Hernia (descending horn): symptoms, causes, to treatment

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Definition of a hernia

What is a hernia?

A hernia is a condition when an organ in the body protrudes through the muscle wall or surrounding tissue. These parts of the organs emerge through areas of muscle or tissue that are weakened, causing a bulge or lump to appear.

This condition, which is known by the layman as descending horn, usually appears on the stomach, to be precise between your chest and hips. In many cases, lumps can also appear in the thigh and upper groin area.

Most cases of descent are usually not life threatening, but the condition does not go away on its own. Sometimes, hernias need to be treated surgically to prevent dangerous complications.

If the lump is causing only pressure or strain, this condition is known as a reducible hernia (reducible hernia). A lump like this is not dangerous, but the patient still has the option to undergo surgery.

Sometimes, organs or tissue can get trapped outside of the muscle that was penetrated. A lump that doesn't come back is called a retained hernia (incarcerated hernia). This is a serious health problem that requires immediate treatment.

The most dangerous type of hernia is strangulation. In this condition, organs or tissues that are trapped outside do not get blood supply. Over time these organs can experience tissue death and complications.

Types of hernias

What are the types of descents?

Based on the location where it appears, descending beetles can be divided into the following.

1. Inguinalists

Inguinal hernia is the most common type and affects men more often than women. Its main characteristic is the emergence of the intestine through an opening in the lower abdomen or near the groin called the inguinal tract.

Hernia in men is somewhat different from women. In men, the inguinal tract is the entrance between the stomach and the scrotum (the bag covering the testicles) through the sperm duct.

While in women, this channel forms a path to the connective tissue that supports the uterus. Therefore, the location of the hernia in women is closer to the area.

Almost all cases of inguinal hernia in adolescents are caused by congenital defects of the inguinal tract. Instead of closing tightly, this channel leaves room for the intestines to enter.

This type of descending horn will cause a prominent protrusion between the thigh and groin. In men, the protruding part of the intestine can enter the scrotum. These conditions can cause swelling and pain.

2. Femoral

Femoral hernias are often mistaken for the inguinal type because they both appear in the same area and have almost the same causes. However, the protrusion of the femoral hernia appears in the lower abdomen, groin, hips, or upper thighs.

3. Umbilical

Umbilical hernias occur in newborns up to 6 months of age. This condition occurs when part of the intestine sticks out through the abdominal wall next to the navel. In babies with this type of descent, the bulge is most noticeable when the baby cries.

You may be more familiar with an umbilical hernia as a bulging navel. Unlike other types, this condition can heal by itself when the baby is 1 year old. A bulging navel that does not return to normal can be repaired with surgery.

4. Epigastric

In epigastric hernias, the intestine protrudes through the area of ​​the abdominal muscle that is located between the navel and chest. You may notice a lump in the chest. This disease is usually treated with hernia surgery.

5. Incisional

This type of fallout occurs after a person has had surgery on the stomach. The incision made during surgery weakens certain areas of the abdominal muscles. As a result, the intestine sticks out through the incision mark or surrounding muscle tissue.

6. Hiatal / hiatus

This type of fall occurs at the diaphragm opening, precisely at the meeting between the esophagus and the stomach. If the muscles around the diaphragm opening become weak, the top part of the stomach can stick up, causing pressure to the stomach.

A hiatal hernia doesn't cause a bulge, but you may experience indigestion, heartburn, and chest pain. This condition can be treated with medication and diet changes, but sometimes surgery is still needed.

Hernia signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a hernia?

Based on the type, here are the signs and symptoms of falling cows.

1. Inguinalists

The most common symptom of this condition is the appearance of a bulge in the groin. The bulge can appear suddenly as a result of excess tension as a result of:

• lifting weights,
• sneeze loudly,
• persistent cough,
• straining when urinating or defecating, and
• increased pressure from inside the stomach.

The bulge tends to be more visible in an upright position and can cause pain or discomfort in the groin. Pain generally occurs when you bend over, lift weights, cough, or laugh.

There are also other symptoms you may experience, such as:

• pain or burning in the area of ​​the bulge,
• a feeling like dragging a load on the groin,
• groin becomes weak and sensitive, as well
• discomfort around the testicles.

2. Femoral

Small to moderate lumps may not cause symptoms. However, large lumps or those that appear on the thighs and upper hips can cause pain. The pain is worst when you stand or lift heavy objects.

3. Umbilical

In babies with bulging navels, the bulge only appears when the baby cries or coughs. It is usually not painful for children, but conditions that develop as adults can cause abdominal discomfort.

4. Hiatal / hiatus

Hiatal hernias tend to be small so you may not feel them at all. However, a larger lump can cause a larger opening of the diaphragm.

