Some types of hernia, such as hiatal hernias, can have more specific symptoms. These can include heartburn , trouble swallowing , and chest pain. In many cases, hernias have no symptoms. Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time. The only way to effectively treat a hernia is through surgical repair.
Whether or not you need surgery depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may want to simply monitor your hernia for possible complications.
This approach is called watchful waiting. In some cases, wearing a truss may help to ease the symptoms of a hernia. A truss is a supportive undergarment that helps to hold the hernia in place. Always see your doctor to make sure that a truss fits properly before using it. If you have a hiatal hernia, over-the-counter OTC and prescription medications that reduce stomach acid can relieve your discomfort and improve symptoms.
These include antacids , H2 receptor blockers , and proton pump inhibitors. To diagnose your condition, your doctor will first perform a physical examination. During this examination, the doctor may feel for a bulge in your abdominal or groin area that gets larger when you stand, cough, or strain. Your doctor will then take your medical history. They may ask you a variety of questions, including:. If your doctor suspects a hiatal hernia, they may use other tests that allow them to assess the inside of your stomach:.
Increasing your fiber intake may help relieve constipation. Constipation can cause straining during bowel movements, which can aggravate a hernia. Some examples of high fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Dietary changes can also help with the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. To prevent acid reflux, avoid foods that may cause it , such as spicy foods and tomato-based foods. Additionally, giving up cigarettes may also help, if you smoke.
Exercise may work to strengthen muscles around the hernia and promote weight loss, helping reduce some symptoms. A study from investigated the effects of an exercise program on people with obesity who were undergoing ventral hernia repair surgery. The people who completed the exercise program had fewer complications following surgery. Remember that some types of exercise, such as weightlifting or exercises that strain the abdomen, may increase pressure at the area of the hernia.
This may actually cause the hernia to bulge more. The same is true for exercises that are done improperly. They can work closely with you to let you know which exercises are best for you and how to perform them properly to prevent irritating your hernia. A doctor can assess your hernia and determine the best treatment option. Early medical care and lifestyle changes can minimize symptoms. However, surgery is the only way to effectively treat a hernia.
There are different types of hernia repair surgeries, and a surgeon can advise on which one is right for your condition. The outlook for people who undergo hernia repair surgery is generally very good. However, it can depend on the nature of the hernia, your symptoms, and your overall health. In some cases, the hernia may recur after repair surgery. If the hernia causes an extra hole in your abdominal wall, they may repair your hernia by sewing the hole in the abdominal wall closed during surgery.
This is commonly done by patching the hole with surgical mesh. For example, this can occur in the space where the esophagus is meant to pass through the diaphragm. In these cases, surgery can be performed to tighten the opening.
Hernias can be repaired with either open or laparoscopic surgery. During open surgery, the surgeon makes an incision close to the site of the hernia, and then pushes the bulging tissue back into the abdomen. They then sew the area shut, sometimes reinforcing it with surgical mesh. Finally, they close the incision. Laparoscopic surgery uses a tiny camera and miniaturized surgical equipment to repair the hernia. It only requires a few small incisions and is less damaging to the surrounding tissue.
Not all hernias are suitable for laparoscopic surgery. If your hernia requires an open surgical repair, your surgeon will work with you to determine which technique is best for your condition.
This can cause severe pain, nausea and constipation. An untreated hernia can also put excessive pressure in surrounding tissues. If the trapped area of intestines doesn't get enough blood, strangulation might be caused. This can be life-threatening and therefore a doctor's help must be sought. Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter. Get the Latest health news , healthy diet, weight loss, Yoga, and fitness tips, more updates on Times Now.
Visit www. Follow us on :. By Abhilash Mahajan. Updated Oct 17, IST. Hernias in most cases are not immediately life-threatening but it does require treatment. Read on to know about some home remedies to get relief from a hernia.
Key Highlights A combination of muscle weakness and strain trigger hernia. One of the most common symptoms of a hernia is a lump or bulge generated in the affected part of the body.
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Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. This decision aid is not for parents of infants and children who have inguinal hernias. Infants and children always need surgery to repair a hernia because of the increased risk of incarceration and strangulation.
An inguinal hernia say "IN-gwuh-nul HER-nee-uh" occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in your groin muscle. This causes a bulge in the groin, scrotum, or labia.
The bulge may hurt or burn, or it may not hurt at all. Many doctors recommend surgery because it can prevent a rare but serious problem called strangulation. This occurs when a loop of intestine or a piece of fatty tissue is trapped in a hernia and the blood supply is cut off, which kills the tissue.
Repairing the hernia can also relieve the symptoms of pain and discomfort and make the bulge go away. The hernia won't heal on its own. If your hernia does not bother you, most likely you can wait to have surgery. Your hernia may get worse, but it may not. Over time, hernias tend to get bigger as the muscle wall of the belly gets weaker and more tissue bulges through.
It can take up to 4 weeks after open hernia surgery before you can begin normal strenuous activities. If you have laparoscopic surgery, you may recover sooner. A synthetic patch or mesh may be used to repair your hernia. Patch use is becoming widespread in repairing hernias in adults. A patch may strengthen your abdominal wall, reduce your discomfort after surgery, and reduce the chance that your hernia repair will have to be done again. Talk with your doctor before wearing a corset or truss for a hernia.
These devices are not recommended for treating hernias and sometimes can do more harm than good. There may be certain cases when your doctor thinks a truss would work, but these are rare. These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers.
They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. I work on a loading dock and often have to lift heavy boxes for my job. One day I noticed a tender bulge in my groin that became more and more painful on the job.
My doctor said I had an inguinal hernia. I decided to have surgery to repair it, because I just couldn't work anymore with the hernia.
My inguinal hernia does not bother me much. So I could live with it. But it makes a big bulge, and I don't like the way it looks. So I decided to have surgery to have it repaired and make the bulge go away. Over the last few years I had gotten overweight. So I went on a crash diet to lose the extra weight fast. Afterward I got a cold and coughed a lot. Later I noticed a small bulge in my groin area that hadn't been there before. My doctor said it was an inguinal hernia and showed me how to push it back into my belly.
Although I could have surgery to repair it, I decided to wait to see if it gets worse. I have a hernia and I am pregnant. It bothers me some, but I have decided to wait until after my baby is born to have the hernia repaired. I just think there is too great a chance of harm to my baby from the anesthesia and surgery to have the hernia repaired before delivery. Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts.
Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. My hernia is keeping me from doing daily activities or from returning to work. I want to have the hernia repaired while my insurance or worker's compensation will help cover the costs. I will be traveling to an area where health care may not be available, so I want to take care of this now.
I have no plans to travel to places where health care may not be available. Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
One reason for me to have surgery for my inguinal hernia is to prevent a rare but serious problem called strangulation. I need surgery even though my hernia is small and doesn't bother me. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E.
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