Although there are several types, all hernias are organs, parts of organs, or fatty tissue that “get out of place”. This material penetrates weak areas or gaps in the abdominal tissue. Therefore, hernias cannot be prevented, even if the risk is reduced. Hernias develop as a result of physical pressure on tissues or organs penetrating a weak area. This happens when you lift a heavy object incorrectly, are pregnant, have diarrhea or constipation, cough or sneeze suddenly. Other contributing factors include obesity, smoking, poor nutrition, which weakens the area of tissue and increases the risk of hernia.
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Part 1 of 3: Pushing Hernias at Home
Step 1. Prepare the equipment
You can buy truss or hernia belts at a medical supply store or pharmacy. Your doctor can suggest which type is best for your hernia. In general, these supports are elastic bands or undergarments designed to keep the area around the hernia flat.
- Your doctor can teach you how to wear a truss, patch, or belt.
- A hernia belt will be wrapped around the pelvis to support the hernia. A truss hernia is an undergarment that keeps the hernia from moving.
Step 2. Lie down
Lie on your back so that gravity can push the hernia down. If you use a belt, be sure to stretch the belt so it can be wrapped around the pelvis and hernia. If you're wearing a truss, you can pull it up while lying down or standing up, whichever is more comfortable for you.
Wash hands before wearing these supports and make sure they are clean
Step 3. Use your hands to reposition the hernia
Depending on the hernia you have, you can use your hands to gently press the hernia back into the abdomen, groin, or belly button. You don't need to do a lot of maneuvers and it shouldn't hurt.
If you feel pain when pushing the hernia, call your doctor immediately. You should not force the hernia back into the abdomen so as not to aggravate the condition of the abdominal muscles
Step 4. Put on the supports
If you're using a rubber band, carefully bring one side to your stomach. Remember, you have to lie on it. Bring the other side of the rubber across your stomach so that it presses comfortably. This device keeps the hernia from moving.
If you are using a truss hernia, simply pull on the underwear to keep the hernia from shifting
Step 5. Put on the support
Support devices should only be used with a doctor's recommendation so wear them as directed. You must understand that returning the hernia to its place is only a temporary solution, and not a permanent treatment.
Your doctor may recommend using a hernia brace until you have corrective surgery
Part 2 of 3: Getting Medical Treatment
Step 1. Know when to call emergency services
If you experience pain, sensitivity to pain, or discomfort when pushing the hernia, stop immediately and seek medical attention. Hernias can block blood flow in the abdomen, which can cause an emergency. Pain can indicate:
- Hernia is trapped in the abdominal wall.
- The hernia is twisted and pinched, cutting off the blood supply. When this happens, the tissue can die and cause gangrene.
Step 2. Consult a doctor
Even if you have pushed the hernia back in and used a brace to relieve discomfort, only surgery can permanently treat the hernia. Discuss this option with your doctor. Remember that most hernias are harmless, but can be a medical emergency.
There is no cure for hernias yet
Step 3. Run the operation
Doctors can suggest anesthesia and open surgery. With this traditional approach, the surgeon opens the abdominal wall and repairs the hernia before closing the wall again. Otherwise, the doctor may suggest laparoscopic surgery, which is a small fiberoptic device with a camera to repair the abdominal wall.
Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive even though it is performed under local anesthesia. The recovery time is much shorter than open surgery
Step 4. Follow postoperative advice
After surgery, take pain medication and return to normal activities gradually in 3-4 days. You may feel soreness or nausea (due to anesthesia) which will go away after 1-2 days. You should stay away from strenuous activities such as lifting objects until you get doctor's approval.
Check with your doctor to find out when you can return to activities such as sex, driving, and exercising
Part 3 of 3: Identifying and Reducing Hernia Risk
Step 1. Consider whether you have an inguinal or femoral hernia
If the hernia is near the groin, determine whether it is internally or externally. If it looks like the hernia is deep in the groin (inguinal hernia), part of the bowel or bladder is forced through the abdominal wall (or inguinal canal). If it looks like the hernia is on the outside of the groin, part of the intestine is pushed out into the femoral canal (femoral hernia).
Inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia and usually occurs in adult men. Femoral hernias are common in pregnant and obese women. If you have a femoral hernia, seek medical attention immediately as it is commonly associated with injury to the femoral artery or nerve as the canal is much smaller and narrower than other types of hernias
Step 2. Determine if you have an umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is a prominent bulge in the belly button. This occurs when a small part of the intestine is pushed through the abdominal wall towards the navel area. Umbilical hernias are common in newborns and are usually treated with pediatric surgery.
Umbilical hernias also occur in women who are obese or have been pregnant several times
Step 3. Determine if you have a hiatal hernia
Look at the bulge near the stomach and determine if you have acid reflux disease. This disease is a symptom of a hiatal hernia. This bulge is actually your stomach pushing against the opening in the diaphragm where your esophagus enters.
- Other symptoms of a hiatal hernia are: ulcers, a sensation like food is stuck in the esophagus, feeling full quickly, and (although rare) chest pain which is often mistaken for a heart attack.
- Hiatal hernias usually occur in women, people who are overweight, and the elderly over 50 years of age.
Step 4. Find the incisional hernia
You may get a hernia after having abdominal surgery, especially if it has been inactive for a long time. In an incisional hernia, the intestine emerges through the weak part of the abdomen that has been operated on.
Incisional hernias usually occur in the elderly and obese people
Step 5. Exercise and lose weight
You can reduce your risk of hernia by maintaining a healthy weight and shape. A personal trainer can teach you how to work your abdominal muscles properly. You should try to strengthen these muscles to reduce your chances of suffering from a hernia, research shows that stretching programs, such as yoga, can treat inguinal hernias.
Learn how to lift heavy objects properly, or practice lifting weights to be strong at lifting heavy weights. This can prevent damage to the abdominal muscles. You should also ask for help when lifting heavy objects
Step 6. Reduce physical stress
Hernias cannot be prevented, but the risk can be reduced. The trick involves reducing pressure on the weakened abdominal wall. Avoid straining or pushing too hard when urinating. Eat lots of fiber and drink lots of water to soften stools, prevent constipation or diarrhea, and condition tension in already weak abdominal muscles.
If you have a cold or allergies, don't be afraid to sneeze or cough. Holding both can actually cause an inguinal hernia. Call your doctor if you sneeze or cough a lot
Tips
Not all hernias can be supported using a truss, patch, or belt. Consult with your doctor to determine whether these methods are effective in treating your hernia
Warning
- Do not push the hernia if the patient is an infant or child.
- Do not push the hernia if it causes pain and discomfort.
- Hernias should only be pushed if you have had a doctor's examination.
- You can push a hernia if you are trained to use a truss, patch, or belt.
