Many people develop hernias but don’t exhibit any symptoms or experience any discomfort. A hernia results when part of an organ, tissue, or structure protrudes through the membrane or muscular tissue that contains it. In the case of a hiatus hernia, the upper part of the stomach pushes through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm.
Sometimes patients will experience heartburn or acid reflux because of the hiatus hernia, but there are some who won’t have any symptoms. Others may experience pain at the site of the hernia or may feel a lump upon examination, depending on the size and severity of the hernia.
Medical researchers have found that there are several factors that can be assessed to indicate the risk of patients developing a hernia. These include increased pressure within the abdomen by heavy lifting or frequent bending over, straining to have a bowel movement if constipated, frequent hard coughing or sneezing, pregnancy and delivery, or violent bouts of vomiting.
Other factors that may increase the risk are smoking, use of drugs, and stress levels. Family history, personal history, and lifestyle choices may also contribute to the chances of someone experiencing a hernia. If a hernia is suspected, confirmation of its presence may be made by use of an upper GI series, which is a sequence of x-rays, or an upper GI endoscopy whereby the doctor can locate the hernia and examine it.
Often patients with a hernia who are not having discomfort or pain need only to be monitored by their doctors and no treatment is required at that point. If circumstances change, however, and unusual or worsening symptoms appear, medical attention should be obtained as some complications can arise.
]These may include strangulation of the hernia, inflammation of the hernial sac, or obstruction of the organ involved. For those who are exhibiting symptoms, such as acid reflux or have a very large hernia, surgery may be required to correct the problem and prevent further problems. In the case where the condition has be caused by being overweight or by stress, lifestyle choices may have to be adjusted and a physician may be able to provide suggestions for patients to achieve this. Stress management classes or a weight control program may be recommended.
Posted on July 22nd, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Hernias
Leave a Reply