What else can be mistaken for a hernia? While a hernia is the cause for most people who experience lumps in their abdomen, there are several other possibilities such as a hematoma, lipoma, a gynecological issue in women, or an undescended testicle in newborn boys. In rare cases, a lump may indicate a tumor.
The most common symptoms are pain or discomfort (usually at lower abdomen), weakness or heaviness in the abdomen, burning or aching sensation at the bulge.
Hernias don't go away on their own. Only surgery can repair a hernia. Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia.
Indeed, many hernias go unnoticed and undiagnosed for years, decades or even the remainder of the patient's life. Asymptomatic hernias, as they are known, do not warrant treatment, in most cases, because we simply do not know they exist, but also because the risk of strangulation is very low.
sudden, severe pain. being sick. difficulty pooing or passing wind. the hernia becomes firm or tender, or cannot be pushed back in.
Symptoms. Abdominal wall hernias are generally visible: they will look like a lump or bulge beneath the skin. These hernias don't usually cause any other symptoms except for mild pain or discomfort, usually when you are straining (for instance, lifting something heavy).
A hernia can affect the intestines, which may cause a change in digestion and bowel movements. People may experience constipation or narrow, thin stools. In severe cases, constipation with a hernia may indicate intestinal obstruction.
Ultimately, all hernias are caused by a combination of pressure and an opening or weakness of muscle or fascia. The pressure pushes an organ or tissue through the opening or weak spot. Sometimes the muscle weakness is present at birth. But more often, it happens later in life.
A hernia diagnosis is typically based on your history of symptoms, a physical exam, and possibly imaging tests. During your exam, your doctor will typically feel around your groin and testicles, and ask you to cough. This is done because standing and coughing or straining usually make a hernia more prominent.
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 hernias typically develop on one side of the groin and form on the right side more often than on the left. Some people who have an inguinal hernia on one side will have or will develop a hernia on the other side.
The symptoms that lead most people to the doctor, and eventually a hernia diagnosis, typically include pain in the abdomen, particularly in the groin area. The pain tends to get worse if you sneeze, cough, lift something heavy or strain.
Repairing a hernia is major surgery. And like so many other types of surgery, hernia repairs have gotten much better for patients over the years, says Leon Clarke, MD, a general surgeon at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.
An inguinal hernia can cause someone to feel like they had an enormous meal when in fact they did not. This very common type of hernia can also make you feel bloated accompanied with pain in the groin and lower abdomen. Some of these easy to miss signs of a hernia can be potentially dangerous if not treated.
Another possible symptom of a hernia is pain around the bulge or pain in a localized area. The area may be sensitive to the touch, even if you don't have a noticeable hernia bulge. Pain can feel like a burning or aching sensation, which may get worse with strain.
An inguinal hernia is a soft lump in the groin or near the navel. It may be more visible when you cough. Hernias that disappear when you press on them may not need any treatment. Hernias that don't disappear when you press on them may be more serious and need medical treatment.
Absolutely Yes! If your hernia is not causing pain or discomfort – it is possible to live with your hernia. One must remember that there is a risk of an emergency (incarceration or strangulation) from any hernia.
If left untreated, however, a hernia can cause serious complications, such as a bowel obstruction (resulting in severe pain, nausea or constipation), or intestinal strangulation, if the trapped section of the intestines does not get enough blood.
Untreated hernias may not only keep increasing in size but may also become harder to manage, more uncomfortable, more painful, and in worst case scenarios, life-threatening.
After Surgery
Hernia repair surgery normally only requires a 23-hour or less stay. Most patients go home the same day. Abdominal wall hernia repairs may require up to a two-day hospital stay due to the internal stitches and healing that is required.
What type of doctor treats hernias? Your primary care provider can diagnose a hernia. In most cases, your doctor will refer you to a general surgeon for a surgery evaluation.