Hernia

Hernia is the protrusion of an internal organ
or tissue through a weak area in the wall of
the muscle or other tissue that normally
contains it. The term is usually applied to an
abnormal protrusion of the intestines
through an opening in the abdominal
cavity.
There are several types of hernia and they
are classified according to their location in
the body. The most important are inguinal
hernias, which mainly affect men, femoral
hernias, which are more common in
overweight women; and umbilical hernias,
which occur in babies at the point of the
navel. A less common but life-threatening
type is the hiatus hernia; in which the
stomach protrudes through the diaphragm
and into the chest.
Abdominal hernias are usually due to a
congenital weakness in the wall of the
abdomen. The hernias may result from
damage caused by lifting heavy objects,
persistent coughing or straining to
defaecate, or may develop after an
operation.
The first symptoms of an abdominal hernia
is usually a bulge in the abdominal wall that
increases in size when the person stands,
coughs, sneezes, cries, laughs, lifts heavy
objects, or strain at the stool. Regardless of
the site of the protrusion, the intestines feel
doughy, often produce a colicky pain, and
make gurgling sounds when returned to the
abdominal cavity. There may also be
abdominal discomfort.
Severe pain occurs when the hernia bulges
out and cannot be put back; thus
necessitating surgery. If the blood supply to
a twisted, trapped portion of intestine
becomes impaired (strangulated hernia),
gangrene of the bowel may develop.
In holistic lifecare , the best prospect of
prevention and control of hernias is in
going back to Nature, in terms of diet,
exercise and herbal therapy. However, if the
hernia has progressed to the irreducible or
especially the strangulated stage, surgery
will be required. For less complicated
hernias, natural/herbal alternatives to
surgery can be used, but they should be
undertaken under competent professional
supervision.
Notable among the natural remedies for
total control and healing of hernia is a
combination of natural extracts of herbs
such as Calotropis procera, Anthocleista
djalonensis, Clitandra spp., and Aframomum
melegueta.