Hernia: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Options In Singapore

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. While hernias can appear in various parts of the body, they are most commonly found in the abdomen. In this article, we discuss hernia in Singapore – what it is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Types Of Hernias

1. Inguinal Hernia – This is the most common type, occurring when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin.
2. Femoral Hernia – Similar to inguinal hernias but less common, femoral hernias occur when tissue pushes through into the femoral canal, which is located just below the inguinal canal.
3. Umbilical Hernia – This type happens when part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the navel.
4. Hiatal Hernia – Occurs when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm.
5. Incisional Hernia – These occur through a scar from a previous surgical incision in the abdomen.

Symptoms Of A Hernia

The symptoms of a hernia can vary depending on its type and location, but common signs include:

• A noticeable lump or bulge especially in the abdomen or groin, which may become more apparent when standing up or straining.
• Pain or discomfort particularly when bending over, coughing, or lifting heavy objects.
• A heavy or dragging sensation in the abdomen or groin.
• Weakness or pressure in the affected area.
• Heartburn, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing that are specifically associated with hiatal hernias.

In some cases, hernias may not cause any noticeable symptoms and are discovered during a routine medical examination.

Causes Of Hernias

Hernias are primarily caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Factors that can contribute to the development of a hernia include:

• Chronic coughing or sneezing.
• Heavy lifting.
• Constipation, which causes straining during bowel movements.
• Obesity.
• Poor nutrition.
• Smoking.
• Previous abdominal surgery.

Risk Factors

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing a hernia, including:

• Age – Muscles weaken as you age.
• Genetics – A family history of hernias can increase risk.
• Gender – Men are more likely to develop inguinal hernias.
• Chronic conditions – Such as cystic fibrosis, which can cause chronic coughing.

Treatment Options For Hernias In Singapore

In Singapore, hernia treatments range from lifestyle changes and medication to surgery, depending on the severity and type of hernia.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Lifestyle Changes – Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and quitting smoking can help manage hernia symptoms.
• Medication – For hiatal hernias, antacids, H-2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can help reduce stomach acid and relieve symptoms.

Surgical Treatments

When hernias cause severe pain or complications, surgery is often necessary. In Singapore, hernia surgeries are commonly performed and include:

• Herniorrhaphy – The standard open surgery where the hernia is pushed back into place, and the muscle wall is repaired.
• Laparoscopic Surgery – A minimally invasive procedure involving small incisions and the use of a laparoscope to repair the hernia. This method typically results in quicker recovery times and less postoperative pain.

Discover the cost of hernia surgery in our article: Hernia Surgery Cost In Singapore

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