Content

• Steps

A hernia can occur in many parts of the body. This can also be painful and uncomfortable. This is because when there is a hernia, organs in the body compress the surrounding tissues or muscles. A hernia can occur in the abdomen, around the navel, the groin (thigh or groin), or in the stomach. If you have a slit hernia, you may experience hyperacidity or acid reflux. Luckily, you can manage pain at home and make lifestyle changes to reduce the discomfort associated with a hernia.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Treating pain caused by a hernia at home

1. 

   Apply an ice pack. If the discomfort is mild, apply an ice pack to the herniated area for 10-15 minutes. You can do this once or twice daily after consulting your doctor. Ice packs can reduce swelling and inflammation.
   • Never apply ice or ice packs directly to the skin. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth or towel before applying it to your skin. This will prevent damage to the skin tissues.

2. 

   
   
   Take medicine to control pain. If the pain is moderate, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain relief. Always follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions.
   • If you find yourself dependent on over-the-counter pain relievers for more than a week, you should check with your doctor. You may be prescribed stronger pain relievers by your doctor.

3. 

   
   
   Take medicine to treat acid reflux. If you have a cleft (gastric) hernia, you may experience an increase in acid secretion, also known as acid reflux. You can take antacids and over-the-counter medications to help reduce your acid production, and prescription drugs like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) help reduce acid production in your stomach.
   • If your acid reflux symptoms don't improve within a few days, you should see your doctor. If left untreated, acid reflux can seriously damage the esophagus. Your doctor may prescribe medication for you to treat acid reflux and heal your digestive organs.

4. 

   
   
   Use a support tool or belt. In the case of an inguinal (groin) hernia, you may need to wear a special aid that can help relieve pain. Talk to your doctor about wearing a brace like supportive underwear. You can also wear a straps or brace to keep the hernia in place. To put on a splint, lie down and wrap a belt or splint around the herniation so that it fits properly.
   • Straps should only be worn for a short time. Know that these belts cannot help you heal a hernia.

5. 

   Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional medical method that helps regulate meridians in the body by inserting thin needles into special acupuncture points. You can control the pain caused by hernias by stimulating the pressure points, which can provide pain relief. Look for an acupuncturist who is certified and experienced in relieving pain from a hernia.
   • Acupuncture can relieve the pain, but you still need medical treatment to treat the hernia.

6. 

   See your doctor right away if you experience severe pain. If you suspect you have a hernia, feel an unusual mass in your abdomen or groin, or have increased acid secretion or heartburn, make an appointment with your doctor. Most hernias can be diagnosed by a doctor by examining their symptoms and examining them. If you have seen your doctor but your symptoms have not improved after a week, contact your doctor to see you again.
   • If you have unusual pain and have been diagnosed with abdominal wall herniation, inguinal hernia, or thigh herniation, call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room promptly - pain could be an emergency sign.

7. 

   Surgery. While you can control the pain from a hernia at home, you are still not able to cure the hernia. Ask your doctor about surgical options to push the protruding muscles into the correct position. The surgeon can also perform a less invasive procedure by making small incisions to cure the hernia with a synthetic fiber mesh.
   • If the hernia is not often uncomfortable, and the doctor finds that the hernia is small in size, you may not need surgery.
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Part 2 of 3: Lifestyle changes

1. 

   Eat fewer meals. If you have heartburn or a hernia, you need to reduce the pressure on your stomach. You can do this by eating small portions with each meal. You should also eat slowly so that your stomach can digest the food faster and easier. This can also reduce pressure on the already weakened esophageal sphincter.
   • Try to eat 2-3 hours before bedtime. This will prevent food from putting pressure on the stomach muscles while you are trying to fall asleep.
   • You may also need to make changes in your diet to reduce excess acid in your stomach. Avoid fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, onions, tomatoes, and citrus.

2. 

   Reduce pressure on the abdominal wall. Wear clothing that does not fit tightly against the stomach or stomach wall. Avoid wearing tight clothing or belts. Instead, choose a loose shirt at the waist. If you are using a belt, you should adjust it so that it does not tighten on the waist.
   • If you constrict your stomach or abdominal wall, your hernia may come back and the hyperacidity will get worse. The acid in the stomach can be pushed back into the esophagus.

