Do you also have a lump in your groin? Let's talk about this 'Inguinal Hernia'

Do you also experience pain in your groin area when you cough, lift something heavy, or even when you strain a little on the toilet? Or have you noticed a small lump that appears in that area? You may have noticed this lump when you stand up or when you lie down. This is what we call 'Inguinal Hernia' in medicine. Don't be afraid when you hear this name, this is a very common condition. Today, we will talk about everything in a simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is this hernia?

Think of the organs inside our abdomen (like our intestines) as being protected by a strong layer of muscle. It's like a bag with stuff inside. Sometimes this muscle layer becomes weak. Then a piece of tissue inside the abdomen, usually part of the intestine, pushes through that weak spot. That's what we call a hernia.

This is called an 'inguinal hernia' because it occurs in the groin, that is, just below the belly button, where the leg begins. This can be serious, so it's not a good idea to ignore the symptoms. Usually, a doctor can easily tell if you have this by examining you.

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

If you have an inguinal hernia, you may feel things like this. Let's take a look at what these symptoms are.

Causes of hernia and who is at higher risk?

There are two main types of hernias. One is a congenital hernia (Indirect Hernia) . This can occur when a natural opening in the groin does not close properly when a baby is growing in the mother's womb. The other type is a later-occurring hernia (Direct Hernia) . This occurs due to weakening of the muscles as we age and things that increase pressure inside the abdomen.

Now let's see who is at increased risk of developing a hernia and for what reasons.

• Being male: Men are about 8 times more likely to develop hernias than women. This is due to the structure of men's bodies.
• Aging : As we age, our body's muscles naturally weaken.
• Family history : If someone in your family (mother, father, sibling) has had a hernia, you have a small risk of developing one too.
• Chronic cough: A persistent cough due to a condition like asthma or smoking increases intra-abdominal pressure.
• Constipation : If you have to strain frequently on the toilet, it can also increase pressure in the abdomen and cause a hernia.
• Weight lifting : People who regularly lift heavy objects or who lift weights incorrectly are at higher risk.
• Pregnancy : During pregnancy, a hernia can occur due to stretching of the abdominal muscles and increased pressure on the abdomen.
• Obesity : As body weight increases, more pressure is placed on the abdominal muscles.

Do newborn babies get hernias?

Yes, newborn babies, especially premature babies, can develop an inguinal hernia. Be concerned if you notice a small bulge in the groin area when your baby cries, coughs, or sneezes. If your baby has difficulty feeding or cries frequently, talk to your doctor.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask you about your symptoms. Then he will examine your groin area. He may ask you to stand up and cough. Then, if there is a hernia, it will come out clearly and be visible.

Sometimes an ultrasound scan may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. It is a very simple, painless test. Rarely, a CT scan or MRI scan may be needed.

What are the treatments for hernia?

The important thing is that a hernia never heals on its own . They usually get bigger over time. If the hernia is small and you are not having any problems, your doctor may recommend waiting a while without surgery. However, if the hernia is large and causing pain, surgery is definitely necessary.

There are two main types of surgery:

1. Open Hernia Repair: This involves making a small incision at the hernia site, putting the removed tissue back inside the abdomen, and strengthening the weakened muscle layer. Often, something like mesh is used to strengthen this.

2. Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: This is also called 'minimally invasive hernia repair'. Instead of making a large incision, only a few small holes are made in the abdomen. A camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one hole and viewed on a monitor, and very fine instruments are inserted through other holes to repair the hernia. This method is less painful, heals faster, and leaves less scarring.

How to manage it without surgery?

If your hernia is small and there is still time for surgery, you can do these things to reduce discomfort:

• Prevent constipation: Drink plenty of water. Include foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in your diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight reduces the pressure on the muscles.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects: Avoid lifting heavy objects as much as possible. If you do lift them, bend your knees and lift them properly.

What happens if a hernia is left untreated?

This is the most important thing we all need to know. If a hernia is ignored, it can lead to dangerous complications.

1. Incarcerated Hernia: The protruding intestine becomes trapped between the muscles and cannot be pushed back in. This can cause pain, nausea, and vomiting.

2. Strangulated Hernia: This is a medical emergency . If the blood supply to the strangulated part of the intestine is cut off, that part begins to die. This can be life-threatening.