Overview
Do you have a bulge or a swelling in your abdomen that can be pushed back? You probably have a hernia.
A hernia is a fatty tissue or an organ that protrudes out from a gap in the muscles or tissues that hold them.
They mostly occur on your abdomen and groin and appear as an odd-looking lump that goes away when you lie down. The lump can again reappear when you cough, stand, laugh, or are doing some strenuous physical activities.
Both men and women can develop hernias.
Hernias usually do not go away on their own and need treatment or surgery.
What are the first signs of hernia?
Hernias generally occur as you grow older and your muscles start to wear and tear and become weak.
Anyone can develop a hernia. It generally occurs as your muscles grow weak due to the overstraining of muscles and tissues, lifting heavy objects, or hard physical work.
Here are some of the first signs of hernia:
A noticeable bulge in the body
The first sign is the appearance of a bulge in the skin. You may not notice it while you are lying down or relaxing. It usually appears when you are doing some physical activity, standing, jumping, or laughing.
Most hernias appear outside the body and are external. However, some hernias may develop internally within the body.
Mild discomfort
You may start experiencing mild discomfort like soreness or pain in the area while you are running, coughing, or exerting yourself during some strenuous activity. But this may not be true in all cases. You may be completely asymptomatic and may not feel any discomfort.
Pressure along the bulge
You may feel some pressure around the bulge. This sensation especially occurs when you are doing some physical activity, standing, or walking.
Other symptoms of hernia
Hernia symptoms may vary depending on the type of hernia.
Here are a few types of hernias and their symptoms.
Inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernias mainly occur in the inner groin region. It is very common and occurs more often in men than women.
An inguinal hernia occurs when a part of the intestine pushes through a tear or weak spot in the lower part of the abdominal wall or inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is located in the groin.
Symptoms may include:
- Constipation
- Blood in stool
- Lump or swelling in the abdominal skin or groin
- The lump may disappear as you lie down
- Heartburn
- Feeling heavy or a pressure sensation in the groin
- Intense shooting pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Painful sensation or swelling in the testicles
Hiatal hernia
This type of hernia mainly occurs in people who have crossed the age of 50.
A part of the stomach pushes the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Hiatal hernia can also be a congenital birth defect that occurs during fetal development.
Symptoms may include:
- Heartburn
- Difficulty in swallowing food
- Regurgitation of fluids and foods
- Feeling full after a meal
- Black stools or vomiting blood indicating gastrointestinal bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
In most cases, hiatal hernias cause GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This may cause heartburn or indigestion.
Umbilical hernia
Umbilical hernias are mostly congenital and present at birth.
A bulge is noticeable in the belly button as the baby cries. This bulge may go away as the baby grows in one to two years.
Umbilical hernias may also develop in adults due to obesity, pregnancy, or repeated straining.
Symptoms may include:
- Swelling in the affected area
- Pain
- Vomiting
- discolouration
Ventral hernia
Ventral hernia can be of various types. It happens when the tissues protrude from a hole or muscle opening in your abdomen.
The hernia size decreases when you lie down.
Ventral hernias can occur at birth or at any point in your life. It can occur due to obesity, strenuous activities, pregnancy, or a development at a surgical site.
Symptoms may include:
- Lump in the abdomen
- Rapid heart rate
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal discomfort
Strangulated hernia
A strangulated hernia cuts off the blood supply to the surrounding muscles and tissues. It mainly occurs in the abdomen and is a life-threatening condition.
Symptoms may include:
- Acute pain that can get severe
- Inflammation around the hernia
- Discolouration of the skin surrounding the hernia
- Severe constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Burning sensation
- Bloody stools
- Rapid heart rate
Pediatric hernia signs and symptoms
Hernia may develop in newborns and children due to birth defects and weakness in the abdominal muscles.
The hernias can be detected when the child is crying, straining during bowel movements, laughing, etc.
Symptoms are:
- A lump near the belly button or groin
- Pain in the abdomen or groin
- The child is fussy
- The bulge is more pronounced during coughing or bowel movements
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Bloating
- Discolouration of skin around the hernia
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
Do I need surgery to treat a hernia?
Hernias do not go away on their own. They need treatment and in some cases surgery.
A hernia may be asymptomatic and you may not notice any lump or experience any pain for several years until it starts showing and causes discomfort.
Some hernias like strangulated hernias cut off the blood supply and cause tissue death (necrosis) and may need emergency surgery to repair the damaged tissues.
Hernias that are smaller in size often do not cause any pain or discomfort. However, larger hernias can interfere with your daily activities and your doctor may recommend surgery.
Surgery is recommended when:
- There is incarceration where the tissues are trapped inside the abdominal wall and cut off the blood supply
- Strangulated hernia needs emergency surgical intervention
- The hernia has grown in size
- The area around the hernia has become red, purple, or dark
- Severe pain
- Abdominal obstruction that may cause nausea, bloating, vomiting, etc.
