K40-K46: Hernia

Hernias, as classified in the K40-K46 range, are a group of conditions primarily characterized by the displacement of an organ or tissue through the wall of its normal cavity. This commonly happens due to weakness in a muscle or tissue wall where the protrusion can occur. Hernias can happen in various bodily regions including the inguinal (groin) area, femoral area, umbilicus (navel), and abdomen, among others. Typically, hernias are not contagious as they result from certain risk factors such as aging, chronic coughing, heavy lifting, or straining from constipation or childbirth. Often, the main symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area, which might be painless at first but could lead to discomfort or severe pain over time. Along with the discomfort, a sudden increase in the size of the bulge, or symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, may indicate a serious condition like strangulation, where the blood supply to the protruded tissue gets obstructed. In such cases, urgent medical intervention is necessary to prevent tissue damage and complications.