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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is Hernia?
- What Causes Hernia?
- How to Diagnose a hernia?
- What are the Complications of Hernia?
- What is the Treatment for Hernia?
What is Hernia?
When an organ or tissue pushes through a weak opening of the muscle or tissue that holds it in its place, it is called as a hernia.
Hernia can occur at any place, between the chest, hips or in the groin region. The significant types are:
- Inguinal Hernia
- Hiatal Hernia
- Umbilical Hernia
- Ventral Hernia
What Causes Hernia?
A combination of muscular weakness and strain causes hernias. A hernia can grow fast or slowly, depending upon the aetiology.
The following are some of the most prevalent reasons for muscular weakness or strain that can lead to a hernia:
- A congenital disease that develops in the womb and is present from birth
- Ageing
- Injury or surgery-related trauma
- Lifting large weights or doing intense exercise
- Coughing for a long time or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) (COPD)
- Pregnancy, mainly if there are multiple pregnancies
- Constipation
- Having obesity or being overweight
- Regular Smoking leads to the weakening of connective tissue
- Premature birth can cause umbilical hernia
How to Diagnose a Hernia?
Taking proper physical examination is essential to diagnose this condition.
During this examination, the doctor feels the bulge in the abdominal or groin area that gets larger on standing, coughing and straining.
It is also essential to know the family history along with physical examination.
These are some tests that can aid in diagnosis:
- Abdominal ultrasound: To create pictures of the abdomen and identify irregularities.
- CT Scan: To produce images using X-Rays and computer
- Abdominal MRI Scan: Uses radio waves to create images of the abdomen.
- X-Ray with Barium solution ingestion
- Endoscopy: A small lighted tube is inserted in the abdomen with a camera to produce images
What are the Complications of Hernia?
These are the most common complications when a hernia is left untreated:
- Obstructed hernia: When a hernia is impeded, the part of the intestine that has protruded through the orifice becomes stuck, hence called obstructed hernia. It can result in nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain.
- Strangulated hernia is a life-threatening condition in which blood flow to the protruded part of the intestine gets cut off. It requires emergency treatment as it can prove to be fatal.
- Esophageal stricture: Sometimes oesophagus gets constricted due to the bulge.
- GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
What is the Treatment for Hernia?
The only way to completely treat a hernia is through surgical repair of hernia, either through laparoscopic or open surgery.
Though medications can be given to give symptomatic relief. These can be:
- Antacids
- Painkillers
- Proton pump inhibitors
