You might have commonly heard of the term “hernia.” Hernia is a bulge in the body that occurs when a part of the body protrudes through the muscle or tissues surrounding it.
Most people have only heard about hernias that affect the abdomen or groin areas. But did you know that hernias can also affect your lungs? Yes, some people can also have lung hernia, commonly called Sibson hernia.
This article discusses what a sibson hernia is, along with its cause, symptoms, and treatments. Continue reading to learn more about them.
What is Sibson hernia?
Sibson hernia, or lung hernia, is a hernia that occurs in your lung cavity. It is the condition where the hernia protrudes outside of the thoracic wall.
Sibson hernia is very rare and can either be caused by congenital or external trauma. Lung hernias are often not life-threatening and don’t need immediate medical intervention. They are easier to locate, diagnose, and treat than other hernias.
Sibson hernia causes
According to studies, the chances of a person getting this type of hernia can be due to two factors.
Congenital hernia (Hernia since birth)
Almost 20% of patients get lung hernia due to congenital factors. They can be caused if the neck muscles or suprapleural membrane (Sibson’s fascia) is weak. This condition is very rare; fewer than one in five cases have been reported.
Hernia caused by external factors
When it comes to Sibson hernia, almost 80% of patients get them as a result of chest trauma, thoracic surgeries, or some pulmonary diseases like frequent coughs, asthma, etc. Frequent asthma or coughs can cause intra-thoracic pressure, forcing the lung to poke out of the thoracic cavity.
Below are some areas of the body where you can get Sibson hernia.
- Between the ribs (intercostal)
- Near the neck (cervical)
- Near the vertebrae (para vertebral)
- Near the sternum (parasternal)
Sibson hernia symptoms
Sibson hernia can be both symptomatic and asymptomatic. Below are some symptoms one can experience with Sibson hernia.
- A visible protrusion between the ribs or near the neck.
- For some, the hernia will be more prominent when they sough or put strain on the lungs.
- Some patients might have a chronic cough, dysphagia (having trouble swallowing), or neuropathic pain (nerve pain).
People with no visible hernia symptoms (asymptomatic) need to get a Chest X-ray to identify the issue. A physical examination like the Valsalva maneuver can also be done to identify the hernia.
These tests are often done for another reason, and hernias are only found after performing the test. since these examinations require experts to consult it is essential for the patients to know which Doctor to consult for Hernia
Sibson hernia treatment
The majority of lung hernias are asymptomatic with low incarceration risks. So, surgical repair are very uncommon. The patients can be treated with some bed rest, cough suppressants, analgesic pain medications, and other basic treatments.
If the patient has a severe lung hernia, a surgical procedure can be performed either in an open or thoracoscopic manner.
Conclusion
Lung hernia is not a very serious issue. But it is best not to be careless about it and seek medical help immediately. You can seek an expert Hernia Surgeon in your area to consult and treat the issue.
FAQ'S
The majority of lung hernias are asymptomatic with low incarceration risks. So, surgical repair are very uncommon. The patients can be treated with bed rest, cough suppressants, analgesic pain medications, and other basic treatments.
If the patient has a severe lung hernia, a surgical procedure can be performed either in an open or thoracoscopic manner.
Lung hernia or sibson hernia is very rare and can either be caused by congenital or external trauma. Lung hernias are often not life-threatening and don’t need immediate medical intervention. They are easier to locate, diagnose, and treat than other hernias.
People with no visible hernia symptoms (asymptomatic) need to get a Chest X-ray to identify the issue. A physical examination like the Valsalva maneuver can also be done to identify the hernia. These tests are often done for another reason, and hernias are only found after performing the test.
