Man holding abdomen in pain indicating hernia symptoms
Hernias are more common than you might think. In fact, it’s estimated that over a quarter of men will experience a groin hernia at some point in their lives, while around 3% of women will also be affected. Understanding what a hernia is and how to recognize its signs is crucial for early detection and timely medical intervention.
So, How Do You Know If You Have A Hernia? A hernia occurs when an internal part of your body, such as tissue or an organ like the intestine, pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or tissue wall. Imagine it like something that’s supposed to be inside your body starting to bulge outwards, creating a noticeable lump under your skin.
“There are various types of hernias, but ventral and inguinal hernias are the most prevalent,” explains Dr. Nikolai A. Bildzukewicz, a surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC. “Inguinal hernias are the most common and occur in the groin area, either on the left or right side. Ventral hernias, on the other hand, develop in the abdominal wall. When these occur at the site of a previous surgery or scar, they are known as incisional hernias.”
Besides inguinal and ventral hernias, other types include hiatal hernias, where part of the stomach protrudes into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm; umbilical hernias, located around the belly button; and congenital diaphragmatic hernias, a rare birth defect.
Anyone can develop a hernia. Often, they are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain, such as lifting heavy objects. Dr. Bildzukewicz adds, “Factors that increase your risk of developing a hernia include older age, being male, smoking, and chronic coughing or constipation.”
If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it’s important to consider the possibility of a hernia and seek medical advice.
Sign #1: Noticing a Bulge in Your Abdomen or Groin
The most typical and often first noticeable sign of a hernia is the bulge itself. This protrusion is formed by the tissue or organ pushing through the weakened area. You might not always see or feel it immediately, but it may become more apparent when you do activities that increase pressure in your abdomen. Actions like coughing, jumping, standing up, or straining can make the bulge more prominent.
Sign #2: Experiencing Soreness or Pain
While a bulge is a key indicator, it’s often accompanied by discomfort. This soreness or pain can range from mild to more noticeable, and it’s usually aggravated by activities that put pressure on the area, such as coughing, straining, or physical exertion. However, Dr. Bildzukewicz points out, “Sometimes, a hernia bulge can be completely asymptomatic,” meaning you might have a bulge without any pain at all.
Sign #3: Feeling Nauseous and Potential Constipation
In more serious cases, a hernia can progress to a dangerous condition called strangulation. This occurs when the protruding organ or tissue gets trapped, and its blood supply is cut off. When this happens, symptoms become more severe and can include intense pain, nausea, vomiting, and even the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery as it can quickly become life-threatening.
What to Do If You Suspect a Hernia
If you think you might have a hernia, the most important step is to consult your doctor. They will perform a physical examination, which, according to Dr. Bildzukewicz, involves examining you both while standing and lying down. You may be asked to bear down or strain during the examination, as this helps to tense the abdominal wall and make any bulge more visible.
If a physical exam isn’t conclusive, imaging tests like a focused ultrasound or CT scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
“If the hernia is causing minimal or no symptoms, you might consider elective surgical repair,” Dr. Bildzukewicz advises. “However, if you prefer to avoid surgery, observation with close clinical follow-up (watchful waiting) may be an option. Generally, surgery is recommended if you are experiencing significant symptoms.”
It’s important to remember that early detection and consultation with a healthcare professional are key to managing hernias effectively and preventing potential complications.
