Health Care Services
Hernia Care
What type of hernia do I have?
Hernias are classified by their location on the abdominal wall. They
are grouped into the four following categories.
Inguinal hernia
These are most common in men occurring in the groin area and formed by
a weak spot in the abdominal muscle. Over 750,000 inguinal hernia repairs
are performed annually in the United States.
Umbilical hernia
This type
of hernia occurs at the belly button and look like a bulging navel. They
can be present since birth or can happen over time due to obesity,
excessive coughing or pregnancy. The hernia occurs at a naturally weakened
area where the umbilical cord was once attached.
Ventral hernia
Ventral
hernias occur on the front of the abdominal wall at the site of a prior
surgical incision. Surgical scaring can weaken over months or years
and result in a hernia. The likelihood of developing a ventral hernia
increases with smoking, obesity, steroid use and chronic coughing.
Hiatal hernia
These occur through a hole in the diaphragm that allows the esophagus
to pass through and join the stomach. A weakened or enlarged area in
the diaphragm allows the stomach to bulge into the chest cavity. These
hernias can result in acid reflux and scarring of the esophagus. Larger
hiatal hernias can result in other abdominal organs like the stomach
and colon entering the chest cavity. Common symptoms include heartburn,
difficulty swallowing food, chest pain after eating or the feeling
that food is coming up the back of their throat.
Risk for hernias
Click on the image to learn about how to reduce your risk for hernias.
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