Hernias are very common, a lot of people have them, and they sometimes do not even notice since many hernias can be present without causing any pain or discomfort. Young people can have hernias caused by birth defects, and in some cases, they are due to a sudden movement or pull. Hernias are caused by the muscular tissue that surrounds a muscle that tears apart and lets an organ go out a little bit so that it protrudes.
When this happens, there are several ways to ease whatever discomfort the patient may feel, for more serious cases there are surgical options, but for many people, there are several grocare
that can be followed.
Types of hernias
According to the area where the organ protrudes the name of a hernia is going to change:
- An inguinal hernia.
- A femoral hernia.
- An umbilical hernia.
- An incisional hernia.
- An epigastric hernia.
- A hiatal hernia.
Inguinal and femoral hernias are two of the most common. Both occur in the abdominal area, but one is lower than the other.
Causes of hernias
Several movements can be associated with causing a hernia. Some of this is more prone to develop than others and also if the person does not exercise regularly, there are more chances of developing hernias because the abdominal walls are not strong enough to be held in place and they allow parts of the organ to go out and protrude.
Among the causes of hernias we may find:
Age (again related to weak muscular tissue), damage from a previous surgery (since scars can be loosely done and tear apart), being pregnant (because pressure on the stomach increases and it can be too much for the abdominal walls) and birth defects (in some cases there are holes or weakness that can lead to a hernia).
From these causes, we can infer that people who suffer from obesity or are overweight are at risk of suffering from this condition. Babies can also suffer from hernias in their umbilical area. This can be prevented in some cases by using a soft cloth to wrap the baby’s belly.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of hernias is a pain, irritation, and discomfort in the corresponding area. Especially when lifting heavy objects, coughing and bending. Depending on the area affected by the hernia symptoms may include acid reflux, chest pain and difficulty swallowing.
Most hernias can be diagnosed after a physical examination. The doctor may touch several parts of your body until they detect the bulge created by a hernia. In some cases, X-rays and ultrasounds can be used to detect this forms inside the abdominal walls.
Treatment for hernias
Most hernias can be treated locally to ease the pain and diminish discomfort. In some cases, there are ways of inserting hernias back into their original and correct position by massaging them and reinserting the organ with the fingers. This is something that has to be done carefully and that only applies when a hernia is small enough to be inserted manually.
More difficult cases cannot be inserted manually and have to be diagnosed and treated by surgeons.
One of the natural alternatives is to change your diet. The intake of lighter meals will ease the heavy job of the abdominal walls; reducing your weight and exercising regularly can also help because the muscles will gain more strength and will be able to hold organs in place.
Medication can also help when the patient suffers from a hiatal hernia; over-the-counter drugs that fight acid reflux can relieve symptoms. If these symptoms are not treated the main consequence will be the increasing pain of the patient.
How to prevent hernias
Many people have found a way to reduce the amount of pressure and stress that your body has to endure. Besides this, there are several ways to improve your quality of life if you have hernias, remember not to smoke and keep a healthy body, try not to lift heavy objects and bend your knees if you are going to try it anyway.
Remember, these pieces of advice are not mandatory and you have to remember that checking with your family doctor is always the best first option.