Hernia is a condition that develop due to a spot weakness in a muscle, through which an organ or tissue squeezes through. The most common types of hernia are the inguinal hernia, incisional hernia, Femoral hernia, and Umbilical hernia. Inguinal hernia accounts for about 80% of all hernias. In this case, the intestine or bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall into the groin. In an incisional hernia, the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall at the site of a previous surgery over the abdomen. The femoral hernia is more common in women, especially those who are pregnant and obese. It occurs when the bladder or intestines enter the canal carrying the femoral artery to the upper thigh. Umbilical hernia is common in newborn babies and women who have had many children. Here, the small intestine passes through the abdomen wall near the navel. Hernia is mainly caused by muscle weakness and strain. Poor nutrition, over-exertion, smoking, obesity are factors which cause weakness i
Gallstones are small hard crystal-like deposits that develop in the gallbladder or in the bile ducts, that drain bile from the liver. Bile is a digestive juice which is produced by the liver and is stored in the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ. Bile is made up mainly of cholesterol and Bile acid. It is only when these stones get lodged in the duct and block the free passage of bile does the symptoms arise. There are three types of gallstones, viz., Cholesterol stones, Pigment stones, and Mixed stones (which has pigment and cholesterol content). It is caused mainly by an increase in blood cholesterol levels, as also the break- down of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) due to some infectious diseases like sickle cell anemia or malaria. It can also result from an infection of the gallbladder. Some risk factors which can further trigger gallstones include obesity and pre-existing liver diseases. Symptoms Gallstones have a sudden onset. It would entail pain in the right and upper abdom