A hernia is something that develops in your intestines or abdomen, causing quite a bit of pain and discomfort. There are many different types of hernias and not all of them can be avoided; however, you can still learn how to prevent a hernia while your body is in a healthy condition. Let’s look at how to prevent a hernia.
How to Prevent a Hernia
At the office of your local gastroenterologist in LA, hernia treatment is offered through different procedures and techniques. The best way to treat a hernia, however, is to avoid developing one in the first place. Here are a few things you can do to keep avoidable hernias at bay.
Understand Hernia Symptoms
The faster you can identify the incoming symptoms of a hernia, the quicker you can seek treatment. It is a good idea to get your hernia removed before it grows into a larger problem.
The biggest symptoms of a hernia include:
- Bulge or lump in the intestinal area
- Discomfort or pain in the abdomen
- Excessive heartburn
- Trouble swallowing
- Lump that disappears when lying down
- Coughing
- Chest pain
Unfortunately, some hernias can develop without any symptoms at all. It is important to routinely visit your gastroenterologist to make sure your intestines are in working order.
Avoid Hernia Causes
Regardless of your current diet and lifestyle routine, there are plenty of strategies you can engage in to avoid hernias altogether. By staying aware of the major causes of hernias, you will have a much easier time avoiding hernias.
The biggest causes of hernias are:
- Too much exercise
- Straining when constipated
- Damage after physical injury or surgery
- Chronic coughing
- COPD
- Extreme weight gain
- Fluid in the abdomen
Some hernias may be present from birth due to a congenital condition. You may also be at an increased risk for developing a hernia if you are aging, constantly constipated, or have a family history of hernias.
Visit a Hernia Specialist
If you believe that you have already developed some of the emerging symptoms of a hernia and you want to check it out, you can visit your gastroenterologist for a specialized appointment. There are several ways to come up with an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may do a CT scan, an MRI scan, or an abdominal ultrasound to determine the size and type of hernia you are dealing with.
Your doctor may suggest different treatment options to reduce the size of your hernia or to completely eliminate it. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the hernia from your body.
Preparing for Hernia Surgery
If worse comes to worst and you have developed a hernia already, you will need a surgical procedure to properly remove it. Still, this remains the most effective type of hernia treatment performed by a gastroenterologist. You may prepare with several prescriptions beforehand to help you avoid too much pain and discomfort.
In the days following your treatment, you may be asked to engage in certain exercises to help reduce the hernia in your abdomen. Patients who believe they are dealing with a hernia should seek emergency medical assistance right away.
Prevent and Properly Treat Hernias Today
Some hernias cannot be prevented. Others form as a result of poor dieting, too much exercise, or physical injury. There are many things you can do to avoid developing certain types of hernias. Keep your digestive tract healthy by visiting your local gastroenterologist today. For more information about hernia treatment in LA, get in touch with Dr. Tabib and his staff of friendly professionals. You should seek medical attention at the first sign of a hernia and avoid a future of pain and discomfort. Call us today!