A hernia may start as a small, painless bulge — but if ignored, it can grow into a serious health problem.
In simple terms, a hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall, creating a visible swelling.
“Most hernias don’t heal on their own — timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid complications,” explains Dr. Rajeev Kapoor, senior gastrointestinal and cancer surgeon in Chandigarh.
1️⃣ What Exactly Is a Hernia?
Our abdominal wall is made of layers of muscles and connective tissues that hold organs in place.
When this wall weakens due to age, strain, or surgery, internal tissue can protrude through — forming a hernia.
Common Types of Hernia
| Type | Location | Common in |
| Inguinal Hernia | Groin area | Men (most common type) |
| Umbilical Hernia | Around the navel | Infants, obese adults |
| Incisional Hernia | Through a previous surgical scar | Post-operative patients |
| Hiatal Hernia | Upper stomach, near diaphragm | Adults over 40 yrs |
| Femoral Hernia | Upper thigh/groin crease | Women (less common) |
2️⃣ Why Do Hernias Occur?
Several lifestyle and medical factors contribute to hernia formation:
- Chronic coughing or sneezing (COPD, allergies)
- Heavy lifting without core support
- Long-term constipation and straining during bowel movements
- Obesity or sudden weight gain
- Previous abdominal surgery or trauma
- Pregnancy (increases abdominal pressure)
“A hernia doesn’t appear overnight — it’s a slow weakening process accelerated by daily strain,” says Dr. Kapoor.
3️⃣ Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
While some hernias cause minimal discomfort initially, others may signal urgent attention.
Watch out for:
- A visible bulge that increases when coughing or standing
- Dull ache or burning sensation in the affected area
- Pain while bending or lifting
- Nausea, vomiting, or bloating (in complicated hernias)
- Inability to push the bulge back in (a sign of incarceration)
⚠️ Emergency Alert: If the hernia becomes hard, painful, and you experience vomiting or abdominal distension, it may have become strangulated — cutting off blood supply to the tissue. This requires immediate surgery.
4️⃣ When to Seek Medical Help
Consult a specialist if:
- The bulge is growing in size
- Pain increases with activity
- You have digestive discomfort or pressure
- You previously had abdominal surgery and feel a new swelling near the scar
“Many people delay treatment out of fear of surgery. Modern laparoscopic techniques now make hernia repair nearly painless and day-care based,” notes Dr. Kapoor.
5️⃣ Treatment Options
a. Conservative Management
In rare, small, or asymptomatic cases, a “watchful waiting” approach may be advised. However, the defect itself never heals naturally — only surgery provides a lasting cure.
b. Surgical Treatment
The two main options are:
- Open Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy): Traditional method where the defect is reinforced with sutures or mesh.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: A keyhole procedure using tiny incisions and camera-guided instruments.
- Less pain
- Minimal scarring
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
“Laparoscopic repair offers excellent outcomes with very low recurrence rates when performed by experienced surgeons,” emphasizes Dr. Kapoor.
6️⃣ Prevention Tips for a Healthy Abdomen
✅ Maintain healthy body weight
✅ Avoid heavy lifting or use proper technique
✅ Treat chronic cough or constipation early
✅ Include protein-rich foods to strengthen muscles
✅ Quit smoking — it impairs tissue healing
Conclusion
A hernia may seem harmless initially, but it’s a condition that needs expert evaluation. Early consultation prevents complications and ensures better recovery outcomes.
If you notice a persistent bulge or abdominal discomfort, don’t delay — book an appointment with Dr. Rajeev Kapoor, one of Chandigarh’s most trusted specialists in hernia and gastrointestinal surgeries.
