Don’t Let a Hernia Slow You Down! Get the Facts and Find the Right Treatment
Hernias are common, and they can be caused by a lot of things. But let us understand what it is exactly. Well, a hernia is a bulge or protrusion in the wall of the abdomen or intestine. Most hernias occur in the lower part of the stomach or the small intestine. They can be very painful and can cause bowel obstruction. They can also occur in the abdomen, the chest, or the pelvis. It happens to an injury, a tumor, or a congenital condition. When a hernia occurs, tissues from the inside of the body push through the opening in the skin. Hernias are classified by their location and severity.
Hernia types: what are they?
There are several types of hernias, including:
- Inguinal hernia: The inguinal canal is a passageway for the spermatic cord and blood vessels leading to the testicles in men. It is the round ligament that supports the womb in women’s inguinal canals. The inguinal hernia occurs when fatty tissue or intestine pokes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. It affects men more often than women and is the most common type of hernia.
- Femoral hernia: At the top of the inner thigh, fatty tissue or part of the intestine protrudes into the groin. Inguinal hernias are more common and affect mainly older women than femoral hernias.
- Umbilical hernia: An intestine or fatty tissue pushes through the belly button near the navel.
- Hiatal (hiatus) hernia: By openings in the diaphragm (the horizontal muscle sheet that separates the chest from the abdomen), part of the stomach pushes into the chest cavity.
Diagnosis: How do you know if you have a hernia?
If you’ve been experiencing pain in your abdomen, you may be having a hernia. There are several ways to diagnose a hernia, and depending on the severity, you may need surgery to repair it. The most common way is to perform a physical exam on the patient. In some cases, a hernia may be diagnosed based on imaging studies such as an abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography scan. Other tests that may diagnose a hernia include a blood test to measure levels of certain proteins in the blood, a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the abdomen, or a biopsy of the tissue surrounding the hernia. It can also happen due to the following reasons:
- Overuse of the abdominal muscles
- This can happen when you lift heavy objects, do physical activity, or when have a lot of bowel movements.
- Weak abdominal muscles
- This can happen if you have an illness, are elderly, or are pregnant.
- A tear in the wall of the intestine
- This can happen when you eat a lot of hard or crunchy foods, drink alcohol, or do a lot of exercise.
Symptoms of hernias: what are they?
The most common symptom of a hernia is pain in the groin, although other symptoms may also occur. A hernia can cause local pain or it can be general pain. In most cases, the pain is worse when the person exercises or when they do activities that require a lot of movement. Below are the various symptoms:
- An enlargement of the testicles or groin (the pouch that contains them).
- There is increased pain at the bulge site.
- Experiencing pain while lifting.
- A gradual increase in the size of the bulge.
- An aching sensation that lasts for a long time.
- Symptoms of bowel obstruction or a feeling of fullness.
Hernias in babies: what do they look like?
Hernias in babies are common and usually harmless. Most hernias will close on their own by the time the child is 1-2 years old. The most common type of hernia in babies is an inguinal hernia. This type of hernia occurs when a baby’s intestines protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias are usually not painful and often go away on their own. There are several home remedies that can help relieve discomfort and speed healing. These include placing a cold compress on the area, giving the child a pacifier to suck on, and elevating the affected area.
Hernia treatment options: what are they?
There are several treatment options for hernia, but the most common is surgery. Surgery is the best option for hernias that are severe or recurrent. Surgery is usually the best option for most cases, but there are other options that may be suitable depending on the hernia.
There are also a number of nonsurgical treatments available, including exercise and medications. Sometimes, you can fix a hernia with surgery alone.
The various types of surgeries for treatment
- Open surgery: In open surgery, the hernia is removed by making a cut in the body. In this procedure, the protruding tissue is stitched back into place and the weakened muscle wall is repaired. Extra support may be provided by implanting mesh in the area.
- Laparoscopic surgery: Laparoscopic surgery involves the same type of repair. To insert surgical tools, the doctor makes tiny incisions in the abdomen or groin instead of a cut to the outside.
- Robotic surgery: Like laparoscopic surgery, robotic hernia repair is performed with small incisions using a laparoscope. The surgeon performs robotic surgery from a console in the operating room, from which he or she controls the surgical instruments. In addition to treating hernias and weak areas of the abdominal wall, you can also use robotic surgery for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall.
Hernia remedies at home: what are they?
There are several home remedies for hernia, including rest, ice, and ibuprofen. You can place ice on the hernia for pain relief and to reduce swelling. Also, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain. You can also drink hot liquids to reduce pain and inflammation.
Some people also recommend drinking warm liquids or eating hot foods to relieve pain. You can also try stretching exercises or compression bandages. See a doctor if you experience pain for more than a few days.
Some popular remedies include over-the-counter painkillers and drinking lots of fluids. However, these remedies are not always effective and may cause more harm than good. It’s important to consult with a doctor if you’re experiencing pain or if the hernia is severe or recurrent.
When a hernia occurs during pregnancy, what are the consequences?
Hernias during pregnancy are also common. Pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing hernias due to the increase in abdominal pressure from the growing baby. Pregnancy and hernias are often related. Many women experience an abdominal hernia during pregnancy as the baby grows and puts pressure on the abdomen. Hernias can also occur after childbirth when the abdominal muscles are stretched and weakened. There are several things you can do to help prevent hernias during pregnancy, including avoiding constipation, coughing and sneezing properly, and avoiding heavy lifting.
Hernia risks and complications: what are they?
Hernias can cause severe pain and discomfort. If the hernia becomes complicated, the blood supply to the tissue is cut off and the tissue can die. The situation requires immediate surgical intervention as it is a medical emergency. Hernias can lead to serious complications, such as obstruction of the intestine, which can cause vomiting and severe pain. If the blood supply to the intestine is cut off, it gives rise to gangrene and death. Hernias can also cause serious infections. If you have a hernia, it is important to see a doctor so you can treat it before complications develop.
In the end,
After surgery, your healthcare team will likely consult with you, especially if you received a prescription pain medication. During your recovery, ask your doctor or nurse any questions you have about hernia. The surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up appointment for you. After your procedure, you will have a follow-up appointment a week or two later. You should contact your doctor if you feel bloated, run a fever, or have pain in the surgery area.
