Sports for a diaphragmatic hernia
Sport can be the trigger of a diaphragmatic hernia. Especially if patients have weak connective tissue, diaphragmatic hernias can occur more frequently during certain sports. Very often sports where heavy weights are lifted cause a hiatus hernia.
These include weight lifting, shot put and bodybuilding. Depending on the constitution and the state of the connective tissue, other sports, such as ball sports or athletics, can also lead to the development of a diaphragmatic hernia. Conservative treatment of a diaphragmatic hernia usually leads to the hernial orifice soon becoming enlarged and causing symptoms if certain sports are continued.
Therefore, if a diaphragmatic hernia is present and there is no change in sports habits, the symptoms will inevitably become symptomatic. In this case, surgery for diaphragmatic hernia should definitely be considered. After the operation the triggering sport should not be exercised for at least 6-8 weeks.
If strength sports have been performed, serious consideration should be given to discontinue them completely, as a new hernia can occur even after surgery. If this is the case, a new operation is necessary, which is a little more difficult than the first operation. For example, a plastic mesh would be sewn into the hernial orifice as an additional stabilizing component, so that the closure is more stable and no abdominal organs can slip through.
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