Abdominal hernia
Abdominal Hernia
An Abdominal Hernia (pronunciation: /æbˈdɒmɪnəl ˈhɜːrnɪə/) is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an opening in the abdomen.
Etymology
The term "hernia" is derived from the Latin word "hernia", which means "a rupture". "Abdominal" is derived from the Latin "abdomen", which means "belly".
Definition
An Abdominal Hernia is a type of hernia that occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue called fascia. The most common types of abdominal hernias are inguinal, incisional, femoral, umbilical, and hiatal.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an abdominal hernia can vary depending on the type and severity of the hernia, but they often include a noticeable lump or swelling in the abdomen, pain or discomfort, and in some cases, nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
Causes
Abdominal hernias are typically caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. This can be due to aging, damage from an injury or surgery, pregnancy, or conditions that increase pressure in the abdomen such as constipation or chronic coughing.
Treatment
Treatment for an abdominal hernia may include lifestyle changes, medication, or in more severe cases, surgery. The type of surgery will depend on the type and severity of the hernia, but it may involve repairing the hernia with stitches, mesh, or both.
Related Terms
- Hernia
- Inguinal hernia
- Incisional hernia
- Femoral hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Hiatal hernia
- Fascia
- Constipation
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