8 Tips for Preventing a Hernia

What is Hernia?

An organ or tissue that protrudes through the wall of the cavity that usually houses it is known as a hernia, a medical condition. Normally, this cavity would contain the organ or tissue.

Types of Hernia:

• Inguinal Hernia: This type of hernia develops when a segment of the intestine pokes through a tear or weak spot in the muscle of the abdominal wall close to the groyne. Males are more frequently affected than females by this type of hernia, which is the most common type.
• Femoral Hernia: This type of hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area near the top of the thigh just below the groyne, where the femoral artery passes from the abdomen into the leg. 
• Umbilical Hernia: When a section of the intestine pokes through a tear or weak spot close to the navel, this type of hernia forms (belly button). It is very common in newborns, but it can also affect adults, particularly pregnant women and those who are obese or have had multiple pregnancies.
• Incisional Hernia: This kind of hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weak spot where a surgery cut was made. This usually happens after abdominal surgery. It can be caused by too much strain on the surgical site during recovery, including lifting heavy objects too soon after surgery or coughing vigorously.
• Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, the muscle dividing the chest from the abdomen, into the chest cavity.

What are the signs and symptoms of Hernia?

• A bulge or lump in the abdomen or groyne area: Hernias often appear as a bulge that can be felt in the groyne area, abdomen, or at the site of a former surgical incision.
• Pain and discomfort: Depending on its size and location, a hernia can cause pain or discomfort. This is usually worse when you cough, stand up, or strain.
• A burning sensation near the bulge: You may feel a burning sensation near the bulge caused by hernia when you move around or when you press down on it.
• Weakness in the abdominal wall: Signs of a hernia include weakness in the abdominal wall. Because of this, you may find it difficult to carry out physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy objects.
• Feeling of nausea: You may also experience nausea, vomiting, and general fatigue due to hernias if they go untreated for long periods of time.

What are possible complications of Hernia?

• Incarcerated hernia: During a hernia, the contents of the abdomen may become stuck in the weakened area of muscle. Consequences include discomfort, infection, and even tissue death.
• Strangulation: When the hernia becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into place, it can cut off the blood supply to the organ or tissue in the abdomen. Acute pain, nausea, and vomiting may result from this.
• Bowel obstruction: When a hernia becomes large enough, it can block off part of the intestines or other organs in the body, leading to difficulty passing gas or stool and abdominal pain.
• Inflammation: Hernias may cause inflammation in surrounding tissue or organs due to pressure from the hernia itself or due to infection caused by bacteria entering through a weak area of muscle or skin near the hernia site.
• Other Complications: Hernias may also lead to fertility issues due to damage sustained by reproductive organs during surgery to repair a hernia or due to blockages caused by large hernias that press on reproductive organs like testicles or ovaries.

8 Tips for Preventing a Hernia

• Drink plenty of warm water: Warm water helps to keep the digestive system healthy and reduce the risk of hernia.
• Eat a balanced diet: A diet high in fruits and vegetables can help prevent hernias.
• Maintain a healthy weight: It is crucial to keep your weight in check since being overweight or obese increases the chance of having a hernia.
• Take herbal supplements: Certain herbs like ashwagandha, ginger, and turmeric may help reduce inflammation in the body and promote healing from existing hernias as well as reducing the risk for developing them in the future.
• Use castor oil packs: Castor oil packs are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain associated with existing hernias as well as helping to prevent them from occurring in the first place..
• Practice yoga and meditation: Regular practice of yoga and meditation helps improve relaxation and reduce stress levels in the body which can help prevent hernia development.
• Herbal remedies: Herbal remedies like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) etc., can be taken as advised by an Ayurvedic practitioner to strengthen the abdominal muscles and reduce risk of hernia development.
• Panchkarma: By cleaning the body once in a year through panchakarma would prevent from Hernia and other diseases.

If none of the aforementioned remedies are effective, you may have to think about having surgery.

What are the surgical treatments for Hernia?

• Open Hernia Repair: An incision is made in the region of the hernia, and then the weakening tissue or muscle wall is repaired during this sort of hernia surgery, which is the most frequent type of hernia surgery.
• Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: This type of surgery is less invasive than open hernia repair and involves the insertion of tiny instruments and a camera into the abdomen through small incisions made in the skin. The surgeon then repairs the hernia using sutures or mesh and closes up any tissue layers that may be affected.
• Robotic Hernia Repair: This type of surgery uses a robotic-assisted device to perform laparoscopic hernia repair, allowing for more precise and controlled movements during surgery and faster recovery times compared to traditional open repair techniques.
• Mesh Repair: This type of hernia repair involves placing a synthetic mesh material over the weakened area of tissue or muscle wall, providing additional support and helping to prevent future recurrences of the hernia.

Best doctors to consult for Hernia?

• General Surgeon: With a hernia, a general surgeon is the best specialist to see.They specialise in performing surgeries for hernias, and can provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition, as well as its treatment options.
• Urologist: Urologists are medical professionals who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases that affect the urinary system and the reproductive organs of men. Although they don't perform hernia surgeries, they can provide insight into the urinary tract's role in hernia growth and development, as well as potential treatments for it.
• Gastroenterologist: Gastroenterologists specialises in diseases and conditions affecting the digestive system. They can provide insight into how hernias may be impacting digestion, as well as potential treatments for them.
• Family Physician: Family physicians are general practitioners who can provide primary care services to individuals with hernias, including diagnosis and treatment recommendations.