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June 15, 2004

June Is Hernia Awareness Month

A dear friend of mine was diagnosed with a hernia, so I decided to find out exactly what is a hernia? Lo and behold, I discovered that June is National Hernia Awareness Month!

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately five million Americans have hernias. A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body. An untreated hernia will not get better on its own, although it may not get worse for months or even years.

Limiting activity or eliminating excess weight may provide temporary relief. Wearing a truss or binder has also offered temporary relief. The only cure, however, is surgery.

Some different types of hernias:
An epigastric hernia is generally a small hernia in the center of the abdomen between the chest and the navel.
Femoral hernias are located in the lower groin and are most common in women who are over their ideal weight and have had several children.
An inguinal hernia is also located in the groin but slightly higher than a femoral hernia.
Incisional hernias are not common, but they can occur after an abdominal surgery.
A hiatal hernia means that a section of esophagus and stomach protrudes through the hole into the chest cavity.

Posted by linda at June 15, 2004 8:31 PM