A bulge in your abdomen or groin is one of the first things to notice if you have an inguinal hernia.There is a bulge in your abdomen.The primary treatment for inguinal hernias is surgery.If hernias are not treated, they can be life threatening.In rare cases, the blood supply may be cut off in the hernia.Emergency surgery is needed to prevent shock and death from a strangulated hernia created by this.If you learn to recognize the signs of an inguinal hernia, you can get a medical diagnosis and treatment quickly.
Step 1: There are signs of a hernia that can be seen in the mirror.
Take your clothes off and look in the mirror.Place your fingers over the affected area.If you saw a bulge coming out of that area, force yourself to cough.You can hold your breath and bear down as you go to the bathroom.To see if a bulge is coming out, use your finger.Things that put pressure on the abdomen can cause hernias.If there is a bulge in your groin area, you may have a hernia.There is swelling in the lower part of your body that can be seen in your scrotum.A femoral hernia is the most likely cause of a bulge on the thigh.One testicle may be from an indirect hernia.A hernia can be indicated by burning, ache, or heavy pain in your groin.If this happens, seek emergency treatment.If the swelling is not in the scrotum area, it's probably a hernia, not an inguinal hernia.
Step 2: If the hernia can be pushed back, you should check it.
If the hernia is reducible, push it back into place.To relieve the tension of the hernia, lay down.Use your index finger to apply pressure to the bulge.Do not force it, which could cause injury.You should see a healthcare professional if you can't reduce the hernia.Let your doctor know if you've vomited or not been able to push the bulge back in.strangulation can be a consequence of this.If you have abdominal pain or a high temperature, you need to see a doctor.Proper nutrition can be lost if the intestine and blood vessels are disrupted.This will kill the tissue.The dead tissue needs to be removed so that the digested products can pass through.
Step 3: Get a checkup.
If you have a hernia, you should get medical attention.At the doctor's exam room, you'll need to remove all clothing below the waist and your doctor will inspect your abdomen and genitals for bulges.You will be asked to cough or contract your abdomen while not breathing.There is a bulge.Your doctor will check to see if the hernia is reducible by palpating the area with an index finger.Your doctor may use a stethoscope to listen to your bowels.This can be a sign of dead tissue or strangulation if no bowel sounds are heard.
Step 4: There are different types of groin hernias.
There are different types of hernias.If you think you have a hernia in these areas, it is most likely an indirect inguinal hernia.The area didn't seal properly before birth, making it weak.The direct inguinal hernia is caused by trauma to the area like repeated stress from lifting heavy objects, frequent coughing, and straining while using the bathroom.The weakened muscles near the groin and genitals are not used for fat to pass through the scrotum or testes.It can happen in women as well, but is most common in men over 40.A femoral hernia can occur in men.The weakened lower groin is where the vessels supplying the thighs and legs pass through.If symptoms change, keep your doctor up to date.
Step 5: Discuss your options with a doctor.
Most hernias are treated with surgery.If the hernia can be pushed back, you may want to wait.To get a professional opinion, make an appointment with your doctor.If your doctor tells you not to have surgery because there aren't any symptoms, you have the right to do it for aesthetic reasons.You should make an appointment with the surgeon if you decide to have surgery.If you plan on having surgery, you'll need to have labs for your blood values, electrolytes, and an electrocardiogram for detection of any heart abnormality.The results of your tests should be sent to your surgeon after you make an appointment with your primary care doctor.
Step 6: Laparoscopic surgery is available.
Laparoscopic surgery will give you analgesia to reduce your pain.The surgeon will inflate your abdomen to make it easier to work with.A surgical probe is used as a camera to guide other probes that can cut, remove, and stitch.The products will be pushed back in place.A mesh will be applied to reinforce the abdominal wall.Future herniations will be prevented by this.Stitching will be done at the end of the small incisions from the probes.Laparoscopic surgery can be done minimally.It leaves a smaller scar, causes less blood loss, and results in less pain after surgery.If the hernia is bilateral, recurrent, or femoral, laparoscopic repair is the better option.
Step 7: Have the surgery.
If you choose to have open surgery, the surgeon will make a small opening in the groin.The contents will be pushed back into the abdomen by the surgeon once open.The surgeon will apply a mesh around the abdominal muscles or tie them together.Future herniations will be prevented by this.Stitching will be done at the end of the incision.If you have a larger hernia or are looking for a less expensive surgery, open surgery is the best option.If there has been prior surgery in that area, if this is your first inguinal hernia, or if the hernia is large, open surgical repair is favored over laparoscopic repair.
Step 8: You need to care for yourself after surgery.
Since you may have pain for a few weeks after the surgery, take any pain medications your doctor prescribes according to the directions.Milk of magnesia should be taken twice a day after your surgery, as well as a high-fiber diet.It will take 1 to 5 days after your surgery for you to have a bowel movement.A cold pack wrapped in a towel can be used to relieve pain.
Step 9: Take care of the wound.
For up to 2 days, keep the bandages over the wound.Bleeding or drainage from the area is normal.It is ok to take a shower after 36 hours.Light pressure should be applied to the area when you wash it with soap.After you're done, pat the area dry with a towel.After each shower, apply a fresh gauze to the area.Take baths or soak the wound in a hot tub for at least 2 weeks.
Step 10: Take a break from physical activity.
You won't have any restrictions after the surgery, but the area may still be tender.For a week, avoid activities that apply pressure to your abdomen.The activities include exercising, running, and swimming.You should wait until your doctor tells you it's okay to lift more than 10 lbs.A hernia can be worsened by heavy lifting.The first two weeks after surgery are when driving is discouraged.If it's not painful or uncomfortable, you can have sex after a hernia.Most patients will be back to work within a month.
Step 11: There are things to watch for.
If you notice any of the symptoms after your surgery, you should talk to your doctor.Drainage of fluid from the surgical area that smells or looks like a cyst is caused by infections.You may have torn a vessel that was never properly closed during surgery.Too much fluid and inflammation can cause trouble urinating after surgery.The inability to empty your bladder can be caused by this.Recurrence of the hernia is the most common cause of swelling or pain in testicles.
Step 12: Lose weight.
If you're overweight, try to lose weight by eating less and exercising more.Excess weight can cause the weak areas in your abdomen to carry more weight than they should.The likelihood of having a hernia can be increased by this increased pressure on weak abdominal points.It's important to choose exercises that don't increase the stress on your abdominal wall.Moderate exercises to try include walking, jogging, swimming and bicycling.
Step 13: Eat more fiber.
Fiber can help move your bowels.When you go to the bathroom, a high-fiber diet will loosen your stool.Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber.You should drink a lot of water to keep your bowels moving.If you've had surgery for a hernia, the use of pain medications can cause your bowels to slow down.This can cause irritation to your abdomen.
Step 14: Lift objects correctly.
Lift heavy objects with care.6 weeks after surgery, you can start lifting objects over 10 pounds.To properly lift, bend at the knees.If you're lifting something close to your body, use your knees, not your waist.Lifting and bending can cause stress on the abdomen.You might want to wear a supportive garment around your waist.This can support your abdominal muscles.
Step 15: Stop smoking.
Smoking can cause a hernia.Smoking can lead to another hernia if you have already had one.