
Hernia FAQs: A Comprehensive Patient Guide
What is HERNIA?
A hernia happens when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue called fascia, noticed by the patient as a bulge which initially grows bigger on standing or on straining and disappear partly or fully on lying down.
The most common types of hernias occur in the abdomen, but they can also appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin areas.
Some key points about hernias:
Types of Hernias:
- Inguinal or groin Hernia: The most common type, occurring in the inner groin.
- Femoral Hernia: Occurs in the outer groin and is more common in women.
- Incisional Hernia: Can occur through a scar if you’ve had abdominal surgery.
- Umbilical Hernia: Commoner in newborns, it appears around the belly button.
- Hiatus Hernia: Occurs when part of your stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm.
- Other not so common varieties: Epigastric Hernia, Spigellian Hernia, Lumbar Hernia.
Symptoms:
- A noticeable bulge or lump in the affected area.
- Pain or discomfort, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting.
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the abdomen.
- If it gets complicated: severe pain and swelling if the hernia becomes obstructed, incarcerated or strangulated, which are surgical emergencies.
Causes:
- Muscle weakness and strain.
- Congenital conditions that are present from birth.
- Aging, injury, or surgery.
- Chronic coughing, heavy lifting, or obesity.
Diagnosis:
- By clinical examination by a doctor.
- Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI if necessary.
Treatment:
- Watchful Waiting: If the hernia is small and not causing symptoms, a doctor might recommend monitoring it for some hernias
- Lifestyle Changes: Losing weight, eating smaller meals, and avoiding heavy lifting can help manage some symptoms.
- Medications: For hiatal hernias, medications that reduce stomach acid can relieve symptoms.
- Surgery: The definitive and most common management for hernias , particularly that are painful or enlarging. Surgical options include open hernia repair or laparoscopic surgery.
Prevention:
- Avoid obesity.
- Take high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and straining.
- Avoid smoking, as it can lead to chronic coughing and damage to connective tissue.
If you suspect you have a hernia, it’s important to consult a surgeon for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Schedule your consultation today!
Call: 98300 20547
Dr. Tapan Mukherjee is available at below hospitals :
- Charnock Hospital
- ILS Hospitals, Dumdum
- ILS Hospitals, Salt lake
- DD Ten , Salt lake
- Neotia Bhagirathi, New Town
- Uma Medical