Hernia

Most hernias develop in the tummy (abdomen) or groin (where your legs join your abdomen). Some cause a lump under your skin, while others are internal and cannot be seen. Some improve on their own but others may need surgery. Credit: Multimedia Team - nhs.uk Types of hernia and where they happen Type of hernia Where it happens Hiatus hernia In your chest Umbilical hernia Under or near your belly button Inguinal hernia Where your leg joins your abdomen (groin) Femoral hernia In your upper thigh, near your groin Lumbar hernia In or near your spine Stoma hernia Under or near a stoma (a stoma is where part of your bowel or bladder is brought through an opening that's been made in your tummy)

The symptoms caused by a hernia depend on where it is and how long you've had it. Some common symptoms of a hernia include: a bulge or lump where the hernia is, such as where your legs join your abdomen (groin), upper thigh or tummy – the lump may get bigger when you cough, sneeze or cry, and get smaller when you lie down the skin over the lump seeming tight and stretched a heavy, dragging feeling in your leg from a femoral or inguinal hernia indigestion symptoms such as heartburn or reflux from a hiatus hernia pain in or around the hernia, usually with smaller hernias – this can be a sign of strangulation, when your muscle tightens around your internal organs Although a large hernia may look uncomfortable, it may not be painful because the weak area of muscles becomes stretched, allowing the hernia to pass through it easily.

The treatment you're offered for your hernia depends on the type you have, what caused it, and whether it's a new hernia or it's come back after treatment. Possible treatment for a hernia include: medicines to help the indigestion symptoms of a hiatus hernia losing weight, if you're overweight surgery to repair the hernia

You cannot always prevent a hernia, but there are things you can do to reduce your chance of getting some types. Do try to lose weight if you're overweight, and keep to a healthy weight be physically active – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week try to quit smoking , if you smoke see a GP if you have a cough that does not get better or keeps coming back