What Exactly Is A Hernia?

What Causes A Hernia?

Photo Credit: MirrorOnline

Hernias are caused due to weak muscles in an individual’s body. If already weak muscles are continuously strained, the likelihood of an individual developing a hernia increases significantly. Often, a person is simply born being more prone to experience weak muscles. In these cases, certain things will enhance the likelihood of a hernia. Some of these things include heavy lifting, excessive coughing, experiencing issues with digestion, or being overweight.

Learn about how hernias are diagnosed next.

How Hernias Are Diagnosed

Endoscopic resection. Photo Credit: USAHealth @Healthz

A physical exam is an effective way to make a diagnosis of an incisional or inguinal hernia. During a physical exam, the patient is often asked to strain, stand, or cough to make the hernia more prominent. If the doctor suspects an individual has a hiatal hernia, they may order an endoscopy or a barium x-ray to help them make a proper diagnosis. For a barium x-ray, the affected individual will consume a liquid solution containing a compound called barium. Barium lights up on x-rays so the physician can see the patient's digestive tract clearly. An endoscopy is performed by threading a tiny camera attached to a catheter down the affected individual's throat and into their stomach. This test gives a physician a look at the internal location of the digestive tract. If an umbilical hernia is suspected, a physician may elect to perform an ultrasound to view the abdominal structures and their position to make a diagnosis.

Consider how hernias can be prevented now.

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