Blog
The Symptoms and Treatment for Hernia
Developing a hernia is quite common. According to studies, 27% of men will develop this at some point in their lives. Interestingly, only an estimated 3% of women will experience this. The condition is also common in those with lower body mass index.
If you are diagnosed with a hernia, it is crucial to get treatment quickly. It will only get worse if left alone. In the long term, it can cause obstruction and strangulation inside your body. For example, part of the intestine can get trapped where it does not receive enough blood supply.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia is a medical condition where part of your muscle or tissue tears from inside, allowing the organs like your intestines to bulge. You can sometimes see it depending on the size, location, and severity of the condition.
The Types of Hernia
Several types of hernias exist. The most common type is an inguinal hernia, located in the groin. For men, the inguinal canal is a passage for the blood vessels and spermatic cord that lead to the testicles. In women, it contains the ligament supporting the womb.
A femoral hernia is at the top of the thigh. It develops when part of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes to the groin near the thigh.
A hiatal hernia is when part of the stomach pushes through an opening of the diaphragm onto the chest cavity.
Recognizing Hernia Symptoms
If you develop a hernia in the abdomen or groin area, there could be a visible bump that you can push back in. Physical exertion like laughing, coughing, or a bowel movement can make it reappear.
Other symptoms to look out for include:
- Increasing pain at the site of the bulge
- Swelling around the affected area
- Intense pain when lifting something up
- A dull sensation or pain
- Feeling like your bowels are obstructed
- The bulge increases in size over time
For Hiatal hernias, the symptoms can differ. There is usually no bulge. Instead, you can experience difficulty swallowing, heartburn, chest pain, and indigestion.
Causes of Hernia
Weakened muscles are the primary cause of hernia due to:
- Birth defects
- Aging
- Repeated physical activities affecting the groin or abdomen
Obesity and pregnancy can contribute to the weakening of the muscles. You can damage your muscles if you repeatedly lift heavy objects.
4 Ways of Preventing Hernias from Happening to You
As always, the best cure is to prevent the hernia from developing in the first place. To do that, you can:
- Eat a healthy diet to maintain your ideal body weight or BMI.
- Do not smoke. That can contribute to constant coughing, which develops hernia.
- Avoid constipation by eating enough fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Practice lifting weights in the correct form to avoid getting injured or straining your muscles more than they should.
Surgery is usually the best treatment for hernia. It does not get better by itself. That is why the best approach is to prevent it from developing in the first place.
If you feel like you are experiencing hernia symptoms, do not wait. It can only get worse from there. Get immediate medical attention to sort it out.
ShorePoint Health Emergency Room and Urgent Care Provides You with Immediate Help
Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain and swelling around the hernia site. The bulge can rapidly grow, followed by nausea and vomiting.
As one of the only health systems in Cape Coral with ER and urgent care services under one roof, ShorePoint Health Emergency & Urgent Care offers affordable pricing, quality care, and trained staff. Patients are only billed based on the level of care received, and there are no appointments needed for in-person visits. The ER is available 24 hours a day, every day, and the urgent care walk-in clinic hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
ShorePoint Health Emergency & Urgent Care Cape Coral, a department of ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte, is located at 2521 Del Prado Blvd. N. in Cape Coral and may be reached at 239-356-0740.