Thread by @DrOlufunmilayo

In the next few tweets, I will write a short post on something many of us have seen either in ourselves or in someone we know- they have something in their tummy that comes out and go back in when pressed.

The medical term for it is “#Hernia”.
Pls follow this short thread.

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If you will like to join in this discussion, or you have any suggestions or questions relating to this topic, don’t hesitate to tweet at me @DrOlufunmilayo, or simply use the hashtag #Hernia, once I see it, I will get back to you as best and as fast as I can.

#Hernia
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What is a #Hernia?

A hernia is a term that refers to the protrusion of the body contents/organs through the body wall because of a weakness in the muscles of that area (which should ideally prevent such a protrusion from happening).

#Hernia
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How does a #Hernia happen?

Normally, the tummy wall has several layers of muscles, which keeps the intestine and internal organs in place. If, for any reason, there is a weak point in the muscles then part of the intestines can push through causing a bulge.

#Hernia
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Why is a #Hernia dangerous?
Generally hernias are not immediately life threatening. They are usually harmless most times.

But don’t get carried away, that can change depending on the size of the hernia, the location and sudden trapping of the intestine/organs in the hernia.

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I will explain what I mean.
What happens in a #hernia is that there’s an opening in the tummy/groin that allows the intestine to go in and come out repeatedly without any pain or problems initially.

As time goes on, it may suddenly happen when the intestine gets trapped.

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Now the implication of a part of the intestine getting trapped in a #hernia is that portion of the intestine may become deprived of blood supply which gives oxygen and nutrients, and IF nothing is done to correct that as an emergency, that part of the intestine will die off.

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And IF that part of the intestine dies off (what doctors call ‘ischemia’), the dead bowel has to be cut off, otherwise the life of the person is at risk.

Because that bowel can get infected and with the spread of infection to the body, a sudden death is inevitable.

#Hernia
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So in simple terms, while a #hernia usually doesn’t tend to cause problems and can easily be pressed back in after it comes out and goes back in after you lie down, please note once you have a hernia, it is BEST to speak with your doctor to assess the risks I just spoke of.

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What are the different types of #Hernia?

Inguinal hernias- around the groin, commoner in men
Femoral hernias- in the upper thighs, commoner in women
Umbilical hernias- around the navel, common in children and overweight adults
Incisional hernia- common after a surgical scar

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Pls note umbilical #hernia which is quite common in children and overweight adults.

Generally it’s usually harmless and there’s no need worry as it resolves on its own by 1 year old. But if it persist beyond 5 years of age or if they are very large, treatment is advised.

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What causes a hernia?
Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period.

Common causes of muscle weakness include:
Age
Chronic cough
Being born with tummy wall weakness
Injury/Surgery

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Factors that strain the tummy muscles and may cause a #hernia include:

Pregnancy especially if twins or more
Constipation
Obesity
Lifting heavy weights
Fluid in the abdomen like in liver/heart failure
Previous abdominal surgery
Persistent coughing

#Hernia
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What are the symptoms of a #hernia?

Generally painless, but may be uncomfortable
Reducible swelling on coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting heavy objects
Belly button swelling on child crying

Usually becomes painful when it gets trapped and it’s a sign of emergency.

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How is a #hernia diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made based on examining the person. It rarely requires any fanciful investigations. It’s quite easy to identify by a doctor.

Sometimes though, If your child has an umbilical hernia, your doctor may perform an ultrasound.

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How is a #hernia treated?

A hernia can be treated using lifestyle measures and/or with surgery.

Lifestyle measures are usually advised if the hernia is small and not problematic, but once it becomes large, embarrassing, problematic or disturbing, surgery is advised.

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Lifestyle measures used to prevent or manage hernias include the following

Stop smoking- it can cause chronic cough
Avoid constipation- take lots of water, fruits and vegetables to avoid straining in toilet
Avoid lifting heavy objects
Cut down your weight

#hernia
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Surgical options to treating a hernia are:
Open surgery using a mesh.
Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery

Open surgery requires a longer recovery process, up to six weeks. Laparoscopic surgery has a much shorter recovery time, but the risk of your hernia reoccurring is higher.

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Thanks for your time.
And I do hope this little short post was helpful in sharing information on #Hernia.

Please kindly retweet for others to see.
And do have an amazing weekend ahead.
Cheers 🥂
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