Hernia

Hernia

Signs and Symptoms

 

1. A heavy feeling in the abdomen, sometimes accompanied by on going constipation.

2. Discomfort in the abdomen or groin when lifting or bending over.

3. An obvious swelling or bulge beneath the skin in the abdomen or groin. It may disappear when you lie down, and it may be tender.

4. In severe cases pain in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.

5. Chronic heartburn, belching, or regurgitation. These could be a signal of gurgitation. These could signal a hiatal hernia, which occurs when part of the stomach or lower esophagus squeezes into the chest cavity.

What to do now

 

1. Call a doctor if you suspect you have a hernia. Sometimes hernias require urgent medical care.

2. Avoid staining or heavy lifting.

When to call a doctor

 

1. If you know you have a hernia, and you are nauseated and vomiting, or unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas. These symptoms could indicate an obstructed or strangulated hernia.

2. If you suspect you have hernia.

How to prevent it

 

1. Don’t strain when having a bowel movement Practice good nutrition, both to avoid constipation and to enhance muscle strength.

2. If you are overweight, try to lose some weight to ease the pressure on your abdominal muscles.

3. Avoid lifting heavy objects.

4. Don’t smoke. If you do, quit. Chronic coughing from bronchial irritation makes a hernia more likely and also can make one recur.

5. Do regular, gentle exercises to tone and strengthen your abdominal muscles.

Posted in: Health Tips