Hernia is a medical condition. An organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue wall.

This creates a noticeable lump or bulge. These weak spots can be found in various parts of the body, with the most common areas being the abdomen and groin.

Hernias can vary in size and symptoms; some cause pain, while others may go unnoticed.

Imagine a wall with a weak spot; now picture something pushing through that weak spot.

This is similar to what happens in your body with a hernia.

The “wall” is your muscle or tissue, and the “something” could be an organ or fatty tissue pushing through.

Hernias can affect anyone, from children to adults.

And it’s a condition that rarely goes away on its own. In fact, they often enlarge over time.

Surgery is the only definite treatment for hernia.

Let’s look at common hernia symptoms

If you’re aware of your hernia symptoms, you can consult with the doctor, get a proper diagnosis. And get the treatment before it gets serious.

Here are some common hernia symptoms

Visible bulge or lump: Often seen or felt in the groin, abdomen, or chest.

Pain or discomfort: Especially noticeable during physical activity or when lifting heavy objects.

Feeling of heaviness: Pressure or weakness in the affected area.

Digestive issues: Such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or feeling full quickly.

Aching or burning sensation: A dull ache or burning in the affected area.

Pain during coughing or bending: Coughing or bending may make the pain worse.

Gurgling sounds: Sometimes, noises can be heard from the hernia area.

No symptoms: Some hernias do not cause noticeable problems initially.

If a hernia worsens, you may get severe symptoms like intense pain, nausea, vomiting, or a red or purple bulge. These symptoms signal the need for immediate medical attention.

If you feel any of the above symptoms, then don’t delay. Hernia treatment on time means a lot less trouble down the road.

So what are the types of hernias?

There are 5 types of hernia, each has its unique characteristics.

Identifying the types helps in taking better precautions and managing them.

Let’s look at each type.

Inguinal Hernia: This is the most common type. It occurs in the groin area and typically affects men.

Femoral Hernia: This also occurs in the groin area but is lower down and is more common in women.

Umbilical Hernia: This is located around the belly button. It is common in infants but can also affect adults.

Incisional Hernia: This occurs at the site of a previous surgery where the scar tissue is weaker.

Hiatal Hernia: This occurs when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm.

Treating Hernias

Surgery is the only definite treatment for hernia. Yet, not all hernias need immediate intervention. In such cases, you have to continuously watch your situation. And avoid activities that could worsen the condition.

There are two main types of surgeries.

Open Hernia Surgery: The surgeon makes a cut near the hernia. Pushes the tissue back in place. And sewing the weak area, sometimes reinforced with mesh.

Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery: This is a minimally invasive method. The surgeon makes small incisions using special tools with a camera. This results in less pain, better healing, and quicker recovery.

Dr. Shashank Shah is known for his expertise in laparoscopic hernia surgeries. We use some of the most advanced tools and technologies. It ensures minimal pain. Most people go home on the same day. And patients return to their normal activities much faster.

How to prevent Hernias

While you can’t prevent all hernias, there are ways to lower your risk.

Here’s what you can do:

• Maintain a healthy weight so there is less pressure on the muscles
• Lift heavy objects properly (using your legs, not your back).
• Eat a fibre-rich diet and drink a lot of water to avoid constipation.
• Avoid smoking, which can cause chronic coughing.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen core muscles.

Living with a Hernia

In case you do not need immediate hernia surgery, here are some tips for managing. However, consult with your doctors. Many times, it gets serious and you might not even be aware of it … until it’s too late.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Use ice packs for pain relief.
• Consult your doctor about safe exercises.

Remember, hernias are common. They are usually not dangerous, but they require attention as they do not resolve on their own.

If you suspect a hernia, consult a doctor now, get the diagnosis and see what’s the best treatment for you.

If you need surgery, then don’t worry. It’s a routine procedure with a quick recovery for most people.

Dr. Shashank Shah is one of the best hernia surgeons in India. He even holds the world record for performing 45 hernia surgeries in 10 hours.

Book your consultation with Dr.Shashank Shah at the following locations in Mumbai & Pune

When Sarah came to us, she was really worried and had no clue what was happening to her. Sarah, 32, was doing well at her job, enjoyed her yoga classes, and loved meeting friends.

Sarah’s Symptoms Begin

One day at work, she noticed her right eyelid drooping slightly. She dismissed it, thinking it was just fatigue from late nights. Over the next few weeks, Sarah started experiencing double vision.

Tasks like reading emails or driving became tough. Assuming it was eye strain, she visited her optometrist, who found nothing wrong and suggested seeing a neurologist.

Before she could book an appointment, more symptoms emerged. Chewing and swallowing food became difficult as her jaw tired quickly.

After yoga, she felt unusually weak, especially in her arms and legs. One morning, Sarah woke up feeling extremely weak. She could barely lift her arms to brush her hair, and her speech was slurred.

Panicked, she called her best friend, who took her to a family doctor. The doctor noticed symptoms of myasthenia gravis and referred her to Dr. Shashank Shah.

Diagnosis with Dr. Shashank Shah

Dr. Shashank Shah is a renowned specialist with extensive experience in treating complex conditions like myasthenia gravis.

Sarah underwent several tests, including blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and a CT scan of her chest. Dr. Shah confirmed she had myasthenia gravis (MG) and recommended surgery.

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness that varies in severity.

How It Works:

Autoimmune Response: The immune system produces antibodies that attack acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness.

Thymus Gland Abnormalities: The thymus gland may be enlarged or contain benign tumors in people with MG.

