TL;DR:
- An abdominal hernia occurs when an internal organ, usually intestines, pushes through weakened abdominal muscles or tissues, forming a visible bulge.
- Causes: Heavy lifting, intense exercise, obesity, pregnancy, chronic coughing, constipation, or aging (weakens muscles).
- Symptoms: Visible bulge in abdomen (worsens with exertion, reduces when lying down), pain/discomfort (sharp, dull, or burning), fullness, heaviness, nausea, vomiting (in entrapment cases). Entrapment requires emergency surgery.
- Treatment:
- For small hernias: Conservative methods (check-ups, hernia belt, weight reduction).
- For large/symptomatic hernias: Surgery, either open repair or laparoscopic repair with mesh reinforcement.
- Entrapment and severe cases require immediate surgical intervention.
- Untreated hernias can cause life-threatening complications (e.g., ischemia, necrosis, perforation). Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
An abdominal hernia is a common health problem that affects both men and women of all ages. This condition is distinguished by the fact that part of an internal organ (usually the intestines) escapes through weakened abdominal muscles or tissues, creating a visible bulge. A hernia can occur in various areas of the abdomen, such as the umbilical area, inguinal area or areas of surgical scars. The following post discusses in detail the symptoms, causes and treatment options for this condition.
Causes of abdominal hernia
Abdominal hernia occurs for a variety of reasons that lead to a weakening of the abdominal muscles or tissues. Heavy physical labor, weight lifting, intense exercise or sudden exertion can increase pressure inside the abdominal cavity, leading to hernia formation. Excessive weight, in turn, increases pressure on the abdominal muscles and tissues, which can weaken it and also cause a hernia. [read more url="https://otcoclinic.com/offer/" text="Hernia – symptoms, types, prevention. How to treat?"] During pregnancy, abdominal pressure is increased and abdominal muscles are stretched, which promotes the development of hernias, especially in the umbilical region. In addition, prolonged, intense coughing, such as that associated with chronic lung disease, can increase pressure in the abdominal cavity, which over time leads to muscle weakness and hernia formation.. Long-term constipation causes frequent tightening of the abdominal muscles when trying to have a bowel movement, which can weaken the abdominal walls and be the cause of a condition such as hernia. In addition, as we age, muscles and tissues become weaker, increasing the risk of developing this ailment.
What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia?
The most typical symptom of an abdominal hernia, is a visible bulgee or bump in the abdominal area, which can be noticed especially when coughing, laughing, lifting weights or other physical exertion. The bulge may diminish or disappear when the Patient lies on his/her back. There is also often pain or discomfort at the site of the hernia, which may increase during physical activities such as weight lifting or coughing. This pain is dull, burning or sharp – depending on the severity of the hernia. Some patients also experience a feeling of fullness, heaviness or tension in the hernia area, especially after a meal. In addition, if hernia entrapment occurs, Patients experience nausea, vomiting and general malaise. Entrapment is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical intervention. In advanced cases, the hernia may also cause redness, indicating that inflammation has occurred.
How to treat an abdominal hernia?
Treatment of this condition depends on its size, location, severity and symptoms. Conservative treatment methods are mainly used for small hernias that do not cause significant symptoms or discomfort. Then regular check-ups with the doctor are recommended to monitor whether the hernia is getting larger and causing complications. Patients can also wear a special hernia belt to help hold the hernia in place, preventing it from enlarging. However, this is a temporary solution and is not a substitute for surgical treatment. It is also recommended to reduce weight (in the case of obese people), avoiding heavy exercise. This helps reduce the pressure on the hernia. The most effective way to treat an abdominal hernia, is surgery. It is recommended when the hernia is large, causes pain, discomfort or there is a risk of entrapment. There are two main types of abdominal hernia surgery. One is the one performed using an open technique. The surgeon makes an incision at the site of the hernia, and then places the protruding tissue back into its place in the abdominal cavity. The abdominal wall is reinforced, often using surgical mesh to reduce the risk of recurrence. Laparoscopic treatment is also used, in which the surgeon makes several small incisions through which surgical instruments and a camera are inserted. The hernia is repaired from the inside, and the abdominal wall is reinforced with mesh.
However, if the hernia becomes incarcerated, it is an emergency condition requiring immediate surgery. An incarcerated hernia leads to tissue ischemia, which is life-threatening for the patient.
Who can undertake treatment for an incarcerated ventral hernia?
If the hernia is causing pain or discomfort that is aggravated during daily activities such as coughing or bending over, treatment is usually recommended to improve the Patient's quality of life. The doctor will also decide on it if the hernia symptoms worsen over time, such as the bulge becoming larger or more painful. This is a clear indication for surgical treatment. Large hernias are more likely to become incarcerated, so surgery is recommended for them, even when symptoms are minimal. Hernia entrapment is also an important indication for surgical treatment. This is a sudden condition in which part of the intestine or other tissue becomes trapped in the hernia and cannot return to the abdominal cavity. Entrapment leads to tissue ischemia, necrosis and perforation of the intestine. If left untreated, an abdominal hernia can lead to intestinal obstruction, a serious condition that requires immediate surgical intervention. If the hernia causes infection or inflammation, it is necessary to implement prompt surgical treatment to prevent further complications. A hernia that goes untreated can lead to serious complications, such as incarceration, which requires immediate surgical intervention. Regular check-ups at our OT.CO Clinic and prompt attention to hernia symptoms can prevent complications and provide a better quality of life. We encourage consultation at our clinic, where specialists help patients diagnose and choose the best treatment plan for this painful condition.
Conclusion
Abdominal hernias can start small but lead to serious problems if ignored. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, especially the role of surgery, is key to managing this condition. While minor hernias may be monitored, larger or painful ones usually need surgical repair. Acting quickly when symptoms worsen, like a trapped hernia, can save lives. Don’t delay care—early intervention protects your health and improves your quality of life.
