Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Reducing and controlling pain
• Method 2 of 3: Prevent further damage
• Method 3 of 3: Seek medical attention
• Tips
• Warnings

A hernia is caused by bulging internal organs, such as the intestines or stomach, pushing through an opening in muscles or the tissues that hold organs in place. They are most common in the abdomen, but can also occur in your thigh, belly button, or groin. They are often not painful and are especially noticeable as a soft bulge under your skin, but can sometimes grow and become more severe. If you experience pain and discomfort, you will likely need surgery to reverse the hernia. You should always see your doctor for an official diagnosis if you suspect a hernia and seek immediate medical attention if you have a fever, increased pain, constipation, or a hernia that changes color.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Reducing and controlling pain

1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve your discomfort. Aspirin and ibuprofen can work well to relieve some pain and swelling. Follow the recommended dosage on the package or bottle and do not exceed the recommended daily dose and limit. If you feel that your pain is not getting better or if you need more and more painkillers, then it is time to call your doctor.
   • If you are taking a blood thinner, always consult your doctor before buying painkillers. The doctor may want you to take something else so that it doesn't interfere with the blood thinner.

   Types of hernias: Almost all hernias will eventually require surgery, especially if they bulge or cause you a lot of pain. Some of the most common types of hernias are:

   
   

   Inguinal hernia: This type of hernia is in the groin area and usually affects men, although it can happen to women too.

   Femoral hernia: This hernia is around the top of your inner thigh, caused by part of your intestines pushing through your groin. These are most common in older women.

   Hiatal hernia: This hernia appears on your stomach when part of your stomach protrudes into your chest cavity.

   Umbilical hernia: This happens when tissue is pushed through your abdomen, near your belly button. It can affect infants as well as adults.

2. Avoid heartburn-inducing foods and large meals if you have a hiatal hernia. This is the only type of hernia that sometimes does not require surgery, especially if the symptoms can be controlled through diet and over-the-counter antacids. However, if your symptoms increase over time, surgery may be the best solution.
   • Eat several small meals over the course of the day instead of three larger ones. This will put less pressure on your stomach so that you feel more comfortable throughout the day.
   • Avoid caffeine, chocolate, garlic, tomatoes, and other fatty or fried foods that can trigger heartburn.
   • Do not lie down for a few hours after you have just eaten.
3. Relieve the discomfort of an inguinal hernia with a hernia band. A fracture band is a supportive undergarment designed to keep a hernia due to an inguinal hernia in place - it is a temporary solution to help relieve pain until you can have surgery. You can buy a fracture band online, but it is best to see your doctor to make sure it fits properly.
   • Most hernias will require surgery, but if your hernia is really small and is not causing pain, your doctor may be happy to wait and keep an eye on it.
   • Surgery may sound scary, but these procedures usually take less than an hour and should help relieve the pain quickly.
4. Eat a high-fiber diet to make bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Straining your muscles can make your hernia worse, and constipation can make things worse. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet and consider taking a fiber supplement to help your bowels move smoothly.
   • Oatmeal, nuts, beans, popcorn, chia seeds, and whole grains are also good fiber-rich choices.
5. Lose some weight to take the pressure off your belly. This can be useful for all types of hernias - the less extra weight you carry, the less strain your muscles will endure. Adjust your diet by eating lean protein and more fruits and vegetables, and do some light exercise every day to lose weight.
   • A hernia can be really uncomfortable and it can be hard for you to imagine that you can still exercise. Try to take a short 15-minute walk when you can, or go to the pool and swim laps. However, be careful with yourself so that the hernia is not further aggravated.

