Understanding Hernia — Everything You Should Know About it

According to a recent study by doctors and observations from their hernia treatment hospital, Hernia is the biggest threat to the health of Indians. It’s a medical condition that affects millions of Indians annually. But why do we have so little information about this growing condition?

To change that, we have compiled everything there is to know about them and put it into this blog. So let’s learn about what is Hernia, what causes it, and how do you treat it.

What is Hernia?

A hernia is a condition in which an organ or a tissue pushes through an opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. It causes a bulge in the abdomen or groin area and is often harmless and pain-free. But that doesn’t mean it’s to be taken lightly. In some cases, it can cause severe discomfort and excruciating pain.

Why are Indians at higher risk?

While you think that heart or joint surgeries are the most common type of surgeries, the truth is far from it. In reality, Hernia is the leading cause of surgeries among Indians. Statistics have shown that 30 percent of the patients who had stomach surgery are vulnerable to Hernia. Furthermore, most Indians are genetically evolved to have lower muscle mass and weaker muscles. It means that you’re more prone to Hernia than any other race.

What are the types of Hernia?

While some types only cause mild symptoms, others can be a medical emergency. Here are some of the most common types of hernia that can occur in your body:

Epigastric hernia:

It affects the epigastric area of the abdomen, below the ribcage and slightly above the belly button. With an epigastric hernia, you may only feel some pain and tenderness around the affected area. It could also cause slight discomfort if there is pressure on the abdomen.

Femoral hernia: In this condition, tissues push through a weak muscle in the groin or inner thigh. Woman suffers more from a femoral hernia than men. It may also feel a small-to-medium-sized lump in the groin area. However, this condition can quickly take an ugly turn due to the femoral artery and vein being close. The hernia could affect these blood vessels and even block the blood flow to the leg.

Hiatal hernia: It occurs when a person’s abdominal wall pushes through a weak spot in the diaphragm. While some people are born with it, others might develop it over time. The hiatal hernia has been separated into four categories, from type I to IV. In type I to III, it only causes acid reflux and problems with indigestion. However, in some cases, the esophagus can slide above the diagram.

Incisional hernia- Also known as ventral hernia, it occurs when the person has a small incision for stomach surgery. In case the incision doesn’t heal properly, it can develop an opening to tissues to push through. However, it happens rarely and only requires one or two visits to the hernia treatment in Jaipur.

Inguinal hernia: It happens when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissues pushes through the lower abdomen wall. The bulge usually occurs through the inguinal canal, located in the groin area. It can contain small portions of the intestine in men and parts of the reproductive system in women. However, they are more common in men, with 27 percent of them developing inguinal hernia compared to 3 percent of women.

Umbilical cord: It occurs when tissue in the body pushes through a weak spot near the belly button area. According to the best hernia treatment hospital in Jaipur, nearly 10% of cases are umbilical hernia. It causes a bulge near the belly button, which causes discomfort while coughing or passing a stool.

What are the symptoms of Hernia?

While hernia causes a lump or bulge in the affected area, other symptoms may include:

• Swelling in the groin or scrotum
• Increased pain
• Excruciating pain while lifting weight
• Aching sensation
• Loss in appetite
• Bowel obstruction

In some cases, there could be no visible bulge in the affected area. Nevertheless, you may feel heartburn, indigestion, pain, and frequent regurgitation.

What are the treatments for hernia?

It does not get better on their own and become more dangerous over time. It can become strangulated or incarcerated, which is why you need to consult with a specialist right away for hernia treatment in Jaipur. In some cases, it needs medications and can be pushed back into the abdomen by the doctor. However, your doctor may refer you to surgery. As one of the best hernia treatment hospitals in Jaipur, we tailor the best surgical procedure that suits your needs, such as laparoscopy or robotic hernia repair.