When a tissue portion penetrates or bulges in a weakened muscle, hernia is caused. Hernias occur in different parts of the body but most common hernias have been seen in the groin and rib cage area. Hernia can be of different types.
Some of the most common hernias are
- Inguinal hernia-This is one of the most common types of hernia and it occurs when bowel or its part penetrates or bulges through lower abdomen and reaches the groin area.
- Hiatus hernia-This type of hernia occurs when chest gets pushed up by a stomach part through a diaphragm opening.
- Femoral hernia-This hernia occurs when a bowel part or fatty tissue pushed into the groin at inner thigh’s top.
- Incisional hernia-When an abdominal surgical wound gets pushed into by tissue, this hernia occurs.
- Umbilical hernia-This hernia occurs in the patients where bowel part or fatty tissue pushes close to belly button through abdominal region.
- Epigastric hernia-This hernia occurs in a person when fatty tissue bulges and penetrates through the abdomen reaching between breastbone and the belly button.
- Spigelian hernia-This hernia happens when bowel bulges through the abdominal region reaching stomach muscles just close to the belly button.
- Muscle hernia-When a muscle part penetrates abdominal region after an injury when playing sports, this hernia usually occurs.
- Treatment of hernia-There are several prevention strategies through which general hernia could be avoided. Some of the strategies are avoiding all those activities that may put strain on the abdomen like lifting weights that are quite heavy. Sometimes, overweight people also suffer from hernia and losing weight is the only way they can avoid hernia.
In majority of hiatus hernia problems, the best treatment to relieve this problem is avoiding heartburn which occurs due to acidity. Medications should be taken or diet should be modified to avoid acidity. People who are hefty in weight should start losing weight so as to relieve pressure on the abdomen. If while sleeping, you feel any discomfort, you can sleep with pillows propped behind your back. Head and upper body must be kept raised. Also, time between dinner and going to bed must be at least 2-3 hours. This way, the stomach will get a chance to get empty before lying down. Slouching must be avoided and erect posture must be practiced. Surgery is the last resort for the problem and is seen only in severe cases.
Umbilical and inguinal hernia can only be treated through surgery wherein mass of tissue is pushed back from where it was pressurizing. The area that has been weakened due to hernia can be strengthened again by muscles sewn together.
To avoid hernia or to detect onset of this problem, regular medical check up is necessary. Many times, even after surgery, a wide variety of complications occur that may need immediate attention. These days, laparoscopic hernia surgeries are in vogue wherein just a small incision is required to rectify this problem.
