Hernia Management: Important Tips For Using Abdominal Hernia Belts

Hernia Management

Hernia is frequent in men and women of different age groups. It is a condition when intestine or visceral fat bulges out through the abdominal wall (or groins). This bulging happens when someplace in the abdominal wall is too weak to bear the pressure.

The front abdominal wall is made up of several layers. If we start from inside out, there is thin peritoneum, thick muscular layer covered from both sides by connective tissue called fascia, subcutaneous tissues and skin. In a hernia either abdominal wall or intestinal bulges, making way through the most of the layer except skin. Skin is very elastic. Thus it would not break, and help keep intestine inside safely.

In most cases, this swelling would not look good but rarely cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, minor discomfort may be there. Nonetheless, there is always a risk that this protruding part of intestine may get pinched by muscles, or worse get severely strangulated, resulting in a severe complication. If a hernia is not treated, or abdominal wall not supported, size of swelling will continue to increase.

The only way to heal the disorder is a surgical procedure. The surgeon would push the intestine or other tissues back with the help of hand, then make an incision, and repair the weak opening with a suture.[1]

Why Would Anyone Use a Hernia Belt?

In some conditions they have a big role to play. One clinical research demonstrated that although doctors do not prefer providing belts to patients, nonetheless, their prescription is quite common.

There are two groups of patients who use abdominal hernia belts. One group use it temporarily since they cannot have surgery for the time being. It could be due to the job, or other constraints. Another group would use abdominal hernia belts all the time or permanently. In this group, surgery carries high risk. These could be old and weak people, or individuals with ailments like coagulation disorder, and so on.

Whatever be the cause, but belts are used frequently. They support the abdominal wall. Prevent bulging of a hernia. They prevent worsening of the condition. They also help prevent complications in the future. People like them as they are safe and easy to use.[2]

Using a Hernia Belt to Reduce Swelling

Before wearing a hernia belt, it is essential that a specialist reduces abdominal mass. Reducing is done by applying pressure with hand, so that mass goes back into the cavity. It is not a difficult thing to do, but the specialist is recommended as sometimes it may not be entirely reducible. If a hernia cannot be reduced sufficiently, wearing a belt may harm. Only well trained and experienced professional can say if everything is fine, and hernia belt is safe to wear.

Hernia belts have some critical differences from the usual abdominal binders. It is a belt that comes with special padding. Thus after reducing the hernia, you apply the pad at the place, and then only wear a belt above it. This pad puts additional pressure at the point. Abdominal belts worn around the belly ensures that the pad does not move from its place.

Tips for Wearing Hernia Belts

• Keep your stomach area clean. You may use spirit based antiseptic cleaners, however make sure that they do not get into the belt, as spirit may damage the elastic band. Using talcum powder may also help reduce skin irritation.
• Generally an abdominal belt is not worn at night. During the night you are lying down, abdominal pressure is low, body movements are minimal. However, one may sleep with hernia belt if having a cough. It is better to consult a specialist on the subject.
• Hernia belts are made with medical grade, hypo-allergic materials. Nonetheless, some individuals may develop local irritation. In such cases discontinue the use and consult a specialist.
• Hernia belt should be worn during the whole day. Thus it is best to wear it immediately after getting up.
• Before wearing the belt always ensure that a hernia is reduced, you can do this by gently massaging the spot.
• A large hernia needs special attention; never put pressure on it by allowing it to descend below the pad.
• A hernia belt is worn directly over the skin and not over any garment.
• When wearing a hernia belt, ensure that it is always tight enough.

You may need to seek medical attention if:

• You cannot reduce a hernia. Never try to wear a belt on unreduced hernia as it may lead to a strangulated hernia.
• Seek medical advice if you see redness, feel pain, in the area of a hernia.
• Sudden abdominal pain, tenderness, nausea and vomiting, fever, malaise may alert you about the possibility of strangulation. In most such cases it is better to seek medical attention immediately rather making assumptions.

In conclusion, a hernia belt may work as both temporary relief or long-term solution. It is safe, easy to use, most importantly it works. It will not heal a hernia, but would greatly help. So if you have any issue, not ready for surgery? Order your hernia belt now.

References

1..http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflets/orthotics-guidelines-for-the-use-of-trusses

2..https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/managing-abdominal-hernias

3..https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inguinal-hernia/expert-answers/hernia-truss/faq-20058111