What is a hernia?
A hernia is the protrusion of an organ through the muscular or tissue wall that usually contains it. Although they can occur anywhere, the majority of hernias occur in the abdominal and inguinal (groin) areas.
What are the different types of hernia?
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
A hernia may often cause no physical discomfort although it will normally appear as an unusual swelling or lump around the abdomen or groin. These lumps may disappear when they are pressed or when the person lies down.
Sometimes, people may feel pain in the affected area when they cough or bend over. They may also experience acid reflux or chest pain, although this is less common.
If you suddenly experience a severe sensation of pain, associated with your hernia, or if your hernia is tender to touch you should seek medical help immediately.
What treatments are available for hernias?
As there are many different types of hernia, there are several different possible diagnostic techniques:
Treatments
Some hernias require little or no treatment whereas others may require surgery.
Life-style treatments: Some hernias do not cause the patient any symptoms, and, if it is not especially large may not require any treatment. It is advised, however, that such patients maintain a healthy weight and do not eat excessively large meals. It is also advised that patients avoid smoking or eating spicy foods.
Medications: As some hernias can cause acid reflux, over-the-counter medications such as antacids may be prescribed to help alleviate any associated discomfort.
Surgery: Hernias causing continuous physical discomfort, or hernias that are quite large may require surgical treatment. Depending on the type of hernia you may have open-surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is associated with a faster recovery time and causes less tissue scarring than open-surgery.
Can I prevent myself from getting a hernia?
Although it is not possible to prevent a hernia developing, certain life-style choices will minimise your risk of getting one, including: