A hernia is a very common medical condition that thankfully can also be treated very effectively with hernia surgery. Here, we have answered the common questions asked by people in the simplest way.

What is Hernia?

A hernia is the abnormal swelling generally found in the abdomen or groin area. It occurs when fatty tissues compress and make their way through a weak spot or opening in a muscle wall.

What are the symptoms of Hernia?

Mostly hernia is just a bump that initially causes no discomfort or pain to the patient. The first and foremost symptom to look for is a bulge in the problem area. Look for other symptoms like pain in the affected area while coughing and lifting something, having heavy stomach, burning sensation around the bulge. Severe symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.

What are the causes of hernia?

The common causes of hernia are as following:
• Poor nutrition
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking, as it weakens muscles
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic cough and sneezing
• Lifting heavyweights
• Enlarged prostate
• Genetics

What are the different types of Hernia?

There are different types of hernia. Some of them are as follows:
1. Inguinal hernia: Occurs in the groin.
2. Umbilical hernia- Soft painless swelling near the (mostly baby’s) navel.
3. Hiatal hernia: The upper part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm. It mostly happens in old and overweight people.
4. Incisional hernia: Happens when a past abdominal surgery’s wound does not heal properly.

How hernia is treated?

The only permanent treatment available for hernia is surgery. The two preferred methods for operating hernia include open hernia surgery and laparoscopic hernia operation. The surgical method depends upon the individual’s case.

Which surgical method would be the best for treating hernia?

An open hernia surgery causes a permanent scar in the affected area and it takes longer to heal the surgical wound. It is sometimes suggested for people having a hernia either very large in size or if it has been left untreated for long.

Laparoscopic hernia surgery which is also known as keyhole hernia surgery or a microscopic hernia operation causes less complications and pain than an open procedure. This surgical method gives no scar, reduces the chance of getting infections, requires less hospital stay and speedy recovery. Laparoscopic surgery offers numerous benefits like shorter hospital stay and faster recovery and so on. Thus, it is preferred by most patients seeking hernia surgery.

How can hernia be prevented?

A hernia can be prevented by adopting a few required changes in our lifestyle. The tips for preventing hernia are as follows:

– Don’t carry heavyweights, or do it with caution.
– Quit smoking.
– Maintain healthy body weight.
– Do the right exercise.
– Avoid constipation.
– Maintain good body posture.
– Eat fiber-rich foods.
– Stop overexertion.

We hope all your queries about hernia are answered. Do not try to treat hernia on your own. A hernia does not go away on its own, it can only be treated surgically by medical practitioners. For more information, get in touch with us at Varanasi Hospitals.