visible lump in the groin , we can go to the doctor in order to prevent the development of an inguinal hernia, in case it is a symptom of it.
  • Facilitate intestinal transit . When we go to the bathroom, we put more pressure on the abdominal area. If we avoid constipation, either by taking fiber or by some other method, we can avoid overworking the abdomen.
  • Strengthen the muscles . People with a weak abdominal may be at higher risk for hernias.
  • Proper diet . The abdominal area needs protein to be able to form its tissues properly. In the event that a balanced diet is not followed, the abdominal area can be damaged more easily.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Inguinal hernia: causes, symptoms and treatments , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .

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