A hernia is a condition where an organ or tissue protrudes through a gap in the muscle or surrounding tissue. Many people think hernias only affect older people, but in reality, they can occur at any age, even in infants.
Age differences only affect the causes and risk factors, but the symptoms and impacts can be just as serious if not treated promptly.
Causes of Hernia Based on Age
1. Hernia in the Elderly
In older adults, muscle weakness due to aging is a major cause. Over time, muscles lose strength and become more easily stretched. As a result, tissue beneath the skin can protrude, forming a hernia.
2. Hernia at a Young Age
Meanwhile, hernias at a young age are generally caused by lifestyle factors, such as:
- Lifting heavy weights excessively
- Frequent straining during bowel movements
- Untreated chronic cough
- Obesity increases pressure on the abdomen
In young men, inguinal hernia (hernia in the groin area) is the most common type.
Common Hernia Symptoms to Watch Out For
Some signs of hernia that often appear include:
- A lump appears in the stomach or groin, which appears when standing, coughing, or straining, and may disappear when lying down.
- Pain or discomfort in the area of the lump
- A pulling or burning sensation around the hernia site
If left untreated, a hernia can develop into an incarcerated hernia, a condition where the intestine becomes compressed, impeding blood flow. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery.
How to Prevent Hernias
Hernia prevention is actually simple, but it must be done routinely and consistently. Here are some steps you can take:
- Avoid lifting heavy objects with poor posture. Use your leg and thigh muscles, not just your abdominal muscles.
- Maintain ideal body weight. Excess weight adds pressure to the abdominal wall.
- Consume foods high in fiber and drink enough water to prevent constipation, because frequent straining can trigger a hernia.
- Avoid smoking. A chronic cough caused by smoking can increase abdominal pressure and worsen the risk of a hernia.
Hernia Treatment and Management
Treatment for a hernia depends on its type and severity. In mild cases, your doctor may simply recommend regular monitoring, especially if the lump can return to its original position and is painless.
However, if the hernia is large, painful, or at risk of strangulation, surgery is the primary option. Modern hernia surgery is now very safe and can be performed laparoscopically (using small incisions), speeding up the patient's recovery.
Consult a doctor immediately for appropriate treatment.
A hernia is not a condition to be taken lightly. Although it may initially appear mild, this condition can be dangerous if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms early, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and consult a doctor immediately if any suspicious signs appear. With proper prevention and treatment, hernias can be prevented or effectively treated, both in young and old age.
This article was written by Dr. Irawan Sukarno, Sp. B, FICS (General Surgery Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).