Where is hernia located?

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Many hernias occur in the abdomen between your chest and hips, but they can also appear in the upper thigh and groin areas.

Where exactly hernia pain is 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.

How do you check for a hernia?

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.

What are the first signs of a hernia?

Where are hernias most commonly located?

A: Your abdomen is covered in layers of muscle and strong tissue that help you move and protect internal organs. A hernia is a gap in this muscular wall that allows the contents inside the abdomen to protrude outward. There are different types of hernias, but the most common hernias occur in the belly or groin areas.

Abdominal Wall Hernias

Can a hernia heal itself?

The hernia won't heal on its own. If your hernia does not bother you, most likely you can wait to have surgery. Your hernia may get worse, but it may not. Over time, hernias tend to get bigger as the muscle wall of the belly gets weaker and more tissue bulges through.

What is the main cause of hernia?

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; more often, it occurs later in life.

What are the 3 types of hernias?

A hernia happens when an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in your muscle or tissue. There are several types of hernia that you can experience including, inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, umbilical hernias and hiatal hernias.

How long can a hernia go untreated?

If this condition is left untreated longer than 6 hours, incarcerated hernia can cut off blood flow to part of the intestine, resulting in strangulated hernia.

Do hernias hurt to touch?

Hernias could cause abdominal pain

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.

Does hernia pain come and go?

A hernia can also be painless and only appear as a bulging. The pain may be intermittent or constant and the swelling may decrease or be absent, depending on the amount of pressure in the abdomen. Constant, intense pain at a bulge site may indicate a medical emergency and should be evaluated immediately by a doctor.

How can I heal a hernia naturally?

Although there is no natural cure for hernias, you can talk to your doctor about natural remedies — such as aloe vera, castor seed oil, and vegetable juice –which are sometimes used to relieve hernia symptoms because of their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

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.

How do I know if I have a hernia or a pulled groin?

How do I know if I have a hernia or a pulled groin muscle? Feelings of dull aching and pain in the groin area are common for both a muscle strain and a hernia. A key indicator that you may have a hernia, however, is if you have a small bulge, lump, or bump on one side of the groin.

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.

Can a hernia make your stomach big?

While a hernia may start out as a harmless bulge, it can get bigger and start to hurt. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening. So even if it doesn't seem like a big deal, it's best to see your doctor if you have symptoms of a hernia, like a lump or bulge you can't explain.

What happens if I ignore a hernia?

Typical hernia sites are in the groin, navel or near a previous abdominal scar. Ignoring a hernia or not seeking treatment can result in more serious complications including intestinal blockage, hernia incarceration, or hernia strangulation.

What happens if a hernia bursts?

Spontaneous rupture of an abdominal hernia is very rare and usually occurs in incisional or recurrent groin hernia. The rupture of abdominal hernia demands emergency surgery, to prevent further obstruction, strangulation of bowel and to cover its contents.

What a hernia looks like?

Appearance. The hernia will look like a bulge or bump in the scrotum or groin region. Standing or bearing down with force will often make the bulge more noticeable. The bulge typically takes time to appear, but it can form suddenly after coughing, lifting heavy weights, straining, bending, or laughing.

How can I 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.

Is a hernia life threatening?

Hernias can be life-threatening if they become incarcerated or strangulated. An incarcerated hernia is one that becomes trapped outside the hernia wall. A strangulated hernia is an incarcerated hernia that become pinched or twisted and cut off from the blood supply. Gangrene (tissue death) can develop within hours.

How can you fix a hernia without surgery?

A hernia usually does not go away without surgery. Non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss may exert gentle pressure on the hernia and keep it in place. These methods may ease the pain or discomfort and may be used if you are not fit for the surgery or awaiting surgery.

How can you prevent a hernia from getting worse?

How do I know if my hernia is getting worse?

1. 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.

Can hernias burst?

Yes, although it is rare, an internal hernia can rupture internally. A spontaneous rupture can be caused by coughing, lifting weights, straining with defecation, or under other circumstances that increase intra-abdominal pressure.