and drink a liquid solution containing barium, which shows up well on X-ray images. An endoscopy involves inserting a small camera attached to a tube down your throat and into your esophagus and stomach. Both of these tests allow the doctor to see the internal position of the stomach. If your child has an umbilical hernia, your doctor may perform an ultrasound. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of structures inside the body. Whether or not treatment is necessary depends on the size of the hernia and the severity of the symptoms. The doctor can simply monitor the hernia for possible complications. Treatment options for a hernia include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Dietary changes can often treat the symptoms of a hiatal hernia, but they don't make the hernia go away. Avoid large or heavy meals, don't lie down or bend over after a meal, and keep your body weight within healthy limits. Certain exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the hernia site, thus reducing some symptoms. However, improperly performed exercises can increase pressure in that area and could actually cause the hernia to bulge more. It is best to discuss with your doctor or physiotherapist which exercises to do and which exercises not to do. If these changes do not eliminate the discomfort, surgery may be needed to correct the hernia. You can also improve symptoms by avoiding foods that cause acid reflux or heartburn, such as spicy foods and tomato-based foods. Additionally, you can avoid acid reflux by losing weight and giving up cigarettes. If you have a hiatal hernia, over-the-counter and prescription medications that reduce stomach acid can relieve discomfort and improve symptoms. These include antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. If the hernia is getting larger or causing pain, your doctor may decide it is best to operate on it. Your doctor can repair the hernia by stitching the hole in the abdominal wall during surgery. This is most commonly done by plugging the hole with surgical mesh. Hernias can be repaired with open or laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery uses a tiny camera and miniaturized surgical equipment to repair the hernia using only a few small incisions. Laparoscopic surgery is less harmful to the surrounding tissue. Open surgery requires a longer recovery process. You may not be able to move normally for up to six weeks. Laparoscopic surgery has a much shorter recovery time, but the risk of the hernia returning is greater. Additionally, not all hernias are suitable for laparoscopic repair. This includes hernias where part of the intestine has moved into the scrotum. If left untreated, the hernia may grow and become more painful. Part of your intestines may become trapped in your abdominal wall. This can block the intestines and cause severe pain, nausea, or constipation. An untreated hernia can also put too much pressure on nearby tissues. This can cause swelling and pain in the surrounding area. If the trapped section of intestine does not receive enough blood flow, strangulation occurs. This can cause infection or death of intestinal tissue. A strangulated hernia is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is not always possible to prevent muscle weakness that allows a hernia to appear. However, you can reduce the amount of strain you put on your body. This can help you avoid a hernia or keep an existing hernia from getting worse. You can prevent hernia by not smoking and by seeing your doctor when you are sick to avoid developing it.

Topic > and drink a liquid solution containing barium, which shows up well on X-ray images. An endoscopy involves inserting a small camera attached to a tube down your throat and into your esophagus and stomach. Both of these tests allow the doctor to see the internal position of the stomach. If your child has an umbilical hernia, your doctor may perform an ultrasound. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of structures inside the body. Whether or not treatment is necessary depends on the size of the hernia and the severity of the symptoms. The doctor can simply monitor the hernia for possible complications. Treatment options for a hernia include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Dietary changes can often treat the symptoms of a hiatal hernia, but they don't make the hernia go away. Avoid large or heavy meals, don't lie down or bend over after a meal, and keep your body weight within healthy limits. Certain exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the hernia site, thus reducing some symptoms. However, improperly performed exercises can increase pressure in that area and could actually cause the hernia to bulge more. It is best to discuss with your doctor or physiotherapist which exercises to do and which exercises not to do. If these changes do not eliminate the discomfort, surgery may be needed to correct the hernia. You can also improve symptoms by avoiding foods that cause acid reflux or heartburn, such as spicy foods and tomato-based foods. Additionally, you can avoid acid reflux by losing weight and giving up cigarettes. If you have a hiatal hernia, over-the-counter and prescription medications that reduce stomach acid can relieve discomfort and improve symptoms. These include antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. If the hernia is getting larger or causing pain, your doctor may decide it is best to operate on it. Your doctor can repair the hernia by stitching the hole in the abdominal wall during surgery. This is most commonly done by plugging the hole with surgical mesh. Hernias can be repaired with open or laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery uses a tiny camera and miniaturized surgical equipment to repair the hernia using only a few small incisions. Laparoscopic surgery is less harmful to the surrounding tissue. Open surgery requires a longer recovery process. You may not be able to move normally for up to six weeks. Laparoscopic surgery has a much shorter recovery time, but the risk of the hernia returning is greater. Additionally, not all hernias are suitable for laparoscopic repair. This includes hernias where part of the intestine has moved into the scrotum. If left untreated, the hernia may grow and become more painful. Part of your intestines may become trapped in your abdominal wall. This can block the intestines and cause severe pain, nausea, or constipation. An untreated hernia can also put too much pressure on nearby tissues. This can cause swelling and pain in the surrounding area. If the trapped section of intestine does not receive enough blood flow, strangulation occurs. This can cause infection or death of intestinal tissue. A strangulated hernia is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is not always possible to prevent muscle weakness that allows a hernia to appear. However, you can reduce the amount of strain you put on your body. This can help you avoid a hernia or keep an existing hernia from getting worse. You can prevent hernia by not smoking and by seeing your doctor when you are sick to avoid developing it.