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Inguinal hernias occur when projecting soft tissue - usually part of the intestine - through a weak point or tear in the lower abdominal wall of yours. The resulting bulge of this common condition can be painful - especially when coughing, bending or lifting a heavy object. In many people, the abdominal wall weakness that leads to an inguinal hernia occurs at birth when the abdominal wall (peritoneum) does not close properly. Other inguinal hernias develop later in life when muscles weaken or deteriorate due to factors such as aging, strenuous physical activity or coughing that accompanies smoking.

The most common location for hernias is the groin (or inguinal) area. There are several reasons for this trend. First, there is a natural anatomical weakness in groin region which results from incomplete muscle coverage. Second, the upright posture of humans results in greater strength occurring in the lower abdomen, which increases the stress on these weaker tissues. The combination of these factors over time breaks the enlargement of tissues supporting an existing hole or lead to a tear resulting in a new hole.

Causes

It is often without apparent cause. heavy lifting, the effort at using the bathroom, constipation, excessive coughing or sneezing, vigorous exercise or sex may be contributory factors.Some people are more at risk of others, those with a family history of hernia, people with cystic fibrosis and those with an undescended testicle.

Although abdominal hernias can be present at birth, others develop later in life. Some involve pathways formed during fetal development, existing openings in the abdominal cavity, or areas of weakness in the abdominal wall.

Symptoms

Inguinal hernias appear as a bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum. The swelling may be more sensitive when the baby cries, and may get smaller or disappear when the baby relaxes. If your physician pushes gently on this bulge when the child is calm and lying, it will generally be smaller, or turn around in the abdomen.

When preparing baby boys, a hole in the abdomen allows the testicles to descend into the scrotum. In girls, a similar opening may exist even if the ovaries do not descend from the abdomen. Normally, this hole closes before birth. This results in a hernia when a bag protrudes through the opening and paving of the abdominal cavity.

Some inguinal hernias do not cause symptoms, and you do not know you have one until your doctor discovers during a routine medical examination. Often, however, you can see and feel the bulge created by the protruding intestine. The bulb is usually more obvious when you stand, especially if you cough or strain.

Treatment

Treatment is important to avoid a potentially serious condition called a strangulated hernia. Then the bulge through the muscle wall obstructs the flow of blood to the intestine or stopping the flow of intestinal contents leading to tissue death. An inguinal hernia can often be reduced, pushed up. If nonreducable then surgery is required, under general anesthesia. Usually done on a patient in the segment of intestine is placed back into the abdominal cavity and the muscles closed. A piece of plastic mesh is sometimes used to strengthen the weakened muscle area. A dry dressing protects the incision area a few days.