A hernia develops when one of your organs pushes through an opening of tissue or muscle that holds your organ in place. Hernias often occur in the abdomen, but can also occur in the groin, belly button, or upper thigh. Hernias are not typically life-threatening but will not go away without some sort of treatment. Contact our hernia specialist Los Angeles for a consultation or to schedule an appointment.

Causes

Hernias occur when there is a combination of strain and muscle weakness. A hernia may develop over a long period of time or very quickly depending on what caused it. Common muscle weakness causes include:

  • Age
  • Chronic coughing
  • When the abdominal wall did not properly close in the womb (congenital defect)
  • Damage from surgery or other types of injury

When your muscles are weak, factors that strain your body and cause a hernia include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Heavyweight lifting
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Constipation
  • Persistent coughing
  • Surgery
  • Abdominal fluid

Symptoms

The most obvious and common symptom of a hernia is a lump or bulge around the affected area. When you have an inguinal hernia, you may have a bulge on one side of the pubic bone. You’re likely to feel your hernia when bending over, coughing, or standing up. Some other common hernia symptoms include:

  • Weakness
  • Pressure
  • A feeling of heaviness
  • Aching, gurgling, or burning sensation around the bulge
  • Acid Reflux
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chest Pain

Treatment

As with most conditions, hernia treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the size of your hernia. There are three common options that your hernia specialist Los Angeles will recommend, such as:

  • Lifestyle changes – Making dietary changes will help alleviate symptoms, but it won’t make your hernia disappear. It is still important not to consume heavy or large meals and to avoid bending over or lying down after a meal. There are also several exercises that will help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hernia.
  • There are some nonprescription and prescription medications you can take if you have a hiatal hernia that will reduce stomach acid and in turn will improve your symptoms.
  • If your hernia is causing pain and growing larger, you may need surgery. A hernia can be repaired by sewing the hole in your abdomen closed either through open or laparoscopic surgery.

Visit our hernia specialist Los Angeles by calling our medical facility at (213) 386-2511 or scheduling an appointment online.