Hernia awareness month 2022: What should we know about hernia

June is National Hernia Awareness Month and while the term hernia may be spoken about often, many people are unsure what a hernia actually is and how it can be treated. There are often many doubts in the minds of people regarding hernia. Here are some frequently answered questions (FAQs) regarding this condition.

What exactly is a hernia?
Dr Rajan Modi, a laparoscopy and laser surgeon, who has over 35 years of experience in this field says that a hernia means weakness or breakdown of the muscle wall of the abdomen or diaphragm. One’s small intestine can protrude through these areas of weakness or breakdown, leading to unbearable pain and abdominal discomfort. “If not treated at the right time, there can be incarceration (tissue being stuck in the hernia) or even strangulation (the cutting off of the blood supply of the tissue protruding through the abdominal wall). One will be required to undergo immediate hernia surgery in case his/her condition worsens,” says Dr Modi.

What are the causes of hernia?
Dr Modi says, “One can suffer from a hernia owing to muscle weakness and strain, age, pregnancy, damage to the abdomen caused by an injury, family history, or constipation leading to excessive strain on the abdomen. Moreover, lifting heavy weights constantly regularly, a person may get prone to a hernia. Sudden weight gain can also increase the risk of hernia. Most hernias are related to repetitive, increased abdominal pressure along with weakness.”

What are the symptoms of a hernia?One might suffer from a hernia if there is swelling in the groin region or abdominal wall, pain while coughing and sneezing, vomiting, nausea, backache due to improper posture, weakness, dull ache, heaviness, or a burning sensation in the abdomen, groin, and scrotum. While small hernias are manageable, they get bigger over time. Your doctor would be the best to determine if your hernia would need surgery.

What are the different types of hernias?The doctor shares that inguinal hernia is seen in the groin, femoral is also in the groin but lower down towards the thigh, incision happens near the site of previous surgery, the umbilical is seen near the navel, Hiatal near the diaphragm where the stomach connects to the oesophagus. Inguinal hernias are seen in men and femoral hernias in women.