Hernias happen when an organ protrudes through an opening in the tissue that is there to hold it in place. An example of this would be the intestines breaking through a weakened abdominal wall.
By Brooke Chaplan
Hernias most commonly occur in the abdomen between the hips and the chest but have been known to affect the groin and upper thigh areas, as well.
Hernia Causes
The condition is caused by strain and muscle weakness. They can develop suddenly, or over a long stretch of time. Obesity, congenital disorders, and a family history of hernias can contribute.
Hernia Symptoms
The most recognizable symptom of a hernia is a bulge in the area affected. This lump will also tend to disappear when you are lying down but will be more prominent when you are bending over, standing, or coughing.
In addition to discomfort and pain near the bulge, some specific types of hernias cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Sometimes, however, hernias have no symptoms and show up unexpectedly during routine exams.
Hernia Treatment
One effective method of treating a hernia is surgery. However, your doctor will decide if hernia repair is necessary depending on the size and severity of your hernia. For example, if there is an extra hole in your abdominal wall caused by the hernia, a surgeon can sew it closed before there is further damage.
Sometimes, symptom management may be enough, though, such as wearing a truss, a supportive undergarment that holds a hernia in place, or taking medications, over-the-counter or prescription, to relieve the pain and reduce the production of stomach acid.
There are also home remedies to consider that can ease symptoms, such as changing your diet. Increasing fiber relieves constipation, and avoiding heavy foods and meals is easier on your stomach in general. Healthier eating also keeps your weight in a moderate range. And, you should avoid spicy and acid-based foods that can lead to acid reflux.
Another sure way to combat discomfort is to give up smoking.
Exercise also promotes weight loss while strengthening the muscles surrounding the hernia, relieving the pain. Just note that activity that strains the abdomen, like weightlifting, can increase the abdominal pressure, causing a hernia to bulge more.
In conclusion, it is extremely important to recognize hernia symptoms as they appear and make an appointment with your doctor if you suspect you have one. A hernia will not heal by itself, and it can cause life-threatening complications. So, it is best to see your doctor and he or she can advise you of treatment options.
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