There are different types of hernia, but they all consist of the protrusion of an organ, part of it or adipose tissue. These leaks go through weak spots or cracks in the surrounding abdominal tissues; for this reason they cannot be avoided, although you can reduce the risk of suffering from them. Generally, they develop due to physical stress that pushes the organ through the weakened area, for example when lifting a heavy object incorrectly, during pregnancy, in case of constipation or diarrhea, and even from a sneeze or a sudden cough. Other factors, such as obesity, smoking and poor diet, can weaken the abdominal tissues, increasing the chances of suffering from a hernia.
When can the hernia be returned?
Do not Push it if:
- The patient is an infant or a child;
- The pressure causes pain or discomfort.
Consider Pushing it if:
- You have already referred the hernia for medical attention;
- You have been taught to use a hernia girdle, belt, or plate.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: at Home
Step 1. Get the necessary materials
You can buy a hernia girdle or belt at a drugstore or orthopedics store; your doctor should recommend the correct model based on the type of hernia. Generally speaking, these are elastic bands or stretch underwear designed specifically to flatten the area of the protrusion.
- The doctor should also teach you to wear these devices.
- The belt is wrapped around the waist to support the hernia; the girdle is a garment of underwear that keeps the organ sticking out.
Step 2. Lie down
Lie on your back so that gravity allows the hernia to retract. If you have decided to use the belt, lie down on it so that you can wrap it around your waist and protrusion; if you have opted for a belt, you can simply slip it on while you are lying down or standing if you prefer.
Wash your hands before proceeding and make sure the device is dry and clean
Step 3. Reposition the hernia with your hands
Depending on the location, you should be able to gently push the "lump" into the abdomen, groin or near the navel. You shouldn't feel pain and it shouldn't be a very complex procedure.
If it hurts when you apply pressure, stop and call your doctor. you don't have to force the hernia into place causing more damage to the abdominal muscles
Step 4. Apply support
If you are using a sling, bring one half of it over your abdomen, since you are lying on it; band the belly with both ends of the belt, so that they exert firm pressure. This remedy holds the hernia in place.
If you are using a girdle, simply wear it so that it presses on the hernia
Step 5. Put on the stand
Since you should only use it on medical advice, keep it only for the period recommended by your doctor; remember that keeping the protrusion compressed only provides temporary relief, but is not a permanent solution.
Your doctor may suggest that you use these devices only until the time of surgery
Part 2 of 3: Getting Medical Treatment
Step 1. Know when to see your doctor immediately
If you experience pain, achiness to the touch, or discomfort when applying pressure to the hernia, stop immediately and call your doctor. These protrusions can block blood flow in the abdomen triggering an emergency situation. Pain can be a sign of:
- A hernia that has become trapped in the abdominal wall;
- A twisted or strangulated hernia that prevents blood supply if so, the tissue dies and can cause gangrene.
Step 2. Contact your doctor
While you can push the hernia into place and use a support to relieve pain, only surgery offers permanent treatment. Talk to your doctor if you want to consider this option, but remember that most of these protrusions are not an emergency, but can become one.
There are no drugs to treat hernia
Step 3. Undergo the surgery
The doctor may recommend general anesthesia and an open procedure. Thanks to this traditional method, the surgeon opens the abdominal walls and repositions the organ in place before stitching up the tissues. Alternatively, you may be offered a laparoscopic operation that uses small instruments with optical fibers and a video camera to repair the abdominal damage.
Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive, although it must be performed under general anesthesia, and involves a shorter convalescence than the open procedure
Step 4. Follow the postoperative protocol
After surgery, take analgesic medications and gradually return to normal activities within 3 to 4 days; you may feel sore or nauseous (due to anesthesia), but these discomforts should go away in a day or two. Do not engage in strenuous work, such as lifting weights, until your doctor gives his or her consent.
Ask your doctor when you can resume sexual intercourse, go back to driving and exercise
Part 3 of 3: Identify and Reduce the Risk of Hernia
Step 1. Determine if you have an inguinal or femoral hernia
If the "bump" is near the groin, see if it has developed inside or outside; in the first case (inguinal hernia) it is a portion of the intestine or bladder that emerges through the abdominal wall or the inguinal canal. If the protrusion appears more external, part of the intestine has passed the femoral canal (femoral hernia).
The inguinal ones are the most common and are generally formed in elderly men, while the femoral ones are more frequent among obese or pregnant women; in this second case, you should see your doctor immediately, because there are more chances of complications with the femoral artery or nerve, since the canal is smaller and narrower than the others
Step 2. Determine if you have an umbilical hernia
It manifests itself as an obvious protuberance of the navel caused by a portion of the small intestine that pushes on the abdominal walls in that area; this is a common condition in infants and is usually corrected by the pediatric surgeon.
Umbilical hernias also develop in obese women or those who have had several pregnancies
Step 3. Identify the hiatus hernia
Look for a bump near the stomach and for symptoms of acid reflux. both are signs of a hiatus hernia. The "lump" is actually the stomach that protrudes through the opening of the diaphragm at the point where the esophagus enters.
- The other signs of this disorder are: heartburn, a feeling that food is stuck in the throat, a rapid feeling of satiety, and rarely chest pain which can be confused with a heart attack.
- This is a more common problem in women, overweight people, and people over the age of 50.
Step 4. Observe the presence of a spinal cord
You may suffer from a hernia after abdominal surgery, especially if you are a rather inactive person; in this case, the intestines cross the wall weakened by the surgical cut.
Laparocele is more common among the elderly and obese individuals
Step 5. Exercise and lose weight
You can reduce the risk of a hernia by maintaining a healthy weight and staying fit. Work with an instructor or trainer who can teach you how to do the correct exercises for the abdominal muscles; you should try to strengthen them to minimize the chances of suffering from this ailment. Studies have shown that stretching classes, such as yoga, can treat hernias.
Learn to lift weights correctly or train with weights before doing it; this way, you can avoid damaging the abdominal muscles. If you need to lift weights, ask someone to help you
Step 6. Reduce physical stress
It is not possible to prevent a hernia, but you can control the risks of developing it; this means avoiding pressure on weakened abdominal areas. Don't push yourself or try too hard when you are in the bathroom, instead try to eat lots of fiber and drink lots of water. This simple remedy softens the stools avoiding constipation or diarrhea, ailments that can put pressure on the already weak abdominal walls.
