A hernia occurs when there is a gap or a hole in the wall of the abdomen or any other muscular areas for that matter, through which an organ or any other tissue pushes through.

Hernias are common and most aren't serious, but complications can occur. You have many doubts about hernia.

But don’t worry. Chennai Gastro Care is here to solve the queries for you.

Causes of Hernia

This can occur due to a combination of factors, including: Slower blood circulation as a result of problems such as aging, injury or surgery.

Preliminary studies reveal that intense pressure within the belly is from coughing, straining or lifting something heavy, genetic predisposition,the factors such as obesity or pregnancy that may impose extra load on the abdominal wall, existing surgeries or operations that require an incision or cut on the body etc.

When the weakness or hole occurs, the organ or tissue is capable of growing through the weak area and becomes a bulging growth. However, these settings may cause discomfort, pain and when not corrected may lead to severe complications.

The bulge can consist of the intestine, fat or any other tissue and maybe touch through the skin or seen externally. The aggravated condition of the hernia may arise in the future and the pain intensifies, it is best to consult a physician or a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hernia

1.What is a hernia?

The hernia is a condition whereby an organ or a part of the body protrudes through the hole of the weak area, mostly at the belly muscles. They have some people who are born with a natural tendency of having a weak stomach muscle that will put them at a certain high risk of getting a hernia.

2.What are the various kinds of hernias?

Hernias are given the name depending on the part of the body that they happen to be situated in. Some common kinds of hernias include:

• Inguinal: in the region of the groin though this is more frequent in men

• Femoral: in the groin but lower down toward the thigh, affects the female gender more frequently.

• Incisional: close to the place that has undergone a surgery sometime in the past.

• Umbilical: near the navel

• Hiatal: around the area of the natural opening of the stomach just above the diaphragm.

3.What are the symptoms observed in patients with hernias?

If one has a swelling or a lump in the groin, abdominal area or near the belly button you may have a hernia. Other signs and symptoms include:Other signs and symptoms include:

• Discomfort that is likely to present like a gnawing pain around the area of the protrusion

• A feeling of pressure

• Pain while lifting things

• Constriction feelings or reflux or something that they’re getting stuck in their throat, choking or spitting back up (For hiatal hernia which is near the diaphragm and cannot be felt externally).

4.What is my treatment plan for the hernia?

If your hernia has no symptoms then your physician may suggest a so-called expectant management, yet hernias do not resolve themselves except for some pediatric patients. If you have pain or if the hernia is increasing in size though, your doctor might recommend surgery to fix it.

5.What are the probable complications of hernias?

If the bowel contents of the hernia sac get caught in the abdominal wall, then you can get what is called incarcerated hernia which requires immediate treatment. If an old hernia is not treated it may turn into a strangulated hernia which is a very serious condition that may result in death.

You need to go to the doctor immediately or call the emergency services if: The pain or the contours of the hernia suddenly worsens, and the site becomes sensitive, The bulge in the hernia darkens or reddens, You’re constipated or can’t belch, You start to vomit or you develop a fever.

6.What are the risks for surgical mesh used in hernias?

Surgical mesh is used by doctors in a hernia surgery to reinforce the area of repair with reduced likelihood of the hernia recurring, which is rather frequent. Still, in 2010, the FDA started recalling some kinds of mesh because complications’ rates were rising.

Currently they are not on the market but be informed of the risks and benefits of surgical mesh for hernia repair and consult your doctor if you have any questions.

7.Should I go for a hernia truss?

Probably not. Supporters, which are implements used to keep the bulge of an inguinal hernia compelled, may or may not ease your discomfort for a while, but do not heal the hernia. A few specialists believe that they might aggravate a hernia. You should discuss this with your doctor before resorting to a hernia truss; it should only be employed in the short-term, if ever.

8**.Can one carry on normal routines without any complications if he or she has a hernia?**

Absolutely Yes! If your hernia is painless. you can quite simply go on living with it or your condition or problem. As was mentioned before, there is a chance of an emergent situation in regard to any hernia – incarceration or strangulation.

Thus, commonly an asymptomatic hernia (though not always) will start to become painful before an emergency hernia requires surgical intervention.