A hernia is underestimated by many people - they believe that if a hernia does not interfere with everyday life, it does not require treatment. However, a hernia can lead to intestinal necrosis and even be life-threatening. Find out what you should know about a hernia?
The reason for hernia is weak abdominal wall
True. The guts in the abdomen are arranged in a certain order. In order to stay in their place and perform their assigned tasks, they are held by the abdominal wall, which consists of theabdominal muscles , the aponeurosis and ligaments. There is a constant pressure in the abdomen, which increases with coughing, laughing, urinating and passing stools. These are situations in which the muscles work harder, creating the so-called abdominal press. Then, the intra-abdominal pressure increases. If any of the layers (coatings) is weak, it begins to delaminate, cracks over time, and a fissure forms into which they can squeezeintestines . Thenhernia .
A hernia is just a cosmetic defect
False. While most hernias are not immediately life-threatening, serious he alth problems can arise when bowel entrapment occurs, requiring urgent surgery.
People who are very overweight are especially prone to hernias
True. Their connective tissue is weak, not very elastic. Over time, more or less stretched spaces appear in it, which can be compared to stretch marks on the skin. As obesity gets worse, your muscles get weaker. The overloaded intestines need more and more space, so they push up. The pressure causes the intestines to stretch the abdominal wall more and more. These burst and a hernia appears.
Prostate conditions have nothing to do with hernia
False. Men who have problems urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, i.e. prostate, should visit a urologist and start treatment as soon as possible. The effort they have to make to empty the bladder significantly weakens the muscles around the abdomen. Over time, an inguinal hernia forms.
Avoid physical exertion after surgery
True. You should save yourself for at least 3 months after the surgery. It is imperative to refrain fromlifting. For your convenience, avoid foods that cause gas or constipation for several weeks. Also, do not drink carbonated drinks. It is necessary to get rid of excess weight and take care - through non-strenuous gymnastics - to strengthen the abdominal muscles.
Only elderly people with very weak abdominal muscles have hernia
False. A hernia can develop at any age, but there are three times in life when it occurs most frequently. The first is the time when, after the umbilical cord falls off, the opening at the base of the navel is not overgrown (the so-called umbilical hernia). It is easy to recognize because it looks like a grape-sized lump. If the child is over four years old and still has a hernia, surgery is required. The second period is the time of intense growth (especially in boys). An inguinal hernia may form as a result of congenital imperfections (for example, non-growth of the canal through which the testicles descended from the abdomen to the scrotum), rapid growth and high physical activity of the child. Often in this case, an operation is needed. The third is the period when the hernia is actually related to the relaxation of the abdominal muscles. Hernia appears as a consequence of overwork (e.g. heavy lifting) or other disease, as well as in pregnant women.
You may wear a special belt before the operation
False. The hernia belt does not have such properties. Besides, wearing such a belt does not protect against hernia trapping.
Frequent constipation causes hernias
True. People who suffer from chronic constipation can "treat" a hernia. The pressure that builds up in the abdomen during a bowel movement can be so strong that it damages the linings.
Prolonged cough may contribute to a hernia
True. People with chronic lung or bronchial disease are at risk of developing a hernia. A long-lasting and tiring cough weakens the muscles that may not withstand the load.
The trapped hernia cannot be recognized by yourself
False. It is not difficult to recognize such a condition. Where there was a soft, appearing and disappearing bulge on the skin before, a hard and painful tumor becomes. The skin in this area is very red and very warm. After a few hours, you experience severe bloating, sharp abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. It is also not possible to pass gas or stool. Heart rate is greatly increased.
When a hernia becomes trapped, there is always intestinal necrosis
False. If we don't panic and act calmly, we may even relaxhernial ring and bowel return to its place. To make it to the arrival of the ambulance: lie on your back, put a small pillow under your pelvis, bend your legs slightly at the knees. While lying in this position, despite the pain, you should breathe evenly. This position relaxes the abdominal muscles and the hernial ring. The intestines may return to their place, but only a doctor can tell. Even if the intestines release themselves from their grip, an observation in the hospital is necessary, and usually ends with an operation.
Trapped hernia requires surgery
True. This is the only effective method of treatment. It consists in separating the hernial sac from the surrounding tissues and ligating it. The most important part of the procedure is to strengthen the weakened tissues of the abdominal wall. Darning of tissue defects is done by bringing muscles, tendons and ligaments closer together. Strong surgical sutures are placed on them. Currently, treatment consists in implanting a special mesh in the abdominal wall, which strengthens it and protects it against relapse. The very next day after the surgery, the patient can get out of bed.
Hernia can be life threatening
True. The most dangerous condition is when the hernia becomes trapped. Then the intestines that have entered the hernial sac cannot get out of it. This clamping makes it difficult for the intestinal contents to pass through. In a short time, the abdomen begins to ache very much and is strongly bloated. If help is not timely due to intestinal ischemia, intestinal necrosis develops.
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