For Physicians
Pay Your Bill Online
Get ER Appointment
Request Medical Records
Insurance Info
Download App
Careers/Jobs
Contact Us
Review Us
For Physicians
Request Medical Records

#### Understanding Hernias

A hernia is a common internal injury that happens to many people at some point in their lives.

It is entirely possible to have a hernia for years and never even know it or live the rest of your life with one and not do anything about it. Hernias come in many types and can range from minor annoyances to major problems requiring surgery.

This article will help you understand hernias.

### What is a Hernia?

A hernia is when any tissue or organ pushes through the wall of the area where it usually sits.
Most hernias occur somewhere in the abdomen, from the esophagus down to the groin areas.

The most common types are hiatal, inguinal and femoral. Symptoms resulting from these types may be slight discomfort or severe pain that requires immediate attention.

Only a doctor can accurately diagnose the existence of the illness and recommend the right course of action, if any.

### Types of Hernia

1. Hiatal

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes past the hiatus, which is an opening where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm.

These are very common and usually result in heartburn and GERD. These can be relatively simple to repair if the symptoms become too severe or uncomfortable.

2. Femoral

A femoral hernia is when part of the intestine pushes into the part of the thigh where the femoral artery resides.

These are most common in pregnant women or those who are obese. If treatment is required, surgery is the only option, although lifestyle changes and exercise can help relieve any discomfort caused by the illness.

3. Inguinal

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestine enters the inguinal cavity in the groin by pushing through the abdominal wall. Almost all of these types of hernias happen in men.

See Also: The Causes and Treatment of Gerd: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

These hernias are usually caused by straining, either through exercise, chronic coughing, or heavy lifting. They are generally not dangerous but need to be monitored because complications can arise.

### Diagnosis

The only way to determine if you have a hernia is to be checked out by a doctor.

It may only require a physical exam where the doctor feels for abnormalities in the abdomen or may need a barium X-ray, endoscopy, or ultrasound. Once the specific type of hernia is diagnosed, a course of action can be recommended if required.

Exercise and dietary changes can help relieve symptoms caused by the illness, but the only cure is from surgery.

### Treatment

If the discomfort is acid reflux caused by a hiatal hernia, then medication can be prescribed or bought over the counter to relieve the symptoms. Only your level of pain and monitoring by a doctor can determine if the hernia is left alone or if surgery is recommended.

Strange discomfort or sensations in your abdomen can be scary but hernias are very common and are usually benign.

If you suspect you have the illness, discuss the symptoms with your doctor, if for no other reason than your peace of mind.

By SignatureCare ER | Jul 31st, 2018| Categories: Health & Wellness
Share this useful information with your friends!

##### Related Blog Posts

##### Measles Is Back in Texas—And It’s Worse Than You Think

Jul 10th, 2025

##### Emergency Room Physician Sounds Alarm as Flu Infections Continue to Rise in the U.S.

Feb 13th, 2025

##### Board-Certified Emergency Room Physician Details How Texas Families Can Avoid ER Visits this Winter

Jan 25th, 2024

##### Benefits of Exercise for Chronic Pain Management

Sep 26th, 2023

##### Headache and Migraines: Everything You Should Know

Aug 30th, 2023

##### Paris Back-to-School Bash Draws Over 5,000 Attendees

Aug 11th, 2023

##### SignatureCare ER Breakfast of Champions First Responders Drive-Thru Breakfast

Jun 15th, 2023

##### What is Abdominal Pain?

Feb 13th, 2023

##### Houston ER Physician Answers Your Questions About BA.4 and BA.5 Covid-19 Subvariants

Jul 15th, 2022

##### COVID- 19: Houston ER Doctor Cautions Against Letting Your Guard Down

May 27th, 2022

- Texarkana, TX
- Odessa, TX
- College Station/Bryan, TX
- Midland, TX
- Killeen, TX
- Frisco, TX (Coming Soon)
- Plano, TX (Coming Soon)

Emergency Room Locations.
Contact Us.
Review Us.
Insurance Info.
Blog.
Scholarship.
Awards.
Notice of Privacy Practices.
Our Stand Against Racism.
Message to Medicare Patients