Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Each organ in the human body resides in a hollow space called a "cavity." A hernia occurs when an organ exits its cavity. The illness is usually not life-threatening and sometimes goes away on its own. Usually a hernia occurs in the abdominal cavity (anywhere between the chest and hip), with 75% -80% of cases occurring in the groin area. The risk of a hernia increases with age, and surgery becomes more risky as you get older. There are many types of hernias, each requiring a different treatment method, so it is important to be informed.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Recognize the symptoms

1. 

   Evaluate your risk factors. A hernia can happen to anyone, but there are a number of factors that put you at higher risk. It could be chronic or progressive over time - severe coughing, for example. Risk factors for a hernia include:
   • Increased pressure on the abdomen
   • Cough
   • Lift and lift heavy objects
   • Constipation
   • Pregnant
   • Fat
   • Old
   • Smoking
   • Use steroids

2. 

   
   
   Watch out for protrusions on the body. A hernia is a defect of the muscles that contain organs. Due to this defect, the organ is ejected and causes a hernia. When the organ exits, it creates a swollen area or bulge in the skin. A hernia usually gets bigger when you stand or when you stretch your muscles. The location of the swollen area depends on the type of hernia. The terms for hernias also denote the location or cause of the hernia.
   • Inguinal herniation - Occurs in the groin area (between the hip bone and perineum) or in the groin.
   • Umbilical Hernia (umbilical) - Occurs around the navel
   • Femoral herniation - Occurs along the inner thigh
   • Incisional herniation - Occurs when a previous surgical incision forms weak spots in the muscles that contain the organ.
   • Diaphragmatic or a hiatal hernia - Occurs when there is a birth defect in the diaphragm.

3. 

   
   
   Watch out for vomiting. If the hernia affects the gut, it can alter or even block the flow of food through the digestive system. This can fill the intestines and lead to nausea and vomiting. If the intestines are not completely blocked, there may be milder symptoms such as nausea, but no vomiting or decreased appetite.

4. 

   
   
   Watch for constipation. You may experience constipation in cases of inguinal hernia or thigh herniation. In essence, constipation is the exact opposite of vomiting. You can become constipated when the flow of waste is blocked - waste stays inside instead of being discharged. This symptom, of course, requires immediate surgical intervention.
   • A hernia can be very serious if it interferes with the body's functions needed for survival. You should see a doctor quickly when constipated.

5. 

   Don't let go of an unusual feeling. Many people with a hernia are painless or have severe or obvious symptoms. But they may feel heavy or full in the affected area, especially in the abdomen. You may think that due to gas. If there is nothing more, you will notice that your abdomen has a feeling of fullness, weakness, or a feeling of vague pressure. This "flatulence" can get better when you rest in a leaning position.

6. 

   Monitor pain levels. Although not always, pain is a sign of a hernia - especially if there are complications. Inflammation can cause a burning sensation or a throbbing pain. The cumulative pressure can cause severe pain, a symptom that the herniated mass has touched the muscle wall. Pain affects hernias at different stages as follows:
   • Irreducible hernia: Hernia cannot return to normal, but grows bigger and bigger; you may experience pain from time to time.
   • Strangulated hernia: The organ has lost its blood supply and can die quickly if it is not treated. You will experience much pain with nausea, vomiting, fever, and difficulty with bowel movements. This case requires emergency surgery.
   • Hiatal hernia: The stomach bulges out of the cavity and causes chest pain. This condition also affects the flow of food, causing acid reflux and difficulty swallowing.
   • Untreated hernia: An untreated hernia is usually painless and asymptomatic, but if left untreated can cause pain and other health problems.

7. 

   Know when to see a doctor. All cases of a hernia have the potential to become dangerous. If you suspect that you have a hernia, you need to see a doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible. Your doctor will determine if you have a hernia and discuss the severity and options for your treatment with you.
   • If you know I have a hernia and feel sudden pain in the affected area, go to the emergency room immediately. Hernia can be "choked" and have a dangerous blood supply cut off.
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Part 2 of 4: Understanding risk factors

1. 

