A hernia can be caused to both adults and children. The common types of a hernia are an incisional, epigastric, and umbilical hernia.
In an incisional hernia, your tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin muscles that causes a bulge. This bulge in the groin or scrotum can be the cause of pain that may also feel like a burn. This is caused because the wall in the belly muscle does not close as it should, thereby causing an opening and any pressure can cause the tissue to bulge. This may soon occur after birth for some. It often feels like a round lump and can often occur suddenly. A physical test by the doctor can easily help detect a hernia. You may sometimes feel a relief from the pain once you lie down. The treatments for hernia has to be administered as it does not heal on its own. The chances of your hernia getting worse may also be prevalent. You can wait to have a surgery if the pain is not substantial. Hernias that are small and does not cause pain can also be left untreated after proper consultation with a doctor. Surgery is the common option to treat a hernia, and people sometimes opt for a surgery even when it does not cause much pain. Some doctors also believe that surgery is a much viable option than a strangulation. This is one of the treatments for hernia that is often opted for children who need medical intervention immediately. A surgery does not guarantee the eradication of a hernia and it may reoccur. Certain things are to be avoided and precaution is required to be administered by those who have had surgery to as one of the treatments for hernia.
Most of the hernias occur in the abdomen and one of such types of a hernia is an epigastric hernia. In this type, a bulge that occurs in the upper part of the abdominal wall, which is found above the navel. This is a hernia that may be present from the time of birth and may vary in size. Some people may have more than one epigastric hernia in the upper abdomen at the same time. This is typically a small hernia with the lining of the abdomen breaking through the surrounding tissue. Some people also have larger hernias that may push through the part of the stomach. For some people, these hernias may not be visible but may not cause problems. Some factors that may result in the exacerbation of a hernia are obesity, heavy weight lifting, pregnancy, sports, etc. There are not many symptoms associated with this type of a hernia and many may not notice that they have this type of a hernia whereas some may experience trouble since childhood. The symptoms that one may feel are a pain, tenderness in that area, and a bump that is easily felt. Some may feel the symptoms of this hernia from time to time but may not feel it at every time; this is referred to as a reducible hernia. This type of a hernia is diagnosed with a physical exam and may involve a CT scan or an ultrasound. In some cases, a hernia may require immediate attention, such as the ones where there is no blood supply or where a hernia is incarcerated. Such hernias do not heal themselves and need a surgery as effective treatments for hernia.
An umbilical hernia rarely becomes a serious condition and is, therefore, easily treatable. This hernia is most common in babies, especially in premature babies. An umbilical hernia is not usually painful but may become sore. When an umbilical hernia becomes sore, a doctor’s attention should be sought for. Adult females have a higher chance of having an umbilical hernia as compared to adult males. An umbilical hernia can often be caused due to being obese. A doctor can easily detect a hernia by a physical examination. Many cases of an umbilical hernia go unreported as most do not need a treatment and can be resolved on their own. A baby that is born prematurely will commonly suffer from an umbilical hernia. The umbilical cord connects the baby to the mother and passes through an opening in the abdominal wall, which should close after the baby is born. When the muscles do not seal completely, an umbilical hernia may develop. This hernia is a lump in the navel and is visible when pressure is applied on the navel. When the body of a child is relaxed, this lump may shrink. Mostly it is not reported to be a painful hernia. A surgery by a doctor is one of the recommended treatments for hernia if the umbilical cord in an infant did not heal until the child turned 4 years of age. If the infant and or the adult vomit and the bulge seem discolored, it is advisable to see a doctor. In adults, if the hernia persists, a doctor may recommend surgery in order to avoid future complications.