Symptoms of Hernia
What is a hernia?
The definition of a hernia is a protrusion of some tissue or an organ through an opening in the body. Generally the hernia is visible and palpable. Hernias are usually found in the groin area, in the umbilical area or anywhere you may have had a surgical incision. Some hernias, like an umbilical hernia can be present at birth. Others develop slowly over time, whilst still others appear suddenly. The inguinal form of a hernia is more often found in men - where the testicles have descended. Women often get a hernia at the top of the thigh as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. There is another type of 'internal' hernia called a hiatal hernia which occurs when the upper part of your stomach protrudes through the hole in the diaphragm and enters the chest cavity. This type of hernia is more common in women over 50 who are overweight.
Most untreated hernias will not get better on its own, it may 'disappear' as you lie down - as with a lot of umbilical hernias in babies, but most will require some form of surgical repair. Repair of hernias are normally to prevent loops of intestine from slipping through the weak spot in the abdomen and resulting in strangulation of the gut which is a potentially life threatening situation.
Symptoms of a hernia
- a bulge in the groin, navel or area of surgical incision
- the bulge has a dull aching sensation that is more apparent when you are active, bending over or lifting things.
- sometimes the bulge disappears when you lie flat or you seem to be able to push the contents back into the abdomen.
- with hiatal hernias, often there are no symptoms but there could be an increased incidence of heartburn.
- if a loop of intestine gets stranglulated, the hernia becomes incarcerated and symptoms are severe pain, possibly nausea and vomiting or the absence of bowel movements.
Return to medical symptoms page
Symptoms of hernia
