Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

Hernias: Detection, Treatment, And Prevention

Nellie Ryan

Hernias are caused by a variety of factors, and hernias can be very hard to hide. These lumps can be unpleasant on your body, but it is important to learn what exactly a hernia is, what causes them, how to treat them, and how to attempt to prevent them from returning.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia is a lump that usually shows up on your abdomen and it appears because an organ in your body has found a way past the muscle tissue in front of it through an opening. There are several different types of hernia, and these include inguinal, hiatal, umbilical, and incisional. Inguinal hernias are the most common type, and are more common in men. These are caused by the intestines pushing through the inguinal canal, which is located in the groin.

Hiatal hernias are found when your stomach has found a way to protrude through your chest. These types of hernias usually only occur in people around fifty years of age. Umbilical hernias happen in children, when their muscles are still weak and their intestines protrude on their abdomen. These hernias will typically go away on their own after a while. Lastly, there is the incisional hernia, which happens after abdominal surgery, and the intestines push through weakened abdominal muscles.

What Causes Hernias?

Hernias can be caused by many things, such as obesity, heavy lifting, coughing, and fluid in the abdominal area. You may also have a family history putting you at a higher risk of getting hernias. The lumps may grow quickly, or slowly depending on the situation that allowed the hernia to occur.

Is There Treatment for Hernias?

Yes, but the only option to get rid of a hernia is through surgery. Hernias will not go away through having a better diet or increased exercise. Some people invest in hernia belts to ease the discomfort that hernias can cause, but having a hernia surgery is the only way to be rid of the bulge. The surgeon will place the organ but into its correct place and then the muscle tissue is reinforced, ensuring that the hernia will not return in that same area.

How to Prevent Hernias

There are a variety of things that may cause hernias, but there are some basic things that should prevent all types of hernias. If you lift heavy weights often, making sure you are lifting with the proper form. If you are overweight, take measures to exercise or find healthier foods in your diets. And lastly, if you are smoking, try to beat your addiction because smoking can damage muscle tissue around the lungs, increasing your risk for hiatal hernias.


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About Me
Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

As an adult in my 50s, I find that my body isn't as strong as it used to be. But I don't let that stop me from enjoying life! In fact, I make every effort to get the treatments I need from my doctor to improve my health. I know that I'm not a senior yet, but I do all I can to prevent the health problems that affect that age group. Because of this, I put together a health blog for people over age 50. My blog isn't a review of what you can easily find on the Internet. It's a plethora of unique information designed to help you find the services you need fast. What my blog doesn't do is tell you what to do for your health. Instead, it offers guidance and options. Please, enjoy the blog and happy reading.

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