Hernia Symptoms – Dr. Valeria Simone MD

Medical illustration showing different types of hernias, including inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and incisional hernias.

Hernia symptoms typically appear out of nowhere and can cause excruciating amounts of discomfort. If you have a hernia, you may experience pain or discomfort in your abdomen, groin, or belly area.

You may also notice a bulge or swelling in your groin or belly area. It is common for people with hernias to have difficulty sleeping or sitting, or to feel faint or lightheaded.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Hernia?

Comparison of a normal abdomen and an abdomen with a visible hernia bulge, showing signs and symptoms of a hernia.

A hernia in the groin or abdomen can cause a visible lump or protrusion, which, depending on the person’s position, may be able to be pushed back in or may go away when they lie down. After being pushed down, the lump may emerge after certain activities, such as laughing, sobbing, coughing, straining during a bowel movement, or engaging in physical exercise.

Variability of Symptoms

The signs and symptoms vary from one form of hernia to another. It’s possible that you won’t have any symptoms in some instances.

Common Symptoms of Hernias

Inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and incisional hernias can all present with symptoms that include the following:

  • Pain or discomfort in the lower back, groin, or abdomen when carrying heavy objects or bending over.
  • Swelling in the abdomen or groin that can be clearly seen through the skin. The pain may be excruciating, yet it may vanish as soon as you fall asleep.
  • Itching or burning at the bulge
  • Vomiting
  • Acid Reflux
  • A sense of fullness in the abdominal region, which may accompany constipation or the presence of blood in the stool.
  • A sharp, shooting pain
  • Weakness or discomfort in the groin
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Discomfort and swelling in the area surrounding the testicles
  • Constipation

Acid reflux and pain in the upper abdomen are two of the potential symptoms of a hiatal hernia.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Strangulated Hernia?

Medical illustration of a strangulated hernia with intestines trapped and blood flow restricted.

Understanding Strangulated Hernia

When a person’s intestines become compressed against other organs in the abdominal cavity, the condition is known as a strangulated hernia. The most common type of strangulated hernia occurs when the intestine becomes twisted and pinched between the abdominal wall and a nearby organ, such as the bowel or the bladder.

If the blood supply to the trapped part is cut off or strangulated, the condition is critical and potentially life-threatening.

What Causes Variability in Symptoms?

The symptoms of a strangulated hernia can vary, depending on where the strangulation occurs in the abdominal cavity and how severe it is. They can also change over time, with the strangulation gradually getting worse instead of better.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

If you experience any of the following symptoms of a strangulated hernia, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible:

  • Acute, sharp pain that rapidly worsens
  • Fever
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Having difficulty excreting gas or passing stools
  • Inflammation around the hernia lump that changes color from red to purple to black

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hernia In Children?

Hernias are prevalent in children, particularly in infants and young children. Abdominal wall weakness at birth can lead to them. In most cases, you’ll detect a bulge in the groin area or around the belly button if your child has one. You may also notice that your infant is crying a lot and refusing to feed. The hernias in your child’s lower abdomen may protrude when they cry, cough, or strain to urinate. In addition, you may notice that their tummy is pliable to the touch.

How To Treat A Hernia?

Comparison chart of open hernia surgery and laparoscopic repair hernia surgery.

When is Surgery Necessary?

Typically, hernias do not heal on their own, and hernia repair surgery may be the only option to treat them. However, your physician will suggest the most effective treatment for your hernia and may refer you to a general surgeon. If the surgeon determines that it is necessary to fix your hernia, he or she will customize the method of treatment to match your specific needs.

Treatment for Children

Children with significant umbilical hernias or those who have not recovered from their hernias by the age of 4 to 5 may require surgery. It’s common for a youngster to avoid complications from surgery at this age.

Treatment for Adults

In case an adult develops an umbilical hernia, hernia surgery is generally advised by the doctor as the condition is unlikely to resolve on its own and complications are more likely.

Types of Hernia Surgery

Hernia surgery can be classified into one of the following three categories:

Open Hernia Surgery

In this procedure, a hernia is cut out of the body. The tissue that had protruded out of the muscle wall has been sewn back in place. Extra support can be provided by implanting a mesh in the affected area.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery

In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon fixes the hernia by using laparoscopic and other special surgical tools. Small incisions are used to implant surgical instruments rather than making a large incision on the outside of the abdomen or groin.

Robotic Hernia Repair Surgery

A laparoscope is utilized for robotic hernia repair, just as it is during laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, only minor incisions are required for the procedure. During the surgery, the surgeon is seated on a console and controls the surgical instruments being used during the procedure. In addition to smaller hernias, or areas of weakness, robotic surgery can now also be utilized to rebuild the abdominal wall.

There are benefits and drawbacks to any surgical procedure. The patient’s surgeon will determine the best course of action.

What Are The Potential Consequences If A Hernia Is Not Treated On Time?

Hernias will not go away on their own, except for umbilical hernias in newborns. As it grows and develops, a hernia can become larger and uncomfortable.

An inguinal or femoral hernia that has not been treated might lead to:

  • Abdominal obstruction (incarceration): When a portion of the intestine becomes lodged in the inguinal canal. This condition can result in a painful lump in the groin, as well as nausea, vomiting, and pain in the stomach.
  • Strangulation: This condition occurs when a portion of the intestine is compressed in such a way that its blood supply is disconnected. When this occurs, immediate surgical intervention (within a few hours of the incident) is required to prevent the death of tissue.

When Should You See A Doctor?

You can consult or make an appointment with a doctor if you:

  • Think you have noticed a hernia
  • Identify one or both sides of the pubic bone that are uncomfortable or visibly swollen.
  • Can’t push the hernia back into place, or if it softens, you should seek immediate medical attention because you have an incarcerated hernia, which can cause organs to become strangled.
  • Identify the symptoms of a strangulated hernia and get medical attention. See a doctor straight away if you suspect anything is wrong.
  • Are aware that you have a hernia, and you exhibit signs of a hernia that is being strangulated. Seek immediate medical attention.

How To Prevent A Hernia?

  • Eating healthily and exercising consistently are the best ways to keep your weight in check.
  • Avoid constipation by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Avoid smoking because it might cause coughing that can lead to a hernia.
  • Lifting heavy objects or weights should be done with proper technique. Avoid lifting anything that is too heavy for you to handle.
  • See a doctor when you have a cough or sneeze that won’t go away.

Make An Appointment

Don’t allow a hernia to interfere with your daily activities! For expert diagnosis and treatment, consider consulting Dr. Valeria Simone MD at Southlake General Surgery in Texas. Give us a call at +1 (817) 748-0200 today to set up your appointment and begin your journey toward relief!

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Valeria Simone MD

Board-certified General Surgeon at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA.

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Posted on | by Sophie