The National Center for Health Statistics said roughly five million Americans experience abdominal-wall hernias, annually.
And of those, approximately ⅔ are inguinal and ⅓ are ventral or incisions. Furthermore, over a million of those hernia operations a year happen in the United States.
A hernia will take place when an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in your muscle or tissue. Both men and women can get this condition, although symptoms vary. General Surgeon Henry Derla said there are several types of hernia that you can experience including, inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, umbilical hernias and hiatal hernias.
“If you think you have a hernia, it’s very important to treat it quickly because it can grow larger and more painful and it can lead to complications and possibly emergency surgery,” the health expert warned.
Dr. Derla said of all hernias that occur, 75-80 percent are inguinal or femoral while two percent are incisional or ventral. Inguinal or femoral hernias are due to weakened muscles that may have been present since birth, or are associated with aging and repeated strains on the abdominal and groin areas. Such strain may come from physical exertion, obesity, pregnancy, frequent coughing, or straining on the toilet due to constipation.
He said adults may get an umbilical hernia by straining the abdominal area, being overweight, having a long-lasting heavy cough or after giving birth.
A hernia in the abdomen or groin can produce a noticeable lump or bulge that can be pushed back in, or that can disappear when lying down.
Laughing, coughing, crying, straining during a bowel movement, or physical activity may make the lump reappear after it has been pushed in. In the case of hiatal hernias, there are no bulges on the outside of the body. Instead, symptoms may include heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, frequent regurgitation or bringing food back up and chest pain.
To avoid hernias, maintain ideal body weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising; eat enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains, to avoid constipation; use correct form when lifting weights or heavy objects, and avoid lifting anything that is beyond your ability; see a doctor when you’re ill with persistent coughing and sneezing; and finally, don’t smoke, as the habit can lead to coughing that triggers a hernia.
Ana Williams is the health columnist for The Graham Star. She can be reached via email, anawilliams2019@gmail.com.