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About Reducible Hernias

A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes through a section of the abdominal wall that has been weakened. Usually these organs are intestines or fatty tissues in the abdomen. There are a variety of different types of hernias that a person can experience. Read on to find out more about reducible hernias.

  1. What is a Reducible Hernia?

    • An inguinal hernia that is described as "reducible" if the hernia can be pushed back into place in the abdomen gently when a person lies down. If the hernia can't be pushed back into place gently, it is referred to as "irreducible." Inguinal hernias occur in the groin, and account for about 75 percent of all hernias in the abdominal wall, according to emedicinehealth.net.

    Causes of a Hernia

    • Abdominal hernias can either be present in babies at birth, as a result of openings formed while the fetus is developing, or develop in adults later on in life due to weaknesses in the abdominal cavity that progress as people age. Lifting heavy objects, coughing, having chronic lung disease, being obese, straining while using the bathroom and having fluid in the abdominal cavity can also lead to hernias, or cause a present hernia to get worse.

    Symptoms of Reducible Hernias

    • When people have inguinal hernias, they tend to experience slight aching pains in their lower abdomens and groins, which tend to worsen towards the end of the day or when a person stands for long periods of time. In reducible hernias, a person may discover a new lump in the groin or areas of the abdominal wall, which may ache but won't be tender if it is touched. The person may also notice that that lump gets larger when she stands, coughs or lifts heavy objects, and that it can also be pushed back into the abdomen.

    Treating Reducible Hernias

    • Treatment of hernias can differ depending on if they are reducible or irreducible. For reducible hernias, it is generally recommended that they be surgically repaired to prevent future complications with the intestines, such as intestinal strangulation. Some reducible hernias may be treated with abdominal binders, rather than surgery, if the hernias are very large.

    Considerations: Taking Care when a Hernia Appears

    • People who have hernias--reducible or irreducible--should take extra care to avoid participating in particular activities that may cause further strain to the hernia. According to emedicinehealth.com, any activity that puts extra pressure on the abdomen, such as lifting heavy weights or straining when lifting heavy groceries, should be avoided to prevent complications.

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