What are the symptoms of an upper abdominal hernia?

What does an upper abdominal hernia feel like?

Typically, patients with ventral hernias describe mild pain, aching or a pressure sensation at the site of the hernia. The discomfort worsens with any activity that puts a strain on the abdomen, such as heavy lifting, running or bearing down during bowel movements. Some patients have a bulge but do not have discomfort.

Can you have a hernia in your upper stomach?

Epigastric Hernia

Epigastric hernias are typically small. They occur in the middle of the belly, in the area between the belly button and the breastbone. Some patients develop more than one epigastric hernia at a time. These hernias typically don't cause symptoms, but you may experience pain in your upper belly.

How do you fix an upper abdominal hernia?

Your surgeon will make a cut over the hernia and free up the 'hernial sac'. If only fat is pushing through, your surgeon will either remove the fat or push it back. If contents of your abdomen are also pushing through, they will place the contents back inside your abdomen.

How do you know if you have a hernia around your stomach?

What are the symptoms of a hernia? A hernia in the abdomen or groin can produce a noticeable lump or bulge that can be pushed back in, or that can disappear when lying down. Laughing, crying, coughing, straining during a bowel movement, or physical activity may make the lump reappear after it has been pushed in.

Hiatus hernia: signs, symptoms and treatment

Where is hernia pain located?

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. But different types of hernia can cause other symptoms.

What can be mistaken for a hernia?

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.

How do I know if I have a hernia under my rib cage?

A bulge in the affected area. Pain — which can range from a dull ache to severe pain — especially when coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects. Bloating or constipation.

What happens if a hernia is left untreated?

If it is left untreated, a strangulated hernia can lead to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (severe inflammation of intestine) and sepsis. Since hernias can happen to anyone at any age, knowing warning signs of hernias and being aware of them are essential.

Can a hernia cause gas and bloating?

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.

Can you get a hernia at the top of your rib cage?

Intercostal hernias are rare phenomena caused by a disruption or weakness in the thoracoabdominal wall musculature resulting in herniation of fascia layers between adjacent ribs. Historically, these hernias have been characterized by their contents.

How serious is an abdominal hernia?

ANSWER: Abdominal hernias are common and not necessarily dangerous. But, a hernia doesn't usually get better on its own. In rare circumstances, it can lead to life-threatening complications. Consequently, surgery is usually recommended for a hernia that's painful or becoming larger.

Why is my upper stomach swollen?

Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem also can be caused by: Air swallowing (a nervous habit) Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (this can be a sign of a serious medical problem)

What aggravates a hiatal hernia?

Alcohol, mint, citrus fruit, tomatoes, and carbonated beverages may irritate the lining of the esophagus in those with GERD. Like caffeinated drinks, they also relax the LES and cause reflux.

What can be mistaken for epigastric hernia?

Epigastric hernias can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. They are similar to an umbilical hernia, except the umbilical hernia forms around the belly button and the epigastric hernia is usually between the belly button and the chest.

How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?

How do I know if my hernia is strangulated?

When is a hernia an emergency?

Symptoms of a hernia in need of emergency treatment include: Severe pain, swelling or redness at the hernia site. Hernia bulge growing quickly. Nausea and/or vomiting.

Where is hiatal hernia pain located on a woman?

What are the symptoms? Most people who have a hiatal hernia have no symptoms. One symptom you may have is heartburn, which is an uncomfortable feeling of burning, warmth, or pain behind the breastbone.

Do hernias show on CT scans?

Cross-sectional CT scans can show hernias and the contents of the peritoneal sac. More important, CT findings can be used to diagnose unsuspected hernias and to distinguish hernias from masses of the abdominal wall, such as tumors, hematomas, abscesses, undescended testes, and aneurysms.

What type of hernia is most common in females?

Inguinal hernia is the commonest hernia type in females followed by incisional hernias which also accounteds for most recurrent cases.

Do hernias hurt when lying down?

Many hernias flatten when patient lies down. Patients also can present with groin discomfort or pain. The discomfort may be worse by bending or lifting. These symptoms tend to be relieved at night when patients are lying down and the hernia reduces.

What is the fastest way to relieve hernia pain?

Over-the-counter pain medications can relieve discomfort associated with an inguinal hernia. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, or naproxen can be taken, depending on individual preference. 3. Call as soon as possible for a follow-up appointment with your personal/referral surgeon.

Does a hernia feel like a pulled muscle?

A pulled abdominal muscle can cause mild pain or sudden sharp pain, which may be aggravated by coughing, laughing and sneezing in a consistent area. Hernias don't usually cause pain initially. But as they grow, they can cause discomfort that many people describe as 'achy or heavy.

Does a hernia hurt all the time?

However, it's important to note that most hernias won't resolve without treatment. They may also become larger and more uncomfortable over time. Most people find the bulge from a hernia to be painless. Coughing, lifting, and bending might cause pain and discomfort, though.