When an organ pushes or enters via an opening into a muscle or a specific tissue that holds it in a particular place, it is known as a hernia. The most common areas where it can arise are in the abdomen between the hips and chest area. They can also surface in the groin area and the upper thigh. We can consider the example of intestines, as they can enter into the weakened areas through the abdominal wall. Hernia, in general, cannot be life-threatening immediately, but it can cause severe consequences if not treated properly. In some specific cases, surgery and other related treatment methods are required.
There are various kinds of hernias that can affect a person. Each type affects a person differently and leads to immense pain and discomfort. The types of hernia include the following:
It is one of the most common types of hernias. Inguinal hernia occurs when the intestines enter or push themselves through a soft or weak spot into the lower abdominal wall. Commonly the intestines can make themselves into the inguinal canal as well. The inguinal canal is typically found in the groin region. The inguinal hernia has a higher incidence of occurring in men.
The inguinal canal is the area where anatomically, the spermatic cord passes into the abdominal region to the scrotum. Testicles are situated in the scrotum. The inguinal canal contains a ligament that can hold the uterus at a specific place in women. Inguinal hernias are common in men because testicles move out of the inguinal canal after childbirth. As the testicle descends from the inguinal canal, the canal's opening has to close. But sometimes, the canal does not close, leading to a hernia.
Hiatal hernia arises when the stomach or the abdomen protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest area. The diaphragm is a sheet-like structure that contracts when air is trapped into the lungs and participates in breathing. It is a structure that separates the abdominal cavity from your organs and tissues of the chest cavity. The incidence of hiatal hernia is prevalent in old age.
If a hiatal hernia occurs in children or infants, then it is known as a congenital disability. Hiatal hernia can also cause GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD involves moving food back into the oesophagus after a large meal.
The cases of umbilical hernias mainly occur in children and babies. In an umbilical hernia, the intestines of individual bulges into the abdominal wall near the belly button. The bulge near the belly button is easily visible when the child or the baby is crying. An umbilical hernia heals on its own most times when the walls of the abdomen get stronger. It is the only type of hernia known that can heal automatically.
Generally, an umbilical hernia is healed by the age of 1 or 2. In case the hernia does not heal on its own by the age of 5, then surgery and other treatments related to it are highly recommended by doctors or medical professionals.
A ventral hernia occurs when the tissue bulges in the opening through the muscles of the abdomen's muscles. There is a decrease in the size of the ventral hernia, or it reduces in size when the patient lies down. Ventral hernias can arise from childbirth, but one can also acquire the condition during pregnancy, obesity or while performing strenuous activity. A ventral hernia can also surface at the site of surgical incision. When the ventral hernia occurs at the surgical incision site, it is known as an incisional hernia.
The presence of a bulge or swelling is the most common symptom experienced by hernia patients. For reference, we can consider the case of inguinal hernia, where one can quickly notice the swelling or bump on either side of the pubic bone where the thigh or groin meets. The hernia's lump or bulge decreases when the affected individual lies down or bends down, or coughs. The patient can also feel pain or discomfort around the bulged area.
While hiatal hernia shows signs and symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing, insignificant cases of hernias have no symptoms. They are only visible during the physical examination or medical tests.
If you experience any of the symptoms or notice a lump that does not shrink and diminish in time, don't forget to consult with your doctor.
Hernia can surface when a person suffers from strain and muscle weakness. Hernias can develop rapidly or may take more extended periods to develop.
Common causes which can lead to the formation of hernias are given below:
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
- Obesity
- Overweight
- Constipation can cause strain during bowel movements.
- Pregnancy
- Strenuous exercise
- Lifting heavyweights
- Coughing
- [COPD] chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
- Damage from an injury
- Surgery
- Ageing
- A congenital condition present from birth in infants. The condition can occur during pregnancy but does not reflect until after delivery.
Factors that affect hernia are:
- Premature birth or birth before the expected date
- Newborn with low birth weight
- Smoking
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic cough
- Overweight
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Ageing
- Personal history of hernias
- Family history of hernias
To diagnose the hernia, doctors or medical professionals may perform a physical examination. During the physical examination, they can feel the bulge or lump and quickly diagnose a hernia. Secondly, doctors can also investigate your condition by taking medical histories.
Additionally, your doctors can also ask you to take additional tests such as:
In case hiatal hernia is suspected, then the doctors can diagnose through:
The homoeopathic treatment can cure hernia naturally. Hernia can be treated in an individual through this treatment due to its natural and personalised approach. The treatment of homeotherapy can cure every disease with its natural extracts obtained from plants and animals. Also, this therapy produces no side effects. The homoeopathic treatment treats hernia by getting rid of the root cause and also prevents relapse. Hernia can be painful. It can cause discomfort that can affect your day to day life. If left untreated, it can cause several other problems. The treatment of homoeopathy is considered successful in the case of hernias.
