Health Talk - Hernia #2

Health Talk - Hernia #2

Hi, i'm dr. brad beckham, general surgeon and part of the surgical team at baptist memorial hospital, golden triangle.

Last time on health talk we discussed some common types of hernias and how they form.

Tonight we will talk about some common symptoms of hernias and the risk factors associated with developing a hernia.

The common theme to risk factors for developing a hernia all relate to anything that causes an increase in the pressure inside the belly.

These include being overweight or obese, heavy lifting, chronic coughing, copd, frequent straining with bowel movements, as well as smoking.

If you have had a hernia repaired, smoking is also one of the biggest risk factors for the hernia coming back.

The most common symptoms of a hernia are a bulge or lump at the site of the hernia and some soreness or pain at the site.

As long as the discomfort is mild, the hernia can be addressed without any urgency.

Frequently these bulges will come and go and may be relieved with lying down and gentle massage.

If the bulge will not go down, and the hernia becomes increasingly painful, the skin on top of it becomes red, you begin vomiting, or passing blood with your stool, you should seek medical attention immediately, as these are all warning signs that something from inside the belly has become trapped in the hernia.

Thanks for watching, join us next time for health talk with baptist when we will discuss treatment options for hernias.