Did you know a hernia is one of the most common reasons for surgery in the United States? Hernias develop when there is a weakness in the abdominal wall, allowing the intestine to push through.

A small bulge in the lower abdomen is often the first sign of a hernia – you may notice it only when you stand up, cough, jump or strain. That’s because these activities increase the pressure within your abdomen and that increased pressure can make a part of your intestine pop out of an area of weakness. You might notice that when you lie down, the bulge may go away.

Dr. Nchang Azefor, a general surgeon with Fauquier Health Northern Virginia Surgical Specialists, explains “When you look at an old tire and you see a bulge on the sidewall – there’s a weakness in the wall of the tire and the air is pushing out to create the bulge. It’s the same concept for a hernia. If you have a weakness in your abdominal muscles, your intestine may push through and create a hernia.”

If you think you may have a hernia, it’s important to see your doctor about it. If a hernia is large or painful, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair the hernia. “It’s a relatively straightforward procedure,” says Dr. Azefor. “If the intestines get incarcerated or trapped, it can lead to strangulation, which is a medical emergency. If it becomes strangulated, that means the blood supply may get cut off and the intestine could become injured.” Symptoms of incarceration and strangulation may include severe pain that doesn’t go away, nausea and vomiting.

“Recovery time varies depending on the patient, but generally patients recover quickly when minimally invasive procedures are used,” says Dr. Azefor. “The important thing for people to know is that if they notice changes in their abdomen, they should visit their doctor.

To find a healthcare provider, search here