   Take into account the gender factor. Men are usually more likely to develop a hernia than women. According to many studies, even congenital hernia - common in newborn babies - occurs in boys for the most part. This is also true for adults. The higher risk of hernias in men may be explained by the association with undescended testicles. Normally, the testicles in boys usually move down the scrotum through the groin before birth. The groin containing the ligaments that connect to the testicles is usually closed after a baby is born. However, in some cases, the groin is not properly closed and creates the risk of a hernia.

2. 

   Consider family history. If someone in your family has a history of a hernia, you are also at greater risk of a hernia. Some genetic disorders affect muscles and connective tissues, making you more susceptible to a hernia. Remember that this genetic ability only affects genetic defects. In general, at present, it is still unclear about the genotype associated with hernias.
   • If you yourself have a history of hernia, your risk of a hernia will be higher in the future.

3. 

   Consider lung condition. Cystic fibrosis (a deadly lung disease) causes thick mucous nodes to appear filled in the lungs. Patients suffer from a chronic cough as the body tries to push the mucus out. The increased pressure due to cough is a risk factor for a hernia. This type of cough puts a lot of pressure on the lungs, causing the muscle walls to damage. The patient will experience pain and discomfort while coughing.
   • Smokers are also at an increased risk of developing a chronic cough and are more likely to have a hernia.

4. 

   Pay attention to chronic constipation. Constipation forces you to stretch your abdominal muscles when you have a bowel movement. If your abdominal muscles are weak and under constant pressure, you are at higher risk of developing a hernia.
   • Muscle weakness is often caused by poor nutrition, lack of exercise and old age.
   • Exertion when urinating also puts you at risk of a hernia.

5. 

   Understand that you are at risk of a hernia during pregnancy. Growing up in the uterus puts increased pressure in the abdomen. Increased abdominal weight is also a factor in the development of a hernia.
   • Preterm babies are also at risk of a hernia because their muscles and tissues are not yet fully developed and solid.
   • Genital defects in babies can pose a risk of a hernia. These defects can include abnormal position of the urethra, fluid retention in the testicles, and sexual ambiguity (the child's genitals have features of both sexes).

6. 

   Try to maintain a healthy weight. People who are obese and overweight are more likely to develop a hernia. Like pregnant women, an enlarged abdomen increases intra-abdominal pressure and exerts an effect on weak muscles. You should start planning for weight loss now if you are overweight.
   • Note that sudden and heavy weight loss caused by a harsh diet will also weaken muscles and cause a hernia. If you do lose weight, you also need to lose it slowly in a healthy way.

7. 

   Think about whether your career was the culprit. You are at higher risk of a hernia if your job requires long standing and heavy exertion. Some people who are susceptible to occupational hernias include construction workers, salesmen, carpenters, etc. If you are in these occupations, talk to your employer. You may be assigned a different position with less risk of a hernia. advertisement

Part 3 of 4: Determining the herniation pattern

1. 

   Understand how a doctor diagnoses a hernia. During a physical exam, your doctor will ask you to get up. When the doctor examines the swollen area, you will be asked to cough, tighten muscles or move to the best of your ability. The doctor will assess flexibility and movement in the suspected hernia site. After the assessment, your doctor will be able to diagnose if you have a hernia and what type of herniation is.

2. 

   
   
   Recognize the type of inguinal hernia. This is the most common type of hernia, and occurs when the bowel or bladder pushes the lower abdominal wall down the groin and groin. In men, the groin canal contains ligaments that connect to the testicles, and herniation often occurs due to a natural weakness in the tube. In women, the groin contains ligaments that help to keep the uterus in place. There are two types of inguinal hernias: direct hernia, and the more common one is the indirect hernia.
   • Direct inguinal hernia: Place finger on the inguinal canal - the fold along the pelvis, where it meets the legs. You will feel a protruding mass towards the front of the body; This bulge will enlarge when coughing.
   • Indirect inguinal hernia: When you touch the inguinal canal, you will see a bulging bulge from the outside and into the body (from the side to the center). This mass can also move towards the scrotum.

