There are different types of abdominal hernia or abdominal-wall hernia. Inguinal or groin hernia is the most common type of hernia and it makes up about 75% of all abdominal hernia cases. This type of hernia occurs 25 times more in women compared to men and it could be direct or indirect. Indirect inguinal hernias follow the pathway followed by the testicles during the fetal development, meaning from the abdomen towards the scrotum. Direct inguinal hernias occur towards the inside of where indirect hernia occurs and it rarely protrudes into scrotums. Direct inguinal hernias, unlike indirect inguinal hernias which occur at any age, occur in the elderly and the middle-aged because the older you grow, the weaker you abdominal walls get. Another type of abdominal hernia is femoral hernia. This gets its name from the femoral canal which is the path used by the femoral artery, nerve and vein to leave the abdominal cavity towards the thigh. Although this type of hernia usually occurs in the thigh, it can extend to the abdomen and allow intestines and other abdominal contents to protrude.
Yet another type of abdominal hernia is umbilical hernia: This type of hernia is basically the protrusion of the umbilicus or the bellybutton and it is noticeable from birth. This type of hernia occurs when the openings in the abdominal wall which are supposed to closes before birth do not close completely. This type of hernia is usually small and it can heal itself by the time the kid is 2 years old, but larger hernias require surgery before the age of 4. Incisional hernia is caused by abdominal surgeries which cause flaws in the abdominal wall. This happens in between 2% and 10% of abdominal surgeries and some people at a greater risk than others. Hiatal hernias occur when the top of stomach roll or slide up into the diaphragm opening (which is used by the esophagus) and becomes stuck.
Spigelian hernia is a rare type of abdominal hernia and it occurs along rectus abdominus muscle's edge. Obturator hernia is also rare and it is common in women. This type of hernia protrudes through obturator foramen or pelvic bone from the pelvic cavity. Yet another type of abdominal hernia is epigastric hernia which occurs between the rib cage (lower part) and the navel. This type of hernia is usually composed of fatty tissue and very rarely does it contain intestine.
It is important that you understand abdominal hernia symptoms as this will help you seek treatment in good time. Hernias occur when body cavity contents bulge out from where they are contained. These contents are usually abdominal fatty tissues and intestines. It therefore follows that one of the most common symptoms of hiatal hernia and other hernias is the bulging of the part with the hernia. Other common symptoms of abdominal hernia include heartburn which worsens when lying down or bending over or after eating, regurgitation or backflow of stomach contents, vomiting, gastric reflux, bitter or sour taste in the mouth, belching frequently, frequent hiccups, chest pain from the breastbone/sternum, abdominal discomfort, gas, pain and discomfort in the stomach and the esophagus, coughing, and difficulty swallowing. Note that 50% of all sufferers do not experience any symptoms of abdominal hernia.
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This article touched the basics of the topic. I have 2 more resources related to the above. They are abdominal hernia symptoms and symptoms of hiatal hernia . Do consider reading them.
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