Method 2 of 3: Prevent further damage

1. Avoid lifting large or heavy objects that can strain your muscles. Instead of bending over from the waist to pick up heavy objects, bend your knees in a squat. Bring the object close to you and then straighten your legs to get up. Hold the heavy object at chest height and try not to twist too much.
   • You may be able to move heavy objects that you cannot lift yourself with a dolly. You clamp the bottom of the dolly under the object and then use your weight to pull the handle of the dolly to lift the object. From there you can drive the item anywhere you want it.
2. When you go to the toilet, relax so that you don't strain your groin area. This is a bit counterintuitive, but try not to put pressure during a bowel movement. Take your time and don't press too hard - instead, let your body work it out slowly, which may take a little longer than usual, but is kinder to your body and prevent further damage.
   • A high-fiber diet can help prevent hernias and also relieve discomfort, if you already have one.
   • Placing your feet on a short stool can also relax those muscles and help you make bowel movements easier.
   • Add a hot cup of coffee or tea to your morning routine. The heat and the caffeine can help get things moving.
3. Strengthen yourself abs to prevent future hernias. Weak muscles make it easier for your internal organs to break through the abdominal wall. The key to strengthening your core is to take it easy - too much pressure or exertion can lead to a hernia, so start slowly and stop exercises that cause pain.
   • Try to do three sets of 10 short crunches a day. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands behind your head. Use your abs to lift your shoulders 7-10 cm off the floor before gently lowering yourself back to the floor.
   • Do exercises in the pool for low resistance strength training. The support of the water makes it easier for you to exercise without straining your stomach. If you are not used to swimming or doing water exercises, start slowly and enjoy the water!
   • Take a beginner yoga class to gently stretch and strengthen your core muscles.
4. Stop smoking to improve lung health and prevent excessive coughing. There are many reasons to quit smoking and this can also help prevent hernias. Chronic coughing puts a strain on your muscles in both your stomach and groin, so start cutting back on your smoking habit or just quit smoking right away.
   • It can be extremely difficult to quit smoking. If you are having a hard time with it, talk to your doctor. It may help you make the transition easier.

Method 3 of 3: Seek medical attention

1. See your doctor for an official diagnosis before treating yourself. You will likely recognize the signs and symptoms of a hernia yourself, especially if it is a large hernia. It's easy to be misdiagnosed, though, so see your doctor to make sure you have a hernia. Your doctor will make a proper diagnosis so you can be sure you are getting the right treatment.
   • Your doctor will do a physical exam to check for a hernia. The area will be examined and the doctor may press on it with his hands.
   • In some cases, your doctor will have pictures taken to view the hernia.
2. Talk to your doctor or a pediatrician if your child develops an umbilical hernia. For babies and children under the age of five, you should always check with their doctor or pediatrician to see what they recommend. Often times, a fracture will close on its own in an infant over time, but if it hasn't gone away by the time the child is five years old, minor surgery may be necessary to fix it.
   • Umbilical hernias are common in babies and usually do not cause pain or discomfort to your child.
3. Let your doctor know if you have a hernia while you are pregnant. Due to the extra load on your body, hernias are quite common in pregnant women. If you suspect you have a hernia, talk to your doctor so he / she can check it.Your doctor will likely want to wait until after birth and recovery to treat the hernia if surgery is needed, but until then you and your baby should be as safe as possible.
   • Avoid heavy lifting as much as possible and make sure to eat a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation.
4. If your hernia looks dark red or purple, see your doctor as soon as possible. This could be a sign that your hernia is trapped. When this happens, your hernia cuts off the blood supply to part of your bowel and requires medical treatment. Go to the doctor for an examination as you may need emergency treatment.
   • Try your best not to worry or panic - a doctor will be able to fix the hernia.
5. Seek urgent help if you experience pain, nausea, vomiting, or blocked bowels. Sometimes a hernia can block part of your intestines. This means that your bowel movements can get stuck behind the hernia, causing pain, nausea, vomiting and bloating. You probably won't be able to release intestinal gas or have a bowel movement. If this happens, see your doctor or an emergency room as you will likely need medical treatment.
   • This is a treatable condition, although it can be really scary at the moment. As soon as you suspect a problem, get medical attention so that you can return to your normal routine as soon as possible.
6. Have surgery to correct your hernia and prevent future hernias. These procedures are generally quite short and you should be able to go home the same day. The surgeon usually makes a small incision near the hernia and pushes it back into place. The fracture is then sewn up and reinforced, so that there is less chance that another hernia will occur at that location.
   • Make sure you follow all recovery instructions after your surgery. You will need to take it slow and avoid doing heavy lifting for a while, and you will likely need to take painkillers as well.

Tips

• Try to get up to feel your hernia. You can sometimes even push it back on your own by gently massaging the area. Your doctor may also be able to do this for you.

Warnings

• Without surgery, some hernias simply get bigger. You should always see your doctor if you have a hernia.
• If you experience nausea, vomiting, fever, increased pain, constipation, or discoloration of your hernia, call your doctor or group practice immediately.