Genetic Factors: While not directly inherited, a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases can increase the risk.

Environmental Triggers: Infections and other factors may trigger MG in genetically predisposed individuals.

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

Muscle Weakness: Worsens with activity and improves with rest, affecting voluntary muscles.

Ptosis and Diplopia: Drooping eyelids and double vision are often initial symptoms.

Facial and Throat Muscles: Difficulty with facial expressions, chewing, and swallowing.

Limb and Respiratory Muscles: In severe cases, affects breathing and limb movements.

Treatment Options for Myasthenia Gravis

Medications:

Anticholinesterase Agents: Improve neuromuscular transmission.

Immunosuppressants: Reduce harmful antibody production.

Surgical:

Thymectomy: Removal of the thymus gland in certain cases.

Other Therapies:

Plasmapheresis and IVIG: For severe cases to remove or neutralize antibodies.

Why Timely Medical Advice is Crucial

It’s important to understand symptoms and seek timely medical advice. If you experience similar symptoms, consult a healthcare professional to explore the best course of action.

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for those with myasthenia gravis.

About Dr. Shashank Shah

Dr. Shashank Shah is one of the best weight loss and bariatric surgeons in India. He has performed over 10,000 bariatric procedures and is highly skilled in treating complex conditions like myasthenia gravis.

His expertise and compassionate care have helped many patients regain their health and confidence.

Sarah’s story highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking expert medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing similar issues, don’t wait.

Early intervention can make a significant difference.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shashank Shah and get the best care for myasthenia gravis, click here.

Do you toss and turn all night? Or sometimes wake up suddenly feeling like you’re choking or can’t breathe?

You wake up in the morning and find that your partner is sleeping in another room because your snoring was so loud it sounded like a freight train. You might have a condition called sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes, often occurring many times throughout the night.

This disrupts sleep and reduces oxygen supply to the body. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where throat muscles relax and block the airway. Many obese patients who visit us have OSA. Medical research shows that a 10% weight increase is linked to a sixfold rise in risk.

Living with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Here’s how people with obstructive sleep apnea describe their experience:

“My partner says I snore so loudly, it sounds like a freight train. They often have to sleep in another room.”

“Sometimes I wake up suddenly feeling like I’m choking or can’t breathe.”

“I’m exhausted all the time. Even after sleeping for 8 hours, I feel like I haven’t slept at all. I struggle to stay awake at work and have almost dozed off while driving.”

“I wake up most mornings with a dull headache that usually goes away after a few hours.”

“I’m irritable all the time. Little things that never used to bother me now set me off.”

“I toss and turn all night. Sometimes I wake up multiple times and have trouble falling back asleep.”

“My doctor says my blood pressure is high, even though I’ve never had issues with it before.”

How Obesity Increases the Risk and Severity of Sleep Apnea

Excess weight creates extra tissue that narrows the airway, especially around the neck and throat, making it more likely to become blocked during sleep.

In obese people, fat builds up in the upper airway, making it smaller and more prone to collapse.

Pressure on the chest wall from excess weight can make it harder for the lungs to expand, affecting breathing during sleep.

Obesity can also change hormone levels, affecting breathing control and sleep.

It’s a vicious cycle: sleep apnea leads to poor sleep and daytime fatigue, causing less exercise and more eating, which leads to weight gain, worsening obesity, and sleep apnea.

Health Impacts of Untreated Sleep Apnea

OSA can harm the body, especially if left untreated. It affects the heart, lungs, hormones, nerves, and gut.

Breathing stops, oxygen levels drop, and the brain signals blood vessels to tighten, increasing blood pressure to boost oxygen flow to the heart and brain.

These oxygen drops and blood pressure spikes stress the heart, damage blood vessels, and promote plaque buildup, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Repeated breathing pauses cause chronically low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia).

Poor sleep affects hormone production and regulation, including growth hormone, cortisol, and leptin.

Lack of good sleep and intermittent hypoxia can damage brain cells, impairing memory and thinking.

Sleep apnea also causes insulin resistance and hormonal changes that promote fat buildup in the liver.

Breaking the Cycle with Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss is a key factor in treating obstructive sleep apnea, and bariatric surgery is becoming an important treatment option for patients.

Studies show over 75% of patients see an improvement in their sleep apnea post-bariatric surgery, often within weeks.

7 Ways Bariatric Surgery Helps Treat Sleep Apnea

Significant Weight Loss: As a person loses excess weight, especially around the neck and upper airway, it reduces the physical blockage that causes sleep apnea.

Reduced Neck Fat: Less neck fat cuts the soft tissue that can block the airway during sleep.

Reduced Belly Fat: Less belly fat reduces pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier to breathe, especially when lying down.

Improved Lung Function: Weight loss increases lung size and helps reduce sleep apnea severity.

Hormonal Changes: Bariatric surgery changes hormone levels that regulate appetite and metabolism, indirectly affecting sleep apnea.

Reduced Inflammation: Weight loss following surgery can reduce chronic low-grade inflammation that can cause sleep apnea.

Better Glucose Control: Improved glucose control after surgery may benefit the nerves that control upper airway muscles.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Beyond Sleep Apnea

Bariatric surgery can treat sleep apnea and upgrade your entire body. Sleeping better means less heart risk, lower blood pressure, and more restful, focused, and happy feelings. It also means more energy and much more.

Dr. Shashank Shah is one of the best weight loss surgeons in India. He has performed over 10,000 bariatric procedures. Take a step towards better health today and schedule your consultation.