Page 114 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

112 COMMON CONDITIONS: CHEST AND ABDOMINAL PROBLEMS

Hernia

A hernia is a lump in the groin or, less commonly, at the navel, that
WARNING
tends to disappear when you lie flat. In men, a hernia may appear
in the scrotum. You may have no other symptoms, or may feel pain Seek urgent medical help if:
or a dragging sensation. Hernias occur when part of the intestine ● You have a hernia that you can’t
gently push back in and/or you
pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal muscles. They are
have heat and tenderness over the
often due to increased pressure in the abdomen as a result of lump; nausea and vomiting; severe
activities such as heavy lifting, coughing, sneezing, or straining abdominal pain; and constipation
on the toilet. Being overweight makes you more susceptible.

See your doctor first
PREVENTION
Arrange to see your doctor to confirm that you
have a hernia and to discuss treatment. Lifting heavy objects The following
technique may help prevent another hernia,
particularly if your job involves heavy manual work.
What you can do yourself If an object feels too heavy, don’t try to lift or move
it without a lifting aid, wheel base, or cart.
A hernia usually requires surgery, but there are When you lift a heavy object,
several things you can do that will support bend your knees (not your back)
treatment from your doctor. 1 and use your leg muscles to
provide the lifting power. Squat
● If your work involves heavy lifting, try to arrange
close to the object and grasp
lighter duties. Once you are better, take care with it at the base.
lifting heavy objects (see PREVENTION, right).
Keep your back
● Eat a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruit, straight and
avoid twisting
vegetables, and whole-grain bread, and drink
6–8 glasses of water a day; this will help keep
your bowel movements regular. Avoid straining Straighten your
when you are on the toilet. knees and push
2 yourself up with
● Stop smoking, because a smoker’s cough puts
your leg muscles
pressure on a hernia. in one smooth
movement.
● Lose any excess weight, because the weight
puts a strain on your abdominal wall.
● Wearing a groin support is of only limited value
unless the device has been fitted properly on the When you are carrying
advice of a doctor. an object, keep the
3 weight close to your
body, your back
straight, and your
Seek further medical help head up. When you
Arrange to see your doctor again if: put the object down,
bend at the knees.
● The hernia gets larger and more painful
Keep the weight
while you’re waiting for treatment balanced over your
thighs and feet