Hernia belts provide support and pressure to reduce pain and the risk of complications in patients with abdominal hernias. They are not a cure, but can increase comfort while awaiting surgery. Immediate medical attention is necessary if a hernia becomes strangulated. Hernia belts are available at drug stores and doctor’s offices.
A hernia belt is a supportive garment that applies constant pressure to an abdominal hernia, significantly reducing the pain associated with the herniated tissue and reducing the risk of developing a hernia-related medical complication. These garments are not designed to treat hernias – the only way to cure a hernia is to have surgery. However, they can increase comfort for patients awaiting surgery.
Abdominal hernias occur when the tough membrane around the abdomen weakens, allowing an internal organ to push through. Classically, abdominal hernias involve a loop of intestine that pushes its way through the abdominal wall. This condition is extremely painful in many cases and can also be very dangerous, as the herniated tissue is at risk of strangulation, meaning that the blood supply will be cut off, causing the tissue to die. Treatment for a hernia involves surgery to push the herniated tissue back and repair the site of the hernia.
Hernia belts are designed to push the herniated tissue back into the abdomen and keep it there. If a patient develops a hernia, they may be told to wear a hernia belt while waiting for a surgical appointment. The belt will increase the comfort of the patient, allowing him to carry out normal activities, and will greatly reduce the possibility of strangulation. Some patients may also wear a belt after surgery to reduce the chance of a recurrence and give the site an opportunity to heal.
Wearing a hernia belt will not cause the hernia to resolve, but it can be a palliative pending surgery. In the case of minor surgeries, a surgical appointment may not be readily available, in which case the support provided by the garment will make a big difference in the patient’s quality of life. While wearing the supportive garment, the patient may need to go to doctor’s appointments periodically so that the doctor can check the status of the hernia.
If an abdominal hernia becomes strangulated, it needs immediate surgery. Signs of strangulation include a rise in temperature, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and extreme pain at the site of the hernia. If these symptoms occur, you should get prompt medical attention.
Hernia belts are available at many drug stores and even through some doctor’s offices. A doctor may recommend a specific brand or type, based on experience and the patient’s particular case. Many feature removable padding to vary pressure, along with straps that can be used to adjust belt tension for maximum comfort.
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