Hernias
Some time ago I noticed I had a lump in my groin which disappeared when I lay down. I've been told it's something called an inguinal hernia, but I thought hernias were something to do with your stomach? Can you explain what sort of hernia I have?
A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ bulges through muscles into a neighbouring cavity. In the case of a hiatus hernia, the upper part of the stomach moves through the large muscle called the diaphragm which divides the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity. An inguinal hernia occurs when a section of the bowel slips through the muscles and protrudes to form a bulge or lump in the groin.
Other common sites for hernias are through the navel (umbilical hernia); through old surgical incisions (incisional hernias); near the natural openings in the groin (inguinal hernia); and near the femoral artery (femoral hernia).
Sometimes tension on the hernia can cause a sharp pain which fades when the hernia is no longer under pressure. Others may experience an intermittent burning sensation around the site of the hernia.
I used to work as a bricklayer. Had my job anything to do with me getting a hernia?
Hernias develop for many different reasons, but inguinal hernias can happen as a result of heavy lifting. They can also occur because you are overweight, while hernias in babies or children are usually the result of a congenital problem.
Apart from surgery, is there anything I can do to help the problem?
The most important thing is to avoid activities that increase the pressure inside the abdominal cavity. The treatment of choice for an inguinal hernia is surgery.