A hernia in the stomach occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue called fascia. The abdomen is covered in layers of muscle and strong tissue that help protect internal organs. A hernia is a gap in this muscular wall that allows the contents inside the abdomen to protrude outward. There are different types of hernias, but the most common hernias occur in the belly or groin areas.
Symptoms of an abdominal or groin hernia may include a noticeable bulge along with pain, and it can be dangerous if a piece of bowel or intestine pushes through, which can lead to an obstruction or infection that requires emergency surgery. If you have a ventral hernia in the belly area, you may see or feel a bulge along the outer surface of the abdomen. Typically, patients with ventral hernias describe mild pain, aching, or a pressure sensation at the site of the hernia. The discomfort worsens with any activity that puts a strain on the abdomen, such as heavy lifting, running, or bearing down during bowel movements.
An umbilical hernia occurs when fat or part of the intestine pushes through muscle near the belly button. They’re more common in newborns, especially in those born earlier than expected and babies under 6 months old. But adults can get them, too. Women are more likely than men to get an umbilical hernia. Your chances are also higher if you are overweight, have been pregnant more than once, or have a lot of belly fluid.
A hiatal hernia involves your diaphragm, the sheet of muscle that separates your chest from your belly. Your esophagus runs from your throat to your stomach and passes through an opening in the diaphragm. With a hiatal hernia, part of the stomach bulges up through this opening and into the chest.
It is important to call your doctor if you suspect you have a hernia. A doctor typically can see or feel a bulge from a hernia during a physical exam, but some cases might require a CT scan, ultrasound, or other imaging to diagnose the condition accurately.
