Inguinal hernia is also called groin hernia:

What is the treatment and cure for inguinal hernia?

Inguinal hernia occurs if the soft tissue of the intestine tends to protrude through the tear in the abdominal wall. It is also called as groin hernia. In men, inguinal hernia occurs in the area where the spermatic chord and the blood vessels leading to the testicles pass out of the abdominal cavity and enter the scrotum. The area where the blood vessels and the chord pass is called as inguinal canal. In women the inguinal hernia occurs in the region where the connective tissue that binds the uterus moves out from the abdomen into the tissues that surrounds the opening of the vagina.

Inguinal hernia can be classified as indirect and direct hernia. In indirect hernia, it only affects the men whereas in direct hernia it affects both the sexes. Inguinal hernia can occur due to congenital defect. Sometimes weakness occurs in the inguinal canal due to pregnancy, aging or injury. This type of hernia can also occur after delivery or surgery, through exercising, coughing persistently, straining while urination or defecation and heavy lifting.

People may have certain symptoms which are:

1. Swelling in the groin.
2. Experience sudden pain in the scrotum.
3. Discomfort in the abdomen.
4. Feeling of heaviness in the groin
5. Pain in the groin while moving or standing for longer period of time.

It is necessary to consult a doctor who can examine the swelling in the groin if the lump is large. If the hernia is small, the doctor can examine the groin for the bulge.

If the hernia is small and if it can be pushed back, then the doctor can suggest the patient to wear a supportive garment called truss. This device can put pressure on the groin and hold the bulge in. If hernia is painful and cannot be pushed back then the doctor can operate it surgically through open surgery or laparoscopy.

Certain home remedies that can be beneficial for inguinal hernia are:

1. If there is a bulge that is noticeable, then gently push the bulge in the abdominal area.
2. Lie down in the slanting position with the pelvis slightly higher than the head.
3. Place ice pack on the bulge slowly so that the hernia can slide in.
4. Maintain an ideal body weight with selection of correct amount of foods and nutrients.
5. Consume hiatal hernia diet like - high fiber diets like fruits and vegetables with skin, whole grains, whole pulses and legumes.
6. Avoid smoking and lifting of heavy objects.

A person is known to suffer from inguinal hernia when the soft tissue of the intestines starts protruding through a tear or a weak point of the lower abdominal wall, thereby resulting in a painful bulge. This pain may intensify when a person bends over, coughs or lift a heavy object. While this hernia may not necessarily be dangerous on its own, it does not go away on its own; a person will need to undergo surgery for permanent relief from inguinal hernia symptoms and to get the problem rectified. Most people believe that this condition can only affect men; however, this is not really true. There are several inguinal hernia symptoms in girls and women that may also be evident.

Inguinal Hernia Symptoms In Grownups

Not a lot of people experience the inguinal hernia signs and symptoms, in spite of suffering from the problem. If the signs of inguinal hernia in men, women and children are absent, the condition is usually discovered by a doctor during a routine exam. However, even if the other inguinal hernia symptoms in men or women are missing, most of them tend to feel the bulge, which is caused by the intestine that is protruding. This bulge is normally evident when a person stands upright and is more pronounced with a person coughs or exerts pressure on the abdominal area. Given below are some of the most commonly seen inguinal hernia symptoms in women and men:

• A bulge that is seen on either side of the pubic bone
• The presence of a gurgling, aching and burning sensation around the bulge
• Discomfort or pain in the groin area, which gets worse, while bending over, lifting or coughing. This is also one of the groin hernia symptoms in men and women.
• Another one of the common groin hernia symptoms in female could be pain during intercourse. Men however, could experience other sexual problems, such as impotence.
• A heavy or a dragging sensation in the groin area, which may also be accompanied by pressure and weakness at the same time
• At times, men may also experience pain as well as swelling around the testicles and in the scrotum, which is the result of the intestines descend on to the scrotum

Inguinal Hernia Symptoms In Children

Newborns and infants may also suffer from inguinal hernia, as a result of weakness in the walls of the abdomen, which is usually present at birth. In most cases, the bulge and the other inguinal hernia symptoms in babies become evident when the baby is crying, straining during a bowel movement or coughing excessively.

