Constant constipation can cause hernias

Hernia hurts. Those that have experienced one know that it can cripple even the strongest person imaginable. This unlikely culprit affects men and women from all walks of life, and can greatly impact daily routine or work with pain and discomfort.

How fake news tricked my wife to thinking I stood with strippers — Osinbajo

Hernias usually occur when there is a combination of pressure and muscle weakness in the abdominal area, and a piece of intestine or another organ pushes through the surrounding muscle.

Now, “anything that causes pressure in the abdomen can trigger a hernia, including diarrhoea or constipation, straining to urinate, smoking, lifting heavy objects or weights, and even heavy coughing,” said Dr Adewale Adisa, consultant general surgeon, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) Complex, Ile Ife, Osun State.

There are different types of hernias, and they are typically defined by the part of the body that they impact. One of the most common areas for a hernia to occur is the groin, which is called an inguinal hernia.

Hernias at the belly button (umbilical) are also common, as are hernias that occur in the area where a previous medical operation was performed (incisional). There are other less common forms of hernia, as well.

Nine out of 10 hernias occur in the groin – called “inguinal hernias” – and they are more common in men than women.

According to Dr Adisa, although most hernias occur in the abdomen, between the chest and the hips, and they can develop in men, women and children, people that are born with weak abdominal muscles are more likely to develop a hernia than others. It also runs in some families.

“The belly button is where umbilical cord connects the child to the mother. So, naturally, there was a defect in the belly button. In 99 per cent of people, the belly button (umbilicus) will close by itself. But, if it does not close, the child will form a hernia, what is called hernia in the belly button or an umbilical hernia.

“So, the child is seen with a big and puffy belly button. Such a defect, be it in the groin, abdomen or other parts of the body, is a misnomer and would require to be closed by a surgical operation,” he added.

Dr Adisa said the intestines and vital organs can sometimes start to poke through such a defect or hole, making them bigger and often causing pain and health problems. They may get worse and develop complications.

While scientists do not know why sometimes people form hernias, Dr Adisa said athletes, saxophonists and manual workers like bricklayers and farmers stand a higher risk of developing hernia just as involvement in activities like the lifting of heavy objects, continuous blowing of balloons because of the build of pressure in the course of work.

Most sports-related hernias occur in the groin and do not appear as a bulge. People who are at greatest risk of developing a sports hernia are high-performance athletes that perform activities that use the core muscles and lower extremities in a high-impact fashion.

Also, any factor that puts increased pressure on those defective areas like obesity, pregnancy, or factors that weaken the tissues or decrease wound healing, such as diabetes can increase the chances of a hernia developing.

According to Dr Adisa, “Lifting a bag of cement is just like straining to pass out hard faeces; hammering wood from morning to night does the same thing inside your tummy, like coughing. Even the effect is the same on a saxophonist that keeps blowing from morning till night or a teacher shout every day when teaching.”

Amazingly, identifying the symptoms of a hernia early can help to minimise suffering and get the treatment need faster. Aside, a painful, visible lump or protrusion in the abdominal area, other hernia symptoms that are much more likely to be ignored include pain in the abdomen while bending over, lifting heavy objects or coughing despite the absence of a bulge.

Hernias can also manifest themselves in the form of an uncomfortable tightness in the abdomen or groin or feeling, bloated or heavy despite not overeating.

Feeling full is one of the most easily overlooked hernia symptoms since it is so easily confused with actually being full. The most common type of a hernia, inguinal, which occurs in the lower abdominal or groin area may leave with this sensation.

Hernias can also manifest themselves in the form of an uncomfortable tightness in the abdomen or groin. In addition, abdominal problems like an upset stomach or vomiting can be a sign that a hernia is becoming serious.

For instance, intestines and vital organs can get trapped in such a defect or hole and that can lead to nausea and/or vomiting.

Of course, a trapped intestinal organ that is not getting any blood flow or causing bowel obstruction is a potentially life-threatening situation.

When a hernia needs to be repaired, it requires surgery. This typically involves repairing the damaged portion of the body and patching the tear in the abdominal muscle with mesh.

Of course, this needs to be done in a timely manner, since the problem can greatly impact daily routine or that is work with pain and discomfort.

The procedure is often now done with a laparoscope, a thin, snake-like instrument that helps to make the procedure less invasive than the typical open surgery. Post-surgery, patients may stay in the hospital for a few days or go home the same day of the procedure.

If someone is pregnant and develops a hernia, individualised care is recommended, with surgery typically put on hold until after pregnancy. But future pregnancies may put the hernia repair at risk.

Tips to prevent a hernia:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Rapid weight loss and weight gain place pressure on the abdominal wall.
• Don’t smoke.
• Change lifting stance; lift with the legs and not the back.
• High intake of fruits and vegetables to improve bowel movements.