Why Are Indians Susceptible to Hernia?

According to the National Institutes of Health, men are eight to ten times more likely than women to have inguinal hernias which develop primarily in the inner groin region. According to recent research, the problem is quite prevalent in the Indian population. Now, the question is, how many Indians are suffering from hernias in comparison to other diseases? In this blog, we have tried to explore the reason for the same. Our experts practicing laparoscopic hernia surgery in Bangalore have helped us with this. Keep reading to learn more.
 
Understand hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the muscular walls around them. Hernias are not fatal, but they do not heal or disappear on their own. A hernia can occur in different locations, but is very common in the groin area, specifically the inguinal canal. Luckily, the condition can be treated by surgically repositioning the tissue or organ and mending the weak area of the muscular wall.
 
Are you at risk of developing a hernia?
As per the expert doctors practicing hernia surgery in Jayanagar, there are several factors that can elevate the risks of developing hernia and some people have been found to be genetically prone to the problem. Major risks factors associated with hernia include:

  • Excessive strain on the abdominal muscles
  • Excessive intra-abdominal pressure due to lifting heavy objects
  • An abdominal strain that results from chronic/long-term cough
  • Stretching of the abdominal wall due to unhealthy weight gain or during pregnancy
  • Prior abdominal surgery
     

Symptoms that suggest that you might have a hernia
The symptoms of a hernia may often be mistaken for some other condition, and as such, it is very important to go for proper evaluation in the following cases:

  • If you have swelling or bulge in the abdomen or groin region
  • If you experience pain in the abdomen or groin while lifting heavy objects
  • If you are experiencing bowel obstruction very often
  • If you feel full even after eating very little

 

What makes Indians particularly susceptible to hernias?

  • Genetic predisposition: Indians are genetically predisposed to have weaker muscles and less muscle mass. This means they are more prone to hernias than others. Males are 25% more likely to have hernias, while 10 to 12% of the adult population in the country suffers from some sort of hernia problem.
  • Congenital weakness of muscles: Hernias are caused by congenital muscular weakness and age-related deficits, both of which are commonly seen in the Indian population. In vulnerable individuals, even basic activities like straining during urination or passing feces have been shown to promote the development of hernias.
  • Lifespan: The longer a person lives, the higher his/her likelihood of acquiring hernias. Though we are a young nation, it is also true that we have a large population of over 75  years old. Every year, we witness a significant increase in the number of elderly people complaining of hernias, which could be due to age-related wear and tear of the abdominal wall.
  • Obesity: Obesity is the cause of great concern amongst the Indians and hernias are closely related to the problem because when a person carries extra weight, it is pretty likely to put an additional strain on the abdominal walls, which further increases the likelihood of developing a hernia, especially hiatal hernia. This type of hernia, also known as a diaphragmatic hernia, develops at the diaphragmatic opening where the food conduit known as the esophagus connects to the stomach. When the muscles in this area weaken, the top half of the stomach may protrude into the chest cavity through the diaphragm. People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from muscular failure that results in a hernia.
     

Posted on : 26/05/2022      Views : 534

Why Are Indians Susceptible to Hernia?

According to the National Institutes of Health, men are eight to ten times more likely than women to have inguinal hernias which develop primarily in the inner groin region. According to recent research, the problem is quite prevalent in the Indian population. Now, the question is, how many Indians are suffering from hernias in comparison to other diseases? In this blog, we have tried to explore the reason for the same. Our experts practicing laparoscopic hernia surgery in Bangalore have helped us with this. Keep reading to learn more.
 
Understand hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the muscular walls around them. Hernias are not fatal, but they do not heal or disappear on their own. A hernia can occur in different locations, but is very common in the groin area, specifically the inguinal canal. Luckily, the condition can be treated by surgically repositioning the tissue or organ and mending the weak area of the muscular wall.
 
Are you at risk of developing a hernia?
As per the expert doctors practicing hernia surgery in Jayanagar, there are several factors that can elevate the risks of developing hernia and some people have been found to be genetically prone to the problem. Major risks factors associated with hernia include:

  • Excessive strain on the abdominal muscles
  • Excessive intra-abdominal pressure due to lifting heavy objects
  • An abdominal strain that results from chronic/long-term cough
  • Stretching of the abdominal wall due to unhealthy weight gain or during pregnancy
  • Prior abdominal surgery
     

Symptoms that suggest that you might have a hernia
The symptoms of a hernia may often be mistaken for some other condition, and as such, it is very important to go for proper evaluation in the following cases:

  • If you have swelling or bulge in the abdomen or groin region
  • If you experience pain in the abdomen or groin while lifting heavy objects
  • If you are experiencing bowel obstruction very often
  • If you feel full even after eating very little

 

What makes Indians particularly susceptible to hernias?

  • Genetic predisposition: Indians are genetically predisposed to have weaker muscles and less muscle mass. This means they are more prone to hernias than others. Males are 25% more likely to have hernias, while 10 to 12% of the adult population in the country suffers from some sort of hernia problem.
  • Congenital weakness of muscles: Hernias are caused by congenital muscular weakness and age-related deficits, both of which are commonly seen in the Indian population. In vulnerable individuals, even basic activities like straining during urination or passing feces have been shown to promote the development of hernias.
  • Lifespan: The longer a person lives, the higher his/her likelihood of acquiring hernias. Though we are a young nation, it is also true that we have a large population of over 75  years old. Every year, we witness a significant increase in the number of elderly people complaining of hernias, which could be due to age-related wear and tear of the abdominal wall.
  • Obesity: Obesity is the cause of great concern amongst the Indians and hernias are closely related to the problem because when a person carries extra weight, it is pretty likely to put an additional strain on the abdominal walls, which further increases the likelihood of developing a hernia, especially hiatal hernia. This type of hernia, also known as a diaphragmatic hernia, develops at the diaphragmatic opening where the food conduit known as the esophagus connects to the stomach. When the muscles in this area weaken, the top half of the stomach may protrude into the chest cavity through the diaphragm. People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from muscular failure that results in a hernia.
     


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