Symptoms, Treatment & When to See a Doctor

If you notice a new lump, pain, or even acid reflux, and wonder if it is a hernia, you are not alone. Hernias are common, but not all of them are dangerous. Some cause mild discomfort, while others require rapid medical treatment.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common types – so you can understand what might be happening, know when to see a doctor, and get the right treatment to feel better.

Easier Hernias to Treat

Hiatus Hernia

This hernia develops when the tissue in the abdominal cavity is pushed up into the chest. You may not even realize that you have a hiatal hernia. When symptoms do appear, they are often heartburn or reflux – annoying but not life-threatening. Medication, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery can help.

Umbilical Hernia

These tend to appear near the navel. Some children are born with them, and they go away by themselves. Adults can also get umbilical hernias. Unless they are large or painful, this is usually not a big problem.

Hernias That Catch Your Attention

Inguinal Hernia

This is what often comes to mind when you think of a hernia. It was a bulge in the groin. Inguinal hernias can be painful, pulling, or heavy, especially if you lift something.

As Aaron Sachs, MD, a surgeon at UVA Health who specializes in hernia repair, says: “The most common way a hernia appears is simply a mass in the groin.”

Usually, an inguinal hernia is not an emergency, but it also cannot be cured on its own. Surgery to repair a hernia is usually the right solution.

Femoral Hernia

Femoral hernias appear in the upper thigh area, and occur more often in women than men. This hernia may be hidden and is not always painful at first.

Sachs notes that because of their anatomy, “women in general are more likely to experience complications.”

Femoral hernias are more risky than inguinal hernias. They are more likely to get stuck and cause problems. That’s why your doctor will likely recommend repairing this type of hernia quickly.

Hernia Serious Business

Incisional Hernia

If you’ve had abdominal surgery in the past, you may get one of these along your old scars. Incisional hernias can grow over time, pulling on the stomach and causing discomfort.

You may need surgery if you have an incisional hernia because these hernias are rarely small.

Cullen Carter, MD, a surgeon at UVA Health who specializes in abdominal surgery, including hernia repair, warns: “Incisional hernia repair will be more complicated because there is a lot of scar tissue associated with previous surgery, so the risks are higher.”

Epigastric Hernia

This hernia develops in the upper abdominal area. They can cause pain if the tissue becomes trapped. This disease also tends to get worse over time. Although it is not usually an emergency, it is best not to ignore this type of hernia.

Strangulated hernia

A strangulated hernia is not actually a type of hernia, but is a complication. Any hernia can become strangulated if the blood supply is cut off. When this happens, the pain can be very intense, and it is considered a medical emergency.

“Strangulation means the intestines are losing their blood supply, and dying or dying,” explains Carter.

If you suddenly experience severe pain, nausea, or a discolored hernia, you need to seek treatment immediately.

Types of Hernias: The Bottom Line

Not all hernias are created equal. Some are more troublesome. Others are dangerous and require immediate treatment. The key is to know the signs, listen to your body, and not wait too long to see a doctor.