In the less-serious cases, mild constipation may be the result. If the problem worsens, however, it could lead to bowel obstruction which, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, can be life-threatening.
Hernias Trigger Bowel Obstructions
Common types of hernias that cause intestinal obstructions include inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, and incisional hernias. Hiatal hernias are another common type of hernia but occur in the upper digestive system.
A hernia can cause part of the intestines to protrude through the abdominal wall, affecting digestion and bowel movements. Usually, the intestines allow digested food to pass from the stomach to the rectum.
Even a small hernia can cause complications that mimic IBS. That is why some researchers on the issue have cautioned that doctors should always thoroughly evaluate patients who have IBS-like symptoms for an underlying mechanical reason like a hernia and rule it out before simply assuming IBS is the only culprit.
Inguinal hernia — The bowel or other abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall in the lower part of the abdomen, causing a lump in the groin. Inguinal hernias are more common in men. Umbilical hernia — The bowel or abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button (naval).
Typically, patients with hernias describe mild pain, aching, or a pressure sensation at the hernia site. The discomfort worsens with any activity that puts a strain on the abdomen, such as heavy lifting, running, or bearing down during bowel movements.
Feeling of Bloating or “Heaviness”
Some hernias can leave you feeling very bloated, full or heavy, like you just finished a large meal (even if you haven't overeaten). This may be accompanied by constipation or blood in your stools.
Other reported symptoms include pressure, a cough, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Severe hernia symptoms are shooting pain, vomiting, and constipation. If your hernia becomes soft or you can't push it in, go to the emergency room. Hernias can cause your organs or tissue to become infected, blocked, or strangled.
If you have a hernia, contact your doctor right away if: your hernia becomes painful, your hernia can't be pushed back into your abdomen, and. you feel sick to your stomach or vomit, have a fever, diarrhea, cannot pass gas or have a bowel movement.
Hernia recurrence.
A hernia can recur up to several years after repair. Recurrence is the most common complication of inguinal hernia repair, causing patients to undergo a second operation.
If hernia is left untreated, the size of protruding intestine might get bigger and become strangulated leading to the reduction of blood flow to surrounding tissue.
Sudden or worsening pain
Some hernias cause pain or sensations like aching, heaviness, or weakness. If you notice sudden pain or pain that's gotten significantly worse, it could be a sign of a severe hernia complication called strangulation.
It is possible for a hernia to make you feel tired, although this is not a common symptom of hernias. For example, if the hernia is causing discomfort or pain, this can disrupt your sleep and cause you to feel tired during the day.
Persistent and intense pressure on the surrounding muscles, such as while coughing, vomiting, straining during a bowel movement, exercising or lifting heavy objects.
A hiatal hernia can also be triggered by insistent pressure on the hiatus muscles. That pressure can be caused by coughing, vomiting, immoderate straining during bowel movements, lifting heavy objects, and/or excessive physical exertion.
Not usually, but there are some exceptions. For example, a groin hernia can sometimes slip down into your sex organs. It may cause visible scrotal swelling in people with testicles.
When might I need emergency surgery? Seek immediate medical attention if there are signs that your hernia has become stuck or strangulated, which can be life-threatening and usually requires emergency surgery. Signs of this condition include: A hernia bulge that is suddenly larger than before.
The pressure on your stomach and extra acid in your esophagus can make you feel bloated. You may burp often as your system tries to process your last meal.
Your doctor will check for a bulge in the groin area. Because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you'll likely be asked to stand and cough or strain. If the diagnosis isn't readily apparent, your doctor might order an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.
An abdominal wall hernia is generally visible or can be felt by your surgeon. During a physical exam, your doctor will feel your groin area and testicles and ask you to cough. Coughing may make the hernia more prominent.
Inguinal hernia pain is usually felt at or above the groin and may radiate to the hip, lower back, vulva, or thigh. Many women find hernia pain increases during their period. Hernia pain can also be exacerbated by any activity that puts extra pressure on the pelvic floor, such as: Bending.
Femoral hernia
This type of hernia is more common among women because the female pelvis tends to be wider than a male pelvis. A femoral hernia may be a small or medium-sized lump on either side of your groin. Like other hernias, it's typically soft, and you may be able to push it around gently.