A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Many hernias occur in the abdomen between your chest and hips, but they can also appear in the upper thigh and groin areas.

How does it get form?

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. A hernia usually develops between your chests and hips. In many cases, it causes no or very few symptoms, although you may notice a swelling or lump in your tummy (abdomen) or groin.

Types of hernia

- Mainly hernia are of four types

- Umbilical hernia

- Incisional hernia

- Femoral hernia

- Hiatal hernia

Causes of hernia

Ø  Picking up heavy objects (especially lifting them in the wrong way and with weak muscles)

Ø  Overusing the same muscle.

Ø  Straining during coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, or constipation.

Ø  Being overweight or having poor nutrition.

Ø  Using tobacco.

Symptoms of hernia

Ø  Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum (the pouch that contains the testicles).

Ø  Increased pain at the site of the bulge.

Ø  Pain while lifting.

Ø  Increase in the bulge size over time.

Ø  A dull aching sensation.

Ø  A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction.

Diagnosis

Tests

Your doctor will check for a bulge in the groin area. Because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you'll likely be asked to stand and cough or strain. If the diagnosis isn't readily apparent, your doctor might order an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI

Self-diagnosis of hernia

• - Feel for a lump or swelling around the pubic bone.
• - If you find a lump, make note of where it is and lie down.
• - Did the lump disappear or become smaller? If so, it may be a hernia.
• - Do you feel discomfort when coughing or lifting heavy objects? It's almost certainly a hernia.
• 
  

Diagnosis by doctor

A hernia diagnosis is typically based on your history of symptoms, a physical exam, and possibly imaging tests. During your exam, your doctor will typically feel around your groin and testicles, and ask you to cough. This is done because standing and coughing or straining usually make a hernia more prominent.

Severity of hernia

Hernias may also be categorized according to their severity and may be described as either complete or incomplete, for example. Complete hernia refers to when the entire organ protrudes through a weakened area of tissue, while incomplete hernia refers to when only part of the organ protrudes through.

Risks and complications

During the surgery

The surgeon makes a cut in the groin to view and repair the hernia. After repairing the hernia, the surgeon uses stitches alone or stitches and a piece of mesh to close the abdominal wall. The mesh is designed to strengthen the weak area of the abdominal wall where the hernia occurred.

If left untreated

If it is left untreated, a strangulated hernia can lead to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing enter colitis (severe inflammation of intestine) and sepsis. Since hernias can happen to anyone at any age, knowing warning signs of hernias and being aware of them are essential.