A hernia is a common condition that may affect about 10% of Americans during their lifetimes. There are several different types, including inguinal in the inner groin, femoral in the outer groin, and hiatal in the upper stomach. While not all require hernia surgery, you may still experience a flare-up. Here’s what you should know about dealing with your symptoms.

Why Do Hernias Flare Up?

Different types of hernias may be triggered by various factors. A hiatal hernia doesn’t flare up but causes a structural abnormality that may be aggravated if you eat problematic foods. These are typically inflammatory in nature and can worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). You might regurgitate your food, experience heartburn, or clear your throat often. Sometimes eating larger meals can also aggravate a hernia, and stress also plays a significant factor. People with inguinal hernias may experience flare-ups if they are pregnant or after periods of extreme physical activity.

What Makes Them So Painful?

While not all hernias are painful, some can cause considerable discomfort if they aren’t promptly treated. They protrude from weakened areas of the body, creating large bulges that may hurt even more when you perform everyday activities. Over time, it may become more and more difficult to bend over, lift items, or even cough. 

How Are They Treated? 

Doctors typically recommend hernia surgery if the condition affects your quality of life, if the issue threatens to cut off the supply of blood to your stomach, or if your symptoms are aggravated due to GERD. If it’s determined that you won’t respond to more conservative treatments like oral medication, your doctor can perform a procedure to decrease the size of the hernia and protect your stomach or other organs from blood loss.

If you think you may be a candidate for hernia surgery, turn to Sofiane El Djouzi, MD, FACS. Dr. El Djouzi has offices in Darien and Bolingbrook, IL, and offers convenient care to patients throughout the community. He has decades of knowledge and experience with various state-of-the-art treatments. He performs everything from hernia surgery to endoscopic bariatric surgery and gastric bypass procedures. Visit the website to learn more about his services, or call (773) 365-1300 to schedule a consultation.