How to Prevent a Hernia

A hernia is the result of part of an organ or tissue pushing through a weak area of muscle. It protrudes into the surrounding space. While steps can be taken to prevent hernias from developing in adulthood, some babies are born with hernias that are impossible to prevent.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Learn the Types of Hernias

1. Find an inguinal, umbilical, incisional and hiatal hernia to be the most common types of hernias.
2. Recognize other hernia types as ventral (in the lower front part), femoral (below the groin fold) and epigastric (upper abdomen).
3. Learn the rarest hernias include Spigelian, lumbar and obturator.

Determine How to Prevent a Hernia

4. Realize the first step to prevent a hernia is to know what causes one. A hernia can appear anywhere the muscle wall is thin if it is stressed beyond the capacity to hold the contents.
5. Avoid lifting heavy objects. If you do any lifting, use proper body mechanics. Always use your legs, not your back muscles, to lift. Bending to lift places unnecessary stress on the abdominal muscles.
6. Wear a support brace when doing any excessive lifting or strenuous activity. Muscle strain is one of the first signs of a possible hernia. Avoiding strain or sudden twists will reduce the chances of developing a hernia.
7. Report difficulty urinating to your doctor. Chronic straining can cause the development of a hernia. The underlying cause of difficult urination needs to be determined and treated by your doctor.
8. Talk to your doctor about chronic constipation. Straining to have a bowel movement can result in hernia development. Treatment may be as simple as increasing the fiber in your diet, or it may be indicative of a gastrointestinal disorder requiring further treatment.
9. Find relief from repeated coughing episodes. If you have allergies or some kind of pulmonary disease, it is important to keep coughing under control. The exertion during a prolonged cough attack, if repeated frequently, can cause the development of a hernia.
10. Prevent recurrent hernia development following surgical repair. Ask your doctor for measures to strengthen the area of involvement without creating too much stress on the muscle.
11. Stop smoking. Poor oxygenation as a result of smoking can cause muscle damage. Weak muscles are prime targets for developing a hernia.

Tips & Warnings

• Some types of hernias cannot be prevented. A baby can be born with a hernia. Likewise, heredity is shown to play a role in the development of adult hernias.