Inguinal hernia can be of two types, i.e., direct hernia or indirect hernia. Direct inguinal hernia occurs when the intestinal tissues enter through a weak spot on the face of the abdominal wall. An indirect inguinal hernia occurs due to a failure in the embryonic closure. Direct inguinal hernia symptoms tend to worsen with weight gain, muscle strains or sudden twists.

At times, hernia can go on for years without causing any problem, but some people might experience strangulated or incarcerated inguinal hernia symptoms, at times, when they leave the condition unchecked. Therefore, as soon as the right inguinal hernia symptoms show up, it is important to seek medical advice. Self-attempts at inguinal hernia symptoms treatment should be discouraged, unless approved and supervised by a medical health care provider.

Inguinal Hernia Home Remedies

Several men and women have been known to use hernia home remedies, to alleviate the discomfort that is caused by this condition. While there are several over the counter and prescription medicines that control the pain, it has been seen that most people prefer using inguinal hernia natural remedies. However, before using any inguinal hernia remedy, it is import for people to realize that the remedy only helps control the uncomfortable symptoms of the condition; it does not get rid of the problem. Given below are a few inguinal hernia home remedies and natural remedies:

• Applying an ice bag or a cold compress to numb the area and reduce the pain
• Avoiding heat or any pressure on the affected area
• Getting an adequate amount of rest, without getting exhausted at any time
• Maintaining a healthy bodyweight, which means that overweight people may need to go on a diet
• Cutting down on unhealthy habits, like smoking or drinking alcohol
• Wearing loose-fitting and light clothes, which do not apply too much pressure on to the affected area. Clothes that are too tight or apply any pressure on the stomach should be strictly avoided.

The inguinal hernia natural remedies mentioned above are quite safe, if they are used correctly. However, it is important for all hernia patients to check with a doctor before using any of them. In case there are any adverse effects experienced after using a home remedy for inguinal hernia, it is important to stop using it and consult a doctor immediately.

Hernia Home Remedies

Hernia home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of not just inguinal hernia, but other types of hernias too. Hence, there are many health experts too, that advise people to add such remedies to their medical treatment plan. Therefore, given below are certain home remedies for hiatal hernia pain:

• Eating small meals and frequent intervals, making it easier for the digestive system to process them. It is best to eat around 5 to 6 light meals during the day.
• A gap of minimum 2 to 3 hours should be maintained between a meal & bedtime. Lying down flat soon after eating could cause the acids from the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus, aggravating the discomfort of hiatal hernia.
• Foods that are spicy, acidic and high in fat or oil should be avoided, as they are heavy to digest and could cause the symptoms of the hernia to get worse. Instead, it is best to eat a higher amount of those foods that are high in fiber
• Alcohol, caffeinated beverages and aerated drinks could cause an inflammation in the digestive system and therefore should be strictly avoided by patients suffering from hiatal hernia.
• Sleeping with the head elevated, around 6 inches above normal, which can be done by using two pillows. Alternately, people could also try placing a brick under the frame of the bed. This allows gravity to pull the acids from the stomach downwards, as the patient sleeps. However, at times, sleeping on two pillows could lead to pressure on the abdomen.
• Certain herbal remedies, such as Slippery Elm and Chamomile are excellent for soothing hiatal hernia symptoms. A paste made from slippery elm should be mixed into chamomile tea and consumed in small amounts for best results.
• Drinking a quarter cup of Aloe Vera juice, twice a day, i.e., once in the morning and once in the evening is very good for managing hiatal hernia discomfort.
• Peppermint should not be consumed in any form for at least two hours, before going to bed.

Most of the hiatus hernia home remedies may be used only after consulting your health care professional.There is a lot of information on home remedies for umbilical hernia or other different types of hernia too, which can easily be accessed through the internet. Nevertheless, it is best for all patients to consult a medical health care provider. In case these remedies do not seem to be very effective in alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by hernia then it is important to keep the doctor informed about it.