3. 

   Weight loss. If you're overweight, you are putting more pressure on your stomach and abdominal muscles. This pressure can increase the risk of creating more hernias, in addition to causing the acid in the stomach to be pushed back into the esophagus. This can cause acid reflux and increase acid secretion.
   • Try to lose weight gradually. Aim to lose no more than 0.5-1 kg per week. Consult with your doctor about modifying your diet and exercise program.

4. 

   Exercise for vital organs. Since you shouldn't lift heavy objects or stretch your muscles, try to do exercises that strengthen and support your muscles. Hold your back and try one of the following stretches:
   • Raise your knees so your legs are slightly bent. Place a pillow between your legs and press the thigh muscles against it. Relax your muscles and repeat this 10 times.
   • Keep your hands on your ribs and lift your knees up from the floor. Use both feet for air cycling. Continue this movement until you feel the tension in the abdominal muscles.
   • Lift your knees so your legs are slightly bent. Place your hands behind your head and bend your upper body at a 30 degree angle. The upper body will move closer to the knee. Hold this position and carefully get back on the floor. You can repeat it 15 times.

5. 

   Stop smoking. If you have acid reflux, try to stop smoking. Smoking can increase stomach acid and make acid reflux worse. Furthermore, if you are going to have surgery to treat a hernia, your doctor will advise you to quit smoking several months before surgery.
   • Smoking will make it harder for the body to recover from surgery, and may increase blood pressure during surgery. Smoking also increases the risk of a hernia recurrence and post-operative infection.
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Part 3 of 3: Using herbal remedies

1. 

   Use litchi plants. This plant (classified as a grass) is often used in folklore to reduce swelling and pain. Rub essential vegetable oil over the area that is sore from the hernia. You can also buy a supplement that contains a vegetable extract to drink. Always follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions.
   • Studies have proven that the plant has anti-inflammatory effects. This herb also helps prevent infection.

2. 

   Drink herbal tea. If you experience nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux from a hernia, drink ginger tea. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and calming agent. Soak ginger tea bags or cut a sprig of fresh ginger. Soak fresh ginger in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Ginger tea is especially helpful when taken 30 minutes before meals. Ginger tea is also safe for pregnant and lactating women.
   • Consider drinking cumin tea to soothe your stomach and reduce stomach acid. Crush a teaspoon of fennel seeds and soak in a cup of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups per day.
   • You can also drink water-soluble mustard powder or drink chamomile tea. The above herbs all have anti-inflammatory effects and can soothe the stomach by reducing acidity.

3. 

   Drink licorice. Look for licorice in the form of chewable tablets. Licorice has been shown to help heal the stomach while also controlling hyperacidity. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Usually the dosage is 2-3 tablets every 4-6 hours.
   • Note that licorice root can cause potassium deficiency in the body, leading to an arrhythmia. Consult your doctor if you are consuming large amounts of licorice or taking it for more than 2 weeks.
   • Slippery elm is another herbal supplement that you can try in liquid or pill form. This herb coats and soothes irritated tissues, making it safe for pregnant women.

4. 

   Drink apple cider vinegar. If you have severe acid reflux, you can try apple cider vinegar. Some believe that excess acidity causes the body to decrease acid production during a process called reverse inhibition, although this still needs further research. Mix 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with 180 ml of water and drink. If you like, you can add a little honey to make it easier to drink.
   • A variation of this therapy is lemon juice. You just need to mix a few teaspoons of lemon juice and add water to taste. If you want, you can add more honey. Drink before, during and after meals.

5. 

   Drink aloe juice. Choose aloe juice (without gel) and drink ½ cup. While you can sip aloe vera juice all day, limit your daily intake to 1-2 cups. This is because aloe has a laxative effect.
   • Studies have shown that aloe syrup can treat acid reflux symptoms by reducing inflammation and neutralizing stomach acid.
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