{"id":1211,"date":"2022-01-23T13:17:42","date_gmt":"2022-01-23T13:17:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/?p=1211"},"modified":"2026-02-24T14:04:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T14:04:13","slug":"all-you-need-to-know-about-hernias-and-how-to-prevent-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/all-you-need-to-know-about-hernias-and-how-to-prevent-them\/","title":{"rendered":"All You Need To Know About Hernias | Omar Rashid, Medicus Elite"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">By definition, hernias occur when an organ manages to push through the tissue that holds it or through a muscle opening. When assessing different types of hernias, one example would be the intestines pushing through a weak abdominal wall area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They most often occur around the abdomen, but they can also happen in the groin and upper thigh areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fortunately, an untreated hernia isn\u2019t a fatal problem, but only <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/general-surgery\/hernia-repair\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">hernia surgery<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> will be able to resolve the problem, especially when the hernia would lead to other serious complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Different Types of Hernias<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before learning about how to prevent hernias, let\u2019s see the different types of the condition:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Inguinal hernia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: These are the most common types, occurring when the intestines manage to get through the lower abdominal wall.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Umbilical hernia: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These affect babies and children, occurring when the intestines push through the abdominal wall in the belly-button area. The bulge around the site is pretty easy to spot, and it\u2019s the only one that can go away on its own as the muscles of the abdominal wall get stronger over time. At the same time, adults may also develop this type of hernia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Hiatal hernia:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> These occur when a part of the patient&#8217;s stomach pushes through the diaphragm, reaching the chest cavity. When assessing different types of hernias, these are among those which may lead to more serious problems. These hernias will mostly always cause gastroesophageal reflux disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Ventral hernia: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This happens when tissue protrudes through the abdominal muscle openings. These usually become smaller when you lay down. These types of hernias are mostly acquired due to strenuous activity, obesity, and pregnancy. They may also appear at surgical incision sites.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Hernia Symptoms<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1213 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-Symptoms.jpg\" alt=\"Old Male Having Strong Abdominal Ache\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-Symptoms-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-Symptoms-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-Symptoms-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-Symptoms-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-Symptoms-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-Symptoms-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-Symptoms.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before you learn how to prevent a hernia, you should first know the most common symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Obviously, the most common symptom is a lump or bulge in the affected site. In some cases, the bumps may decrease in size or disappear when lying down. These bulges may be felt when coughing, standing up, or bending down. They may also cause discomfort, and lying down may be the only effective form of hernia pain relief.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In other cases, hernia pain relief becomes even more complicated, as some types of hernias (like hiatal hernias) can have even more peculiar symptoms. Trouble swallowing, heartburn, and chest pain may all appear in their cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, in other cases, you will need no hernia pain relief, as they may cause no pain at all and are discovered during a routine exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Causes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For the most part, people develop hernias because of a combination of muscle strain and weakness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common causes may include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Congenital conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aging<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Weakened muscles due to surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lifting heavy objects (like weights)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chronic coughing and COPD<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Being obese<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ascites<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Managing an Untreated Hernia<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apart from an umbilical hernia in children, the only way to resolve all the problems of an untreated hernia is through hernia surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, depending on the size of the bulge and the severity of the symptoms, your healthcare professional may simply monitor the hernia (watchful waiting).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In other cases, the doctor may recommend wearing a supportive undergarment (a truss) for your untreated hernia, keeping it in place more effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may also get OTC for hernia pain relief in the case of a hiatal hernia to reduce stomach acid.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Diagnosis<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As mentioned above, in some cases, your untreated hernia may produce no symptoms and might be discovered during a routine exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When you\u2019re specifically visiting the doctor because you suspect you might have an untreated hernia, your healthcare provider may feel for the bulge in the suspected area, while you\u2019re standing up, coughing, or straining.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The doctor will also ask about your medical history and other questions like whether you lift weights, exercise rigorously, or have a hernia history in the family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Additionally, your doctor may also perform:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An abdominal CT scan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An abdominal ultrasound<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An abdominal MRI scan<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the case of hiatal hernias, experts may also perform:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Digestive tract X-rays<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Endoscopy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Can Hernias Go Away with Home Remedies?