English 4 MIN READ 1351 VIEWS June 15, 2023

Hernia: Types, Causes and Treatment Options

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

A hernia occurs when part of your insides bulges through an opening or weakness in the muscle or tissue that contains it. Most hernias involve one of your abdominal organs pushing through one of the walls of your abdominal cavity. It could show up as an odd protrusion that changes in appearance according on the activity or position. It may or may not cause symptoms associated with pain or discomfort. 

Causes of Hernia

  • Increased Pressure: Excessive pressure within the abdomen can push your organs through weak spots in the muscle wall, creating a bulge. This pressure can arise from:
  • Heavy Lifting: Straining during lifting or strenuous exercise can put immense pressure on your abdominal muscles.
  • Obesity: Carrying excess weight increases abdominal pressure over time, making you more susceptible to hernias.
  • Chronic Coughing or Constipation: Persistent coughing or straining during bowel movements can also contribute to increased abdominal pressure.
  • Pregnancy: As the uterus grows during pregnancy, it puts pressure on the abdominal wall, particularly in the groin area, increasing the risk of inguinal hernias.

Remedies For Hernia 

Although there isn’t a real treatment for hernias other than surgery, there are ways to control symptoms and possibly stop them from getting worse:

  1. Lifestyle Adjustments

Weight Watchers: Carrying too much weight strains your abdominal wall, causing your hernia to protrude. Aim for a healthy weight by engaging in both activity and a balanced food.

Lift Lightly: Hernias can be made worse by heavy lifting. To prevent excessive strain, use smaller weights and give appropriate lifting techniques priority.

Control your chronic cough and constipation: These ailments exacerbate the symptoms of a hernia by raising abdominal pressure. Seek medical guidance to address the underlying problems and manage them.

2. Assistive Interventions

Accept the Truss: By applying light pressure, a hernia truss helps to keep your hernia contained and less painful. For advice and appropriate fitting, speak with your physician.

Ice It Down: Applying cold compresses to your hernia may help lessen pain and swelling. Several times a day, wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to the afflicted area for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Nutritional Dos and Don’ts

Boost Your Fibre Intake: Consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can assist your hernia by regulating bowel motions and reducing straining. Try to get 25–35 grams of fiber every day.

Hydration: Be cautious about maintaining your fluid intake! Water helps protect your kidneys, so drink lots of it every day. It also keeps your stool smooth and prevents constipation, which lessens the strain on your hernia. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Exercise Regularly: Consider gentle yoga or pilates. These exercises can strengthen your core muscles and improve posture, potentially providing additional support for your hernia.

Remember, these are just helpful tools, not replacements for medical care. If you suspect you have a hernia, consulting a doctor for diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery.

Types of Hernia 

Inguinal Hernia

First, inguinal hernias are the most prevalent kind. It happens when the intestine pushes through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall or generally tears it apart. Your groin contains the inguinal canal. The region where the spermatic cord exits the abdomen and enters the scrotum is prevalent in men. The testicles are where it attaches. A ligament known as the round ligament is found in the inguinal canal of females and aids in keeping the uterus in place.

Men are more likely to get inguinal hernias causes because the testicles pass through the inguinal canal soon after birth. 

Hernia in the Hiatus

A hiatal types of  hernia happens when a portion of your stomach pushes up into your chest cavity through the diaphragm. A strip of muscle called the diaphragm contracts to force air into your lungs, assisting with breathing. It divides your abdominal organs from your chest organs.

The majority of cases of this kind of hernia occur in adults over 50. In most cases, a congenital birth abnormality is the source of the ailment in children.

Hernia Ventral 

A ventral type arises when tissue bulges through an opening in the muscles of your abdomen. If you have a ventral, can observe that it gets smaller when you’re lying down.

A ventral is more often acquired throughout a person’s lifetime, while it can occur from birth. Pregnancy, extreme physical activity, and obesity are common causes of hernia symptoms.

Surgical incision sites are another location where ventral can develop. surgery scarring or weakness of the abdominal muscles at the surgery site can cause this condition, known as an incisional hernia. 

Conclusion 

Thus, seek medical advice before things worsen. Surgery will likely be needed to fix one. You’ll be in good company since you’ll be among the most common surgery patients in the world.

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