A hernia is a sac formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity and passes through a hole or weak region in the muscle wall surrounding it called the fascia. This can cause an unusual bulge that may appear during certain activities or in different positions. Hernias can also develop over time due to the gradual wear and tear of muscles as one ages. Read this article to understand the causes, symptoms, and management options for hernia.

Causes
Hernias can occur for different reasons, and there is often no clear indicator of the cause. Heavy lifting can raise the pressure inside the belly, and straining while using the toilet can also cause a hernia. Hernias might also be present at birth, but the bulge might not be visible until later in life. Some individuals have a family history of hernias. One should note that babies and children may get hernias when there is a weakness in the belly wall. Inguinal hernias, which are bulges in the groin that could go down to the scrotum, are common in boys. Activity and health problems may also increase pressure on the tissue in the belly wall and muscles, leading to a hernia. This may include:

• Long-term constipation and pushing hard to have a bowel movement
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Cystic fibrosis
• Enlarged prostate, straining to urinate
• Fluid in the abdomen
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Poor nutrition
• Overexertion
• Undescended testicles

Symptoms
Hernia is a medical condition that may not show any symptoms except for a visible bulge. However, some people might experience discomfort or pain, especially while standing, lifting heavy objects, or straining the body. The most common sensation that people express is a sore and growing bump. As the hernia grows, it may get stuck inside the hole and lose its blood supply, known as strangulation. This could cause pain, swelling at the site, and other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

In some cases, a person may not be able to pass gas or have bowel movements. If one experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. An expert may recommend surgery to treat the condition.

Treatment
The most common treatment for hernia is surgical repair. However, if an individual has a small or mild hernia that only comes out occasionally, healthcare providers might recommend a wait-and-watch approach to see if the complication worsens. A hernia usually worsens with time, so doctors may suggest repairing it. The only exception is an umbilical hernia in babies, which does not go away by itself. There are several surgical methods available for hernia repair.

Hernia repair surgery
This is a common and generally a minor procedure unless there are complications. A surgeon may push the herniated tissue back into place and reinforce the barrier it pushed through with stitches or surgical mesh. Experts may stick to minimally invasive methods for a routine hernia, which means smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and a faster recovery.

Laparoscopic surgery
The expert uses a laparoscope – a thin, long tube with a lighted camera on the end – to look inside the surgical site. The device enters a small hole, and long and thin surgical tools go through another. The process is similar to robotic surgery for hernia, where the surgeon controls the tools from a computer console with the help of robotic arms. Some hernias may need traditional open surgery.

A congenital umbilical hernia usually closes by itself as the child grows, but sometimes it does not. In such cases, the child may require umbilical hernia repair. A hiatal hernia usually does not require repair but may cause chronic acid reflux. An expert might recommend Nissen fundoplication to repair the complication. The process involves wrapping the upper stomach around the lower esophagus and stitching them together.

Relief steps
Depending on the severity and type of hernia, a healthcare professional may suggest some pain relief methods that can be done at home to alleviate hernia pain. These measures can be taken until the individual can be treated by a surgeon.

• One must avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous activities as these may increase pressure and strain, worsening the hernia. One should stick to low-impact and light exercises like walking or swimming. Experts may also recommend wearing a special restraining belt to hold the hernia in place during specific activities. If an activity causes discomfort, one should avoid it until they can speak to a healthcare professional and seek treatment.
• One should improve one’s nutritional regime and avoid foods that may trigger symptoms, such as highly acidic foods that may be associated with heartburn and indigestion. Avoiding foods that may trigger constipation and eating smaller meals could also help relieve hernia.
• Using an ice pack could offer temporary relief if the hernia is in the abdomen or groin. The step may help bring down pain and inflammation.