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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffYou can't prevent the congenital defect that may lead to an inguinal hernia, but the following steps can help reduce strain on your abdominal muscles and tissues:
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you think you may be overweight, talk to your doctor about the best exercise and diet plan for you.
- Emphasize high-fiber foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains are good for your overall health. They're also packed with fiber that can help prevent constipation and straining.
- Lift heavy objects carefully or avoid heavy lifting altogether. If you have to lift something heavy, always bend from your knees, not from your waist.
- Stop smoking. In addition to increasing your risk of serious diseases such as cancer, emphysema and heart disease, smoking often causes a chronic cough that can lead to or aggravate an inguinal hernia.
- Don't rely on a truss for support. Contrary to what you may have heard, wearing a truss isn't the best long-term solution for an inguinal hernia. A truss won't protect against complications or correct the underlying problem, although your doctor may recommend wearing one for a short time before surgery.
References
- Brooks DC. Classification and development of groin hernias. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Inguinal hernia. National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/inguinalhernia/index.htm. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Brooks DC. Treatment of groin hernias. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Inguinal hernia. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec21/ch238/ch238j.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Patient information for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair from SAGES. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). http://www.sages.org/publication/id/PI06/. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Ramsook C, et al. Overview of inguinal hernia in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
