Common causes of hernia are:

• Hernia is caused by muscle weakness and strain. Disease progression depends on the cause.
• Congenital defect – Abdominal wall not completely closed as a birth defect, can cause hernia
• Injury or surgery – Intestine can protrude through incision after surgery
• The risk factors include:
• Aging
• Gender - men are more prone to develop hernia
• Family history
• Pregnancy
• Chronic cough – Chronic cough puts pressure on the abdomen
• Weight lifting – lifting heavy Weight will exert high pressure
• Staining too much – too much strain through physical activities can lead to hernia
• Persistent cough or sneezing

• Not all types of hernia can be prevented, but certain types can be prevented by following these habits.
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Avoid extreme physical activities that puts pressure on lower part of the body, such as lifting heavy objects.
• Practice a proper sleeping posture, so that there is no pressure on any one side of the body.

• Major complication of hernia is incarceration. In this condition fat gets stuck into the hernia sac and cannot be reduced. As the swelling increases blood supply to the tissue is lost and it dies.
• In case of large hiatal hernia esophagus and stomach can displace into the chest. Sometimes twisting of stomach may also happen and this is a medical emergency.

Hernia can be treated based on the size of the bulging and severity. Doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, medication or surgery.

Medication

Antacids: To prevent discomfort due to excess of gas in the abdomen.

Aluminium hydroxide . Magnesium carbonate . Magnesium trisilicate . Magnesium hydroxide . Calcium carbonate . Sodium bicarbonate

Proton pump Inhibitors: Reduces the acidity and discomfort.

Omeprazole . Lansoprazole . Rabeprazole . Esomeprazole