MyHealthSpan
Preventive Medicine: Your Key to a Long and Healthy Life

Home Page   Newsletters   FAQs   H-SCAN Physical Age Test   Our Results

Hernia

Question: What is Inguinal Hernia?  What are the common symptoms?  Any treatment?

Answer: A hernia is a condition in which part of the intestine bulges through a tear in muscles in the abdomen. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called "inguinal" because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near the groin. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining to pass stool can cause the intestine to push against the inguinal canal.

Symptoms of inguinal hernia may include a lump in the groin near the thigh; pain in the groin; and, in severe cases, partial or complete blockage of the intestine. The doctor diagnoses hernia by doing a physical exam and by taking x-rays and blood tests to check for blockage in the intestine.

The main treatment for inguinal hernia is surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. This surgery is called herniorrhaphy. Sometimes the weak area is reinforced with steel mesh or wire. This operation is called hernioplasty. If the protruding intestine becomes twisted or traps stool, part of the intestine might need to be removed. This surgery is called bowel resection. (Bowel is another word for intestine.)

Question: What is a hiatus hernia?  What are the symptoms?  What is the treatment?  

Answer: A hiatus hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach, which is joined to the esophagus (gullet), moves up into the chest through the hole (called a hiatus) in the diaphragm. It is common and occurs in about 10 per cent of people.

Most people are not troubled by their hiatus hernia, but if reflux of the acid contents of the stomach occurs (called gastro-esophageal reflux), you get heartburn. This is a painful burning sensation in the chest, which can sometimes be felt in the throat. Sudden regurgitation of acid fluid into the mouth can occur, especially when you lie down or bend forward. These symptoms are a problem when you go to bed and can wake you up. Other symptoms include belching, pain on swallowing hot fluids and a feeling of food sticking in the esophagus.

Self-help

·         Keep to your ideal weight

·         Avoid stooping

·         Avoid smoking

·         Reduce alcohol and coffee

·         Avoid tight corsets

·         Adjust your bed

·         Take antacid

·         Have small meals

• Avoid spicy food.
• Avoid hot drinks.
• Avoid having supper.
• Avoid gassy drinks.

Losing weight nearly always cures it. Eating small meals each day instead of 2 or 3 large ones helps. You must have a light evening meal without alcohol and avoid supper so that your stomach is empty on retiring. It takes about 1 hour for the stomach to empty.

Smoking certainly aggravates it, as do coffee and alcohol, especially spirits. If symptoms occur at night, you are advised to use extra pillows to prop up you head and shoulders. If this fails, you should raise the head of your bed about 10 cm (4 inches) to prevent acid reflux at night.

Medical help

If over-the-counter antacids and other measures do not help, your doctor may prescribe a special mixture or tablets to reduce reflux. If your problem persists, an operation (which has good results) may be necessary.

The key to coping with a hiatus hernia is to keep at ideal weight.

Home Page   Newsletters   FAQs   H-SCAN Physical Age Test   Our Results