Hernia is one of the most common, yet dangerous medical conditions. It refers to the formation of a bulge in the abdomen or groin. Due to the location of affected area, people are often hesitant to visit the doctor or talk to someone and tend to ignore it. However, a hernia doesn’t heal by itself and not ensuring timely treatment is only going to make it worse. With an aim to increase awareness and remove the taboo about the condition, doctors at Nayati Healthcare answer the most frequently asked questions about hernia:
What causes a hernia?
A tear in the abdominal muscle wall is the primary cause of hernia. Due to this opening, the inner lining sticks out similar to a torn vehicle tire. As the inner lining sticks out, it forms a pouch. In addition, the bulge felt by the person is a result of a loop of intestine entering the pouch via the wall tear.
Common causes of hernia include:
· Straining
· Cystic fibrosis
· Persistent cough
· Smoking
· Heavy lifting
· Obesity
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
Experts at Nayati Healthcare state that in most of the cases, hernia looks like a small, painless swelling which disappears on lying down. However, if the bulge like swelling doesn’t go in after applying minor pressure and feels firm, it could be a complicated hernia. Other symptoms that a person is likely to experience include:
· Pain
· Vomiting
· Heartburn
· Nausea
Are there any types in hernia?
There are five major types of hernia:
· Inguinal – Accounts for major cases of Groin hernia
· Umbilical – Through the abdominal wall near navel
· Femoral – In the canal carrying femoral artery into upper thigh
· Hiatal – Upper stomach bulges through the large muscle separating your abdomen and chest
· Incisional – Through a previous abdominal surgery body site
What is the treatment for hernia?
Hernia usually requires a surgery, be it open surgical or laparoscopic. However, here are some other ways which can minimize the cause of hernia:
· Quit smoking
· Avoid heavy meals
· Start regular exercise
· OTC Medicines
Is there any way to prevent it?
The best way to prevent Hernia is being extra careful while you put any kind of strain on your body as the condition is primarily caused due to muscle weakness. Some other measures include:
· Maintaining BMI
· Do not ignore prolonged cough
· Don’t stress your back much
· Be careful while lifting heavy objects
The writer is a Surgeon and HOD of GI, MAS & Bariatric Surgery Department at Nayati Medicity, Mathura
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