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Hernia : Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Hernia might feel like a bulge in the abdomen or groin region of a person when they cough, lift something heavy or even laugh too hard. A hernia might sound and even feel quite insignificant in the beginning; however, if it is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. Hernias can happen to people of all age groups, including both males and females, with the causes ranging from chronic coughing and heavy lifting to constipation, pregnancy, and even genetics. While some hernias might be small in size and can be present in the body of the patient without causing any major symptoms, others can grow and become painful, while also causing many serious symptoms. In the beginning, hernia bulges might come and go, but if they are left untreated, they worsen as the time passes. The good news, however, is that advancements in modern medicine and technology have given rise to many treatment options for hernia from watchful waiting in less severe cases to medications and minimally invasive surgeries for hernia repair in cases causing symptoms. These treatment options can effectively manage and repair the hernia of a patient and give them complete and lasting relief against the symptoms. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the causes of Hernia, their symptoms and the treatment options that can be explored.

What is a hernia?

When an internal organ present in the abdomen or the groin of a person pushes out through an opening or a weak spot in the muscle or tissue that contains it, it creates a bulge, and this condition is called a hernia. Hernias can occur in people as they age and regular wear and tear of the muscles and tissues causes them to get weaker with time. Apart from aging, hernias can also occur as a consequence of an injury, surgery or even as a birth defect. Most hernias eventually need a Hernia surgery​ to repair them. Some of the most common locations in the body where hernias can occur are lower chest through the diaphragm, groin through the lower abdominal wall, along the front midline of the abdomen, and through a surgical incision in the abdomen. 

What are the symptoms of hernia?

Some hernias might be smaller in size as compared to the others, and might not cause any visible symptoms, while the others, which are larger inn size, can cause symptoms that are not only uncomfortable, but also painful. One of the most common symptoms of hernia includes a bulge or visible lump that appears during some physical activities or some postures, and usually keeps coming and going back.  Patients might also feel slight tightness, pressure, dull ache or pinching sensation at the site of the bulge. This bulge might be more visible when the patient is coughing, laughing, lifting heavy weights or straining. Some hernias, however, are situated too deep in the abdomen that they are not visible from outside. As discussed above, the abdomen and the upper part of the inner thigh are the most common locations where Hernia occurs.

What are the main causes of hernias?

As per Hernia specialist​, a hernia occurs when a weak spot or pre-existing opening in the muscle or tissue allows an internal organ to push through it. This weak spot can be present in the muscles since birth in some cases, but mostly, they develop overtime as people age. Hernia can also be caused by an injury or a surgery, but more often than not, the cause of hernia is the repetitive stress and injury exerted over the muscles as people grow older. Some other risk factors include jobs that require heavy lifting, chronic cough or sneezing, a surgical history in the abdominal region, chronic constipation, pregnancy, and obesity. Hernias can also occur in children and newborns. The causes of hernia in these cases can be premature birth, cystic fibrosis, hip dysplasia, connective tissue disorder, undescended testicles, etc.

What are the treatment options for hernias?

Most hernias require surgeries to get repaired. However, how urgent the surgery is, varies from case to case. In some patients, the hernias can be small and not cause any severe symptoms. In such cases, the doctor might advise the patient to wait and watch if the symptoms get more severe. On the other hand, in the cases where hernias are larger or causing more severe symptoms hernia repair surgery might be advised to the patient. With the advancements in modern medicine and technology, various advanced procedures such as Robotic Surgery for hernia repair have been developed. This is a minimally invasive and highly accurate surgery, which treats even the most complex cases of Hernia with ease, providing a lasting and permanent relief for the patients against the symptoms of hernia.

If you are looking for the Best doctors for hernia surgery, or the Best hospital for hernia surgery in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might just be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the World’s Most Advanced Robotic Technology and North India’s most trusted and renowned Surgeons who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all the types of hernia with the most patient-focused approach. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, comfortable life!