3. 

   
   
   Suspected slit hernia in people over 50 years old. A herniation occurs when the upper part of the stomach exits through the opening in the diaphragm and into the chest. However, this type of hernia usually occurs in people over 50 years old.If a child has a slot herniation, it's probably a birth defect.
   • The diaphragm is a thin layer of muscle that helps with breathing. This muscle is also responsible for separating the organs in the abdomen and in the chest.
   • This type of hernia causes a burning sensation in the stomach, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.

4. 

   
   
   Observe umbilical hernia in infants. Although it may develop later, umbilical hernia often occurs in infants and infants less than 6 months of age. This occurs when the intestines are pushed out of the abdominal wall around the navel. The bulge will be more obvious when the baby cries.
   • In the case of an umbilical hernia, you should see a bulge in the umbilical region.
   • Umbilical hernia usually goes away on its own. However, the hernia may require surgery if it persists until the child is 5 to 6 years old, is very large, or causes symptoms.
   • Note about the size; Small hernia masses of about 1.25 cm may go away on their own. Large hernia requires surgery.

5. 

   Be careful with post-surgical herniation. The surgical incision takes time to heal and heal. It also takes time for the surrounding muscles to regain firmness. A incision herniation occurs when an organ's tissues escape through the incision before it heals. This usually occurs in the elderly and overweight people.
   • Use your fingers to press gently but firmly near the incision site. You can feel a bulge nearby.

6. 

   Recognize a femoral hernia in women. Although the thigh herniation can occur in both sexes, the majority of cases occur in women because females typically have a wider pelvis. In the pelvis, there is a duct of the arteries, veins, and nerves to the inner upper thigh. The tube is normally still narrow, but it usually gets bigger when a woman is pregnant or obese. When dilated, the tube becomes weak and prone to a hernia. advertisement

Part 4 of 4: Treatment of a hernia

1. 

   Immediately let your doctor know when acute pain occurs. When hernia symptoms come on suddenly, the first thing your doctor will do is manage your pain. In the case of a blocked herniation, the doctor will probably first try to push the hernia into its original position. This can reduce acute inflammation and swelling and prolong the time for elective (non-urgent) surgery. A blocked herniation requires urgent surgery to save the tissue cells from dying and the organ tissue from puncturing.

2. 

   Consider doing elective surgery. Even if the hernia is not extremely dangerous, your doctor may recommend surgery before it becomes more serious. Studies have shown that pre-surgery significantly reduces morbidity and mortality rates.

3. 

   Know the possibilities. Depending on the type of hernia and the individual patient's condition, the likelihood of hernia recurrence may vary.
   • Inguinal hernia (children): This type of hernia has a low recurrence, less than 3% after surgical treatment. Sometimes the disease goes away on its own in infants.
   • Inguinal hernia (adult): Depending on the experience of the surgeon, the likelihood of recurrence after surgery can range from 0-10%.
   • Surgical herniation: About 3% -5% of patients will have herniation again after the first surgery. If the herniation of the incision is larger, this rate can be up to 20% -60%.
   • Umbilical herniation (childhood): This type of hernia usually resolves spontaneously.
   • Umbilical hernia (adult): The likelihood of recurrence of umbilical hernia in adults is higher. Usually this rate is up to 11% after surgery.
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Advice

• Avoid lifting heavy objects, coughing violently, or leaning forward if you suspect you have a hernia.

Warning

• See your doctor as soon as you think you have a hernia. This illness can quickly become a very serious problem. Signs of a stuffy hernia include nausea, vomiting or both, fever, heart palpitations, sudden pain that quickly becomes severe, or a dark purple or red bulge.
• Emergency hernia surgery often has a lower survival rate and higher morbidity than elective surgery.