This can cause symptoms similar to those of indigestion, such as:

• pressure on the stomach,
• stomach feels like squeezing,
• chest pain,
• increase in stomach acid,
• difficulty breathing or swallowing, as well
• heartburn.

5. Incisional

Symptoms go down in postoperative cows depending on the size of the incision. Symptoms may not be felt within three weeks to six months after you have had surgery. Even so, this condition can still happen at any time.

A bulge at the incision site is the most common symptom. If there is too much tissue or the intestines are stuck at a weak point, you can feel intense pain. This condition requires repair of an incisional hernia.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience the above symptoms or have any questions, consult your doctor. Each person can experience a variety of symptoms. Consulting with your doctor will help you get the right treatment.

Complications

What are the complications (falling down) that may occur?

Patients with concomitants who do not receive treatment are prone to experience complications such as:

• pressure on or around muscle tissue,
• retained hernia (incarcerated hernia),
• intestinal obstruction, and
• tissue death.

Incarcerated hernia occurs when the lump gets stuck on the abdominal wall. This condition can cause the intestines to become blocked or choked because they don't get blood flow. This is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate assistance.

Symptoms of a dangerous intestinal blockage include:

• fever,
• pain that comes on suddenly and gets worse,
• nausea or vomiting,
• the bulge turns darker in color, as well
• can't fart or have a bowel movement.

Cause

What causes this condition?

All types of hernias have basically the same cause. The walls of certain muscles or tissues in your body have openings or areas that are weak. Organs or tissues that are around it then press the weak part.

The weakened area of ​​the muscle may have been present since you were born. However, with certain types of falling snakes, muscle weakness occurs over time. Here are some common causes of muscle weakness.

• Congenital conditions that occur during fetal development in utero and are present from birth.
• Increasing age.
• Tissue damage from injury or surgery.
• Chronic cough.
• Strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights.
• Pregnancy, especially repeated pregnancies.
• Constipation, which makes you push hard when you have a bowel movement.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Buildup of fluid in the stomach (ascites).

Inguinal and femoral hernias are caused by muscle weakness that may have occurred since the baby was born. This condition can also be caused by increasing age or constant pressure on the abdominal muscles and groin.

Umbilical hernias can also occur due to constant pressure on the abdominal muscles. Pressure generally comes from excess body weight, prolonged coughing, or muscle contractions after childbirth.

Meanwhile, the causes of hiatal hernias are not fully understood. However, this condition is thought to be related to muscle weakness with age or constant pressure on the abdominal muscles.

Hernia risk factors

What increases my risk for this condition?

Here are a number of factors that are believed to increase the risk of this disease.

• Premature babies and babies with low birth weight.
• Obesity or sudden weight gain.
• Lifting heavy objects.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Constant coughing or sneezing.
• Pregnancy.

Hernia diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests for this condition?

The doctor uses the medical history and physical examination, which is done in a lying and standing position. Blood tests or laparoscopy may be needed. X-rays and ultrasounds (USG) are required for certain cases.

What are the treatment options available?

If the lump grows bigger and causes pain, the doctor will usually perform a hernia surgery to treat it. The doctor may sew a hole in the abdominal wall by patching it.

Hernias can be repaired with open surgery using a laparoscopic procedure. In this procedure, the doctor uses a small camera and mini surgical equipment to make small incisions.

During a laparoscopy, the doctor will make an incision near the site of the hernia, then push the swollen tissue back into the stomach. The doctor then stitches the area closed.

Even so, not all types of descent are suitable for laparoscopy. The doctor will determine the right operation to deal with fall cuffs according to the type.

Home treatment of hernias

What are the home remedies that can be done?

Home remedies cannot return an organ or tissue that is sticking out to its original position. However, home remedies can help reduce discomfort and prevent the disease from getting worse.

Here are a series of tips that you can do.

• Increase fiber and water intake to treat constipation. Constipation makes you push, and straining can increase your risk of falling down.
• Divide the portion of the meal that was three heavy meals into 5-6 times with smaller portions.
• Do not lie down or bend over after eating.
• Maintain a healthy weight range.
• Limit your consumption of acid reflux foods if the hernia makes your stomach acid rise.
• Get more active in sports. According to a 2018 study, people who are active in sports are at less risk of developing hernias after undergoing surgery.
• If your child has a hernia, watch the condition to make sure that the lump has shrunk by the age of 2 or 3.
• Take medicines that have been prescribed by the doctor after surgery.
• Recognizing symptoms incarcerated hernia . Improper treatment can cause serious problems.
• If you have surgery, keep the wound clean and dry until it heals.

A hernia or descent occurs when an organ presses against the wall of a muscle or weak tissue. Although it is not dangerous, people with this condition usually need to undergo surgery to return the organs to their original position.

Consult your doctor if you experience signs of falling cows. Your doctor can help you determine the right treatment so that you don't have complications.