Mahaska Health Partnership Warns of Hernia Risk Factors

Mahaska Health Partnership

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – Hernias are a common ailment facing individuals of all ages and usually produce no symptoms. Mahaska Health Partnership wants to share the risk factors associated with hernias and ways to prevent and treat them.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a hernia occurs when part of an internal organ or other fatty tissue bulges through a weak area of muscle. There are several types of hernias, including inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button area), incisional (through a scar), hiatal (a small hole in the diaphragm that allows the stomach to move into the chest) and congenital diaphragmatic, which is a birth defect that requires surgery.

“The most common hernia we see is inguinal,” shared MHP General Surgeon Paul Riggs. “These are often caused by heavy lifting, but can also be caused by chronic cough or enlarged prostate, extra body mass, poor nutrition and smoking.”

Dr. Riggs shared the importance of regular check ups. “Hernias often go undetected. The only symptom that may arise is a sore bump under the skin. However, as a hernia gets bigger, the contents can become constricted by the hole it is protruding out of, which can cut off blood supply.

“Strangulation of the organ may develop, causing nausea and the inability to have a bowel movement, requiring immediate surgery. It is important to have regular exams to prevent these issues.”

Hernias can be detected during a routine exam by your primary care provider. Simple tests such asking you to cough, bend or lift can help them find a hernia. An ultrasound or CT scan may also be required.

“Once you are diagnosed with a hernia, surgery is sometimes required to permanently repair the damage,” Dr. Riggs explained. “Usually you will return home the same day as your procedure, but occasionally an overnight stay is required. We have private pre- and post-operative areas for patients to make recovery as quick and comfortable as possible.”

If you suspect you have a hernia, speak with your primary care provider.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.

Posted by on Aug 4 2014. Filed under Lifestyle, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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