June is Hernia Awareness Month – The Causes of Hernias

A hernia is a condition that occurs as a result of bodily organs pushing through the cavity that contains them. Organs are prone to wander from their appointed cavities if your muscles in that area are weak or if you strain to hard. The most common type occurs in the abdomen (inguinal hernia) where the intestines push through the abdominal wall in the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is located in the groin.

Besides lifting heavy weights, it can occur by:

• suddenly gaining weight
• persistent coughing or sneezing
• being constipated, which creates strain from difficult bowel movement
• being pregnant
• recent surgery in the affected area.

You begin to see how these activities could cause enough strain to give you a hernia, but it may not be easily apparent if, and when you get one.

The respected medical staff at Desert West Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada say, “It most often comes with symptoms that include the bulge or lump, tenderness to the touch, and overall pain. In the case of a hiatal hernia (upper abdominal hernia) it pushes up through the diaphragm and leaks acid in the esophagus causing painful indigestion and acid reflux.”

Desert West Surgery suggests that any sign of a hernia should be addressed immediately. Symptoms will almost always get more severe, and there is a significant chance that surgery will be needed (an irreducible hernia) to repair the damage to the abominable wall and any damage to the organ.

The bottom-line: they are common and need to be dealt with at first notice. Even if you’re not sure, don’t try to diagnose yourself. Get it looked at immediately.

If surgery to repair a hernia is in your future don’t hesitate to contact Desert West Surgery for an appointment to talk to a medical professional who can counsel you and if needed, prepare you for a procedure. Call Desert West Surgery today at 702-383-4040. For further information on repair, click on the link.