Since most Indians have heard the word “hernia,” but do not fully comprehend the depth and breadth of this ailment, hernia as sickness has been largely misunderstood throughout the nation. Hernia is described medically as the protrusion of the omentum or intestine via a defect and occurs when our abdominal organs stick out through a fault in our internal organ walls.

Dr. Jameel Akhter, a general surgeon in Chennai, stated in an interview with HT Lifestyle that “There are a multitude of causes for a hernia to develop in any individual. The muscular walls in the pelvic and abdominal regions may break with excessive force, allowing the internal organs to protrude. In addition to these, smoking, connective tissue disorders, open appendectomy, COPD cough, obesity, constipation, prostatomegaly, and excessive weight lifting are some more causes of hernias.”

He listed a few of the complications one might have to face if their hernia goes untreated:

1. It may become irreducible – A hernia that protrudes through a defect is irreducible and won’t retract by itself. Although this stage is referred to as irreducible, it is still not as bad as the advanced hernia stages.

2. It can get imprisoned – A hernia is referred to as being imprisoned when a portion of the intestine or abdomen becomes lodged in the hernia bulges.

3. It can hinder normal organ function, which can result in several issues. This happens when a hernia grows large enough.

4. It can choke off the blood supply – A hernia can choke off the blood flow if it becomes large enough to clog adjacent arteries. This is an extremely dangerous ailment that has to be treated right now.

Source: hindustan times

Also Read: Umbilical Hernia: Causes And Symptoms