Some hernias are present at birth and lie dormant for years but suddenly appear during straining or pushing. Other hernias develop slowly from accumulated strain (such as repeated heavy lifting). For most patients, it’s a combination of the two. The abdominal wall has several natural weak spots, such as the belly button and the groin (in men), and hernias sometimes happen there.

A hernia can become an emergency medical situation if abdominal contents, especially intestine, herniate through the gap and get stuck. If that happens, the blood flow to the stuck content can get cut off. If a hernia is painful, the pain rarely resolves without surgery.

• Maintain ideal body weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising
• Eat enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains to avoid constipation.
• Avoid lifting anything that is beyond your ability.
• Smoking can lead to coughing that triggers a hernia.
• Take treatment for chronic coughing.

• Increased fiber intake may help relieve constipation. Constipation can cause straining during bowel movements, which can aggravate a hernia.
• Try to avoid large or heavy meals, don’t lie down or bend over after a meal
• To prevent acid reflux, avoid foods such as spicy foods and tomato-based foods.