Treatment for hernias without surgery can actually be attempted, ranging from changing diet to taking drugs. However, you need to understand that not all hernias or descending this brain can always be treated without surgery.
Hernia is a protrusion of internal organs on the surface of the body that occurs due to weakness of the tissue or muscle wall that covers it. If the condition progresses to severe, especially to the point of causing complaints such as pain and unable to defecate, the doctor will certainly recommend surgery.
Recognize the Causes and Types of Hernias
Hernias can be caused by a combination of overstretched and weakened muscles. This can be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from congenital conditions, chronic cough, constipation, lifting heavy weights, to injury or complications from abdominal surgery.
There are several types of hernias that you need to know about, including:
inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia can occur when the intestines or tissue in the abdomen protrudes into the inguinal or groin area. This type of hernia is the most common and men tend to be more at risk than women.
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs when the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall near the belly button. This type of hernia is more common in infants and children. An umbilical hernia is the only type of hernia that can get better on its own, usually by the time the child is 1–2 years old as the abdominal wall muscles strengthen.
hiatus hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. This type of hernia is most common in people over the age of 50. However, children can also experience a hiatal hernia due to congenital abnormalities.
In addition, there are many other types of hernias that you need to know about, such as femoral hernias, incisional hernias, epigastric hernias, spigelian hernias, and diaphragmatic hernias.
Hernia Treatment Without Surgery
In treating a hernia, the doctor will generally make a diagnosis first, based on the size of the hernia and the severity of the symptoms you feel. The results of the diagnosis will later be taken into consideration by the doctor whether the hernia can be treated without surgery or through surgery.
Some non-surgical hernia treatments that can be done include:
1. Change your healthy diet
Dietary changes can reduce the symptoms of hernias from getting more severe, especially in hiatal hernias that occur in the stomach. Some steps you can take include avoiding large portions of food, maintaining a balanced weight, and avoiding lying down or bending over after eating.
2. Avoid straining too often
Straining too often during bowel movements can worsen the condition of the hernia. To avoid this habit, it is recommended to drink lots of water and consume fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
This method can help overcome constipation that triggers straining during bowel movements. In addition, avoid holding bowel movements so that the stool in the intestine does not harden and become difficult to expel.
3. Do the right exercise
Exercise can help reduce weight and reduce hernia symptoms and strengthen the muscles around the hernia area, so it can also be a non-surgical hernia treatment.
But remember, avoid sports that lift heavy weights, yes. Various types of exercise that are safe for hernia sufferers are walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and yoga. Before doing sports, first consult with your doctor to get the right and safe direction.
4. Consumption of drugs
If you have a hiatal hernia, there are several types of acid reflux medications to reduce discomfort. These include antacids, H-2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
In other hernia conditions, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be given to relieve symptoms. However, always consult a doctor before taking the drug.
Surgery to Treat Hernia
You need to know that the only effective way to treat a hernia is through surgery. This surgery can be done if the hernia is getting bigger or the hernia is pinched and causes severe pain, such as in a strangulated hernia.
Hernia surgery is generally divided into two types, namely open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. The type of surgery required depends on the size, type, and location of the hernia. Open surgery usually requires a longer recovery process than laparoscopy.
If you feel a hernia, immediately consult a doctor for treatment recommendations, either through non-surgical hernia treatment or through surgery.
However, if at home you experience complaints such as severe pain that appears suddenly, nausea and vomiting, fever, difficulty passing gas and defecation, and the bulge turns reddish or purplish, immediately go to the ER for emergency help.