Developing hernias are often caused by the things you can’t control. But, we are here to help you. SMILES, the department of laparoscopic surgery in Bangalore shares the ways to prevent different types of hernia including inguinal hernia.
Things you must know to prevent hernias in men
A Hernia occurs when an organ (part of the intestine) or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Generally, hernias are not life-threatening, but they do get worse if left untreated.
Hernias need medical interventions as they do not go away on their own. In rare cases, such as strangulation, where the blood supply to the trapped area is cut off, may require hernia surgery – says Dr. Sujeev, the best laparoscopic surgeon.
However, inguinal hernias, the most common form of hernias, are preventable. These inguinal hernias occur when a section of the intestine pushes through a muscle in the groin area. Similar to other types of hernia, inguinal hernias develop due to muscle weakness and pressure from the abdomen.
In fact, there is not much can be done to avoid muscle weakness. But, you can reduce pressure on the abdomen and thus prevent the risk of developing hernias. Fortunately, there are some ways that help prevent inguinal hernias.
5 ways to prevent hernia in men
The experts of hernia treatment at SMILES outlined some of the ways to prevent hernia in men that include:
1. Maintain a healthy body weight
When you are obese or overweight, you are at risk of getting hernias because your extra body fat can put pressure on your abdomen. Therefore, maintaining a healthy body weight (BMI<30 ) is highly recommended in order to reduce the risk of an inguinal hernia.
Regular exercise and a diet plan can help you lose weight. However, getting enough of the right exercises like yoga, lifting light weights, pilates, and cycling is beneficial to reduce unexpected complications like hernias.
2. Avoid heavy lifting
Attempting to lift heavy objects can put you at risk of developing hernias, especially if your abdomen muscles are weak. Also, research reveals that due to one of the most common causes of hernia, heavy lifting should be avoided.
If you want to lift something heavy, make sure your core muscles are strong. Consider bending down with your knees rather than directly lifting the object from your waist up. Besides, if the object is too heavy, avoid lifting it.
3. Eat fiber-rich foods
Constipation can put a strain on your abdomen and thus increase your risk of hernia. A person with an inguinal hernia can prevent hernia symptoms by eating high fiber foods, as explained by hernia treatment experts.
Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts can help ease regular bowel movements. In addition, staying hydrated is also essential to prevent constipation and pressure on the abdomen.
4. Immediately treat if your coughing or sneezing are consistent
Undoubtedly, coughing and sneezing can both put pressure on the abdomen and leads to hernia. Therefore, it is advisable to see a doctor if your coughing and sneezing are persistent due to allergies or any other infections.
Also, it is recommended to avoid smoking as it can lead to coughing which increases the chances of an inguinal hernia in men.
5. Check if you have enlarged prostate
If you have an enlarged prostate, you will feel the need to urinate frequently. This can increase the pressure on the abdomen by causing strain during urination. Signs of an enlarged prostate include difficulty to urinate faster and to empty the bladder.
Most men tend to have a prostate problem as the age grows. Try not to strain during bowel movements and while passing urine to decrease the chances of developing hernias.
Did you notice any hernia symptoms even after following the above remedies? Do not wait for longer to heal. Consult hernia treatment experts and the best laparoscopic surgeons at SMILES for effective treatment and avoid further complications.
