How to Prevent and Treat Hernias to Avoid Complications

Understanding Hernias and Why They Develop

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or tear in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. Although hernias can develop almost anywhere in the body, the most common locations are in the inner groin (inguinal hernia), belly button (umbilical hernia), and a surgical scar (incisional hernia).

Hernias often develop when there is repeated straining or pressure in a particular area of the body. Factors that can increase your risk of developing a hernia include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Pregnancy - increased pressure from the growing fetus can cause abdominal hernias
• Persistent coughing or sneezing
• Heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity
• Prior abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Family history of hernias

Hernias usually do not cause any symptoms at first. As they enlarge, you may notice a bulge or swelling in the affected area. The bulge often increases in size when you cough, bend over or lift something heavy. Hernias become dangerous if the organ or tissue that protrudes through the muscle becomes strangulated. This means its blood supply is cut off. A strangulated hernia can become severely painful, tender and swollen and requires prompt medical attention.

Types of Hernias

There are several different types of hernias that can develop:

• Inguinal Hernia: Occurs in the inner groin area. This is the most common type of hernia.
• Femoral Hernia: Protrudes from the outer groin area.
• Umbilical Hernia: Occurs at the belly button.
• Incisional Hernia: Develops through a surgical scar.
• Hiatal Hernia: Part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm.
• Epigastric Hernia: Develops between the belly button and breastbone.

Preventing Hernias from Developing

While some hernias cannot be prevented due to factors like genetics, pregnancy or prior surgeries, there are some steps you can take to reduce your overall risk:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Extra weight puts a lot of pressure on your abdominal muscles and tissue. Losing weight if you are overweight and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent hernias from developing.

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet focused on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugars and refined carbs. Get regular exercise with a mix of cardio and strength training.

Stop Smoking

Smoking causes chronic coughing, which increases abdominal pressure. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can help prevent hernias from developing.

Lift Properly

Practice safe lifting techniques to avoid putting excessive strain on your abdominal muscles. When lifting something heavy:

• Keep your back straight and bend at the knees
• Hold the object close to your body
• Avoid twisting as you lift
• Slide objects along the floor rather than lifting them when possible

Use mechanical aids like hand trucks and carts to move heavy objects whenever possible. If an object is too heavy for you to lift safely alone, ask someone for assistance.

Strengthen Your Core

Do core strengthening exercises to maintain abdominal muscle tone. Try exercises like planks, bridges, crunches and leg lifts. Yoga poses that engage the core like boat pose and side plank can also help.

Manage Chronic Constipation

Straining to pass stool puts intense pressure on the abdomen. Stay well hydrated and eat a high fiber diet to keep bowels regular. Ask your doctor about laxatives or stool softeners if constipation is persistent.

Treat Persistent Coughing

Deal with coughs caused by colds, allergies, asthma or other conditions promptly. Avoid cough suppressants without consulting your doctor, as it’s important to treat the underlying cause. Drink plenty of fluids and use cough drops to soothe your throat.

Avoid Heavy Straining

In addition to lifting, activities that involve forceful exhaling like singing loudly or playing a wind instrument can increase pressure in the abdomen. Modify these activities as needed to avoid excessive straining.

Treating Hernias

If you notice any signs of a hernia, see your doctor for an evaluation. Depending on the location and severity, they may recommend:

• Hernia truss or belt: For reducible hernias, a specialized support garment can keep the protruding tissue in place and relieve discomfort. Use care not to restrict blood flow.
• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain, discomfort or constipation making the hernia worse.
• Surgery: This is the only way to fully repair or treat a hernia. The protruding tissue is pushed back into place and the abdominal wall defect is reinforced with mesh.

Surgery is required in cases where the hernia:

• Is strangulated and the blood supply is cut off
• Is at risk of becoming strangulated based on size and location
• Causes significant pain and impairment
Is recurrent after previous surgical repair

Seek prompt medical treatment if you have severe pain, swelling, vomiting, fever or other concerning symptoms along with a hernia. Emergency surgery may be required if it becomes strangulated.

Recovering After Hernia Surgery

Following hernia surgery:

• Avoid lifting anything over 5-10 pounds for 4-6 weeks
• Refrain from strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks
• Expect to have pain and discomfort for several days, using medication as directed
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not rub against the incision site
• Avoid straining with bowel movements by taking stool softeners
• Gently clean the incision area and watch for signs of infection like redness or drainage
• Keep follow up appointments so your surgeon can check your progress

With proper rest and care after surgery, most people make a full recovery and can resume normal activities after several weeks. Call your surgeon right away if you have bleeding, severe pain, fever or other issues.

When to See a Doctor

You should make an appointment with your doctor or a hernia specialist if you notice any of the following:

• A noticeable bulge or swelling in your groin, belly, pelvis or near an old surgery scar
• Pain, discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in a particular area of your abdomen or pelvis
• Worsening abdominal symptoms like pain or swelling when you cough, bend over or lift something
• Constipation, nausea, vomiting or fever along with a possible hernia

Hernias will not get better over time without treatment. Even a small, painless hernia can become problematic if the protruding tissue becomes strangulated. Early evaluation and proper treatment can help prevent complications from developing.

When to Consider Hernia Surgery

Surgery is the only way to fully treat a hernia. Your doctor may recommend hernia surgery in the following situations:

• The hernia is enlarging or descending farther into the scrotum or labia
• You have pain, discomfort or bulging with activities like coughing or lifting
• Bowel function is becoming obstructed by the hernia
• Signs of strangulation like severe pain, swelling or vomiting

Surgery may be performed as emergency or scheduled surgery depending on your symptoms. Hernias can often be repaired laparoscopically (minimally invasive keyhole surgery) on an outpatient basis. Recovery is usually faster with this approach.

Considerations Before Hernia Surgery

Things to consider before choosing hernia surgery include:

• Your overall health status and surgical risk factors
• The location, size and severity of the hernia
• Your level of pain and discomfort
• Impact of the hernia on your daily activities

Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of surgical hernia repair versus continuing with nonsurgical treatment options. Make sure to discuss the risks associated with surgery and your individual risk factors.

Living With a Hernia

For hernias that do not require immediate surgery, you may choose to live with the hernia for a period of time. Here are some tips for managing a hernia without surgery:

• Wear a truss or supportive undergarment to reduce discomfort
• Avoid heavy lifting, straining and bending at the waist
• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting extra pressure on the abdominal area
• Eat a high fiber diet and stay well hydrated to prevent constipation
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed for pain and swelling
• Monitor for worsening symptoms and seek prompt medical treatment if any complications develop

Your doctor can provide guidance on safely living with a hernia. Report any concerns or changes so they can reassess if surgery may be needed.

Outlook for People With Hernias

The majority of hernia cases can be repaired successfully with modern surgical techniques. However, hernias may recur after surgery in some cases. Often recurrent hernias require additional surgery.

Complications like chronic pain after hernia surgery occur but are uncommon. Talk to your surgeon about their complication rate.

In rare cases, hernias that become strangulated and lack proper blood flow can become life-threatening. Seek emergency care if you have severe pain, vomiting, fever or other serious symptoms.

While not completely preventable, strengthening abdominal muscles, managing your weight and avoiding excessive straining can lower your risk of developing a hernia. Get screened if you are at higher risk and see your doctor at the first sign of a possible hernia.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.