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unfortunately, untreated hernias can\u2019t go away on their own. Even then, there are a few things you can do to get hernia pain relief.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For starters, eating more high-fiber foods (like whole grains, fruits, vegetables) can help with constipation which is known to aggravate hernias.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the case of a hiatal hernia, avoiding heavy and large meals and avoiding foods that may cause acid reflux may also ease symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other lifestyle changes may also help:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Quitting smoking (to avoid acid reflux)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keeping your bodyweight optimal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strengthening core muscles with the help of a professional<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you train, make sure to perform the exercises properly<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Dealing with an Untreated Hernia<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can hernias go away? Not on their own. Additionally, they can also lead to fatal complications if not treated in time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s vital to visit your doctor if you suspect you\u2019ve developed a hernia. Early detection and lifestyle changes can ease symptoms, but you will need hernia surgery to treat the condition entirely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You don\u2019t have to worry because the patient outlook for hernia surgery is good. However, the problem may come back after surgery, depending on your overall health, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Prevent Hernia?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sadly, you can\u2019t always prevent them from occurring. Often, a hernia will develop because of previous surgeries or inherited existing conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, a few simple lifestyle changes can help you lower your chances of developing one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So, how to prevent a hernia if you don\u2019t have a family history of having them and had no previous surgeries?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are a few tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Avoid developing persistent coughs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Quit smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep your body weight in check<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Avoid straining during urination and bowel movements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Create a high-fiber diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strengthen your abdominal muscles through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acefitness.org\/education-and-resources\/lifestyle\/blog\/6313\/7-core-stability-exercises\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">exercise<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Avoid lifting too heavy weights.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Hernia in Infants &amp; Pregnancy<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1214 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-in-Infants-Pregnancy.jpg\" alt=\"Asian Female Having Painful Stomachache\" width=\"1000\" height=\"678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-in-Infants-Pregnancy-200x136.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-in-Infants-Pregnancy-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-in-Infants-Pregnancy-400x271.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-in-Infants-Pregnancy-600x407.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-in-Infants-Pregnancy-768x521.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-in-Infants-Pregnancy-800x542.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/132\/2022\/01\/Hernia-in-Infants-Pregnancy.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Up to 25 percent of babies are born with umbilical hernias, mostly due to low birth weight or premature birth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spotting these hernias is relatively easy because they are noticeable when the baby\u2019s coughing or crying near the belly-bottom area. These hernias are mostly painless in most cases, but they can cause vomiting, swelling, and discomfort. In these cases, emergency medical attention is needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fortunately, these hernias will go away as the child\u2019s core muscles strengthen, but if they are still visible by age five, surgery might be recommended to remove them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019re pregnant and suspect a hernia, don\u2019t hesitate to see your doctor, as they can evaluate the condition and determine the best course of action.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In most cases, the hernia won\u2019t be treated only after delivery. However, if it gets larger over the course of the pregnancy and causes discomfort, doctors may advise opting for surgery (during the second trimester).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Previous hernias can also return with new pregnancies and may also happen after having a C-section. Whatever the causes may be, it\u2019s always best to consult with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Don\u2019t Wait With Hernias<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even if they don\u2019t produce any symptoms, hernias should always be assessed by a doctor. Early detection can go a long way in avoiding complications and help you resume your everyday life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, making certain lifestyle changes can help you prevent the condition. If you exercise, always strive to maintain proper form and avoid lifting weights that are too heavy for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lastly, if you suspect having developed a hernia, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By definition, hernias occur when an organ manages to push through the tissue that holds it or through a muscle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1212,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[15,17,16,19,14,18],"class_list":["post-1211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hernia","tag-can-hernias-go-away","tag-different-types-of-hernias","tag-hernia-pain-relief","tag-hernia-surgery","tag-how-to-prevent-a-hernia","tag-untreated-hernia"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1211"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1211\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/omar-rashid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}