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What are Some Hernia Symptoms?

J. Beam
J. Beam

A hernia is caused by a weakening of the abdominal wall that leads to a bulge or tear in the area. Though a hernia can be located anywhere in the abdominal area, the majority occur near the groin area. For this reason, the primary hernia symptom is a painful bulging near the groin. The pain may become worse with lifting or may be a constant dull ache.

Sometimes, a feeling of fullness can indicate a hernia. Most often, it causes an ache or pain that tends to get worse with heavy lifting or excessive coughing, although coughing is not a hernia symptom. A notable protrusion in the abdomen or groin area can be an obvious sign, but all lumps, protrusions, or swelling should always be evaluated by a medical professional to determine if they are a hernia or another problem, like enlarged lymph nodes or an abnormal growth.

Symptoms of a hernia may include lower abdominal pain.
Symptoms of a hernia may include lower abdominal pain.

Hernias are often caused by excessive strain to the abdominal area due to heavy lifting, excessive coughing, or other similar stresses on the abdominal wall. Many people who experience pain, discomfort, bulging, or other symptoms hesitate to tell a healthcare professional because they fear that they'll need an operation. Many hernias can be treated without surgery, however, if they are diagnosed early before any potentially serious damage is done. If a hernia involves damage to the abdominal lining, abdominal wall, or intestine, surgical repair can most often be done on an outpatient basis.

The stress of coughing can cause pain for an individual with a hernia.
The stress of coughing can cause pain for an individual with a hernia.

Anyone who has marked pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin area, notices a protrusion that aches or is painful, or has other symptoms should see a medical professional right away. A physical exam is necessary to determine if a person has a hernia, and the healthcare practitioner may order further tests or examinations to determine the proper course of treatment. Many hernias can heal on their own under the right circumstances, and the initial hernia symptoms can be quickly relieved.

Discussion Comments

anon297079

I have two tiny size balls in my hernia. Is this normal?

anon271613

@anon68177: Perhaps it's because not everyone can afford to see a doctor due to lack of insurance and a job.

anon164247

For the past year, my stomach was very big in size when compared to before. when i am sitting, my stomach is touching my thigh. I have two children. I am very lean except I feel more weight in the stomach area only. please tell what is this?

anon139894

I have been suffering from stomach pain for the last five years. For the last two years I've had a continuous pain in my abdomen and sometimes burning in my urine. Please help me out.

anon89947

Hernias do not heal on their own, as there is no way for the tear to heal without being surgically repaired. The abdominal wall is not like one's external skin, where it is able to form a scab and replace the skin that is been cut.

Due to the tension on the abdominal wall at all times, once a tear develops it will not heal unless sewn together or the hole is patched with a mesh.

anon84340

After bladder suspension in 2007 i had a car accident three weeks later. I was rear ended and one month later i noticed a lump in my lower abdomen and sometimes it is painful. Can it be a hernia?

anon80308

I think I may have a hernia. I have a small lump in my groin area located on my upper right thigh area, by the crease where my thigh meets my abdomen.

When I lie down it goes away, however while lying down, if I press on it I can feel it like vibrate like something is running through it. Also while standing, if I press on it i get the same vibration feeling like something is running through it.

Not sure if it is a femoral hernia or a swollen lymph node. I get when i eat chicken and i feel like vomiting also.

anon68177

Seems strange some people will wait a long period of time before seeking treatment for their hernia symptoms.

anon50732

I think I may have a hernia. I have a small lump in my groin area located on my upper right thigh area, by the crease where my thigh meets my abdomen. When I lie down it goes away, however while lying down if I press on it I can feel it like vibrate like something is running through it. Also while standing, if I press on it i get the same vibration feeling like something is running through it. Not sure if it is a femoral hernia or a swollen lymph node

anon37897

I had an MRI and was diagnosed with a hernia. The doc made it sound like an emergency but now I am not even going to the surgeon for 2 more weeks. What are the chances of obstruction in the hernia? It does not hurt but I feel full all the time.

anon36513

hi i have pain on the right hand side due to hernia but now its gotten more painful, with sharp, hot, shooting pain and now the left hand side is painful and the swelling in the tummy is terrible. some days i look pregnant and others i don't but now im just waiting to have a scan to see how big it is, but i got told months ago when i found a lump near my belly button that it was small. im very nervus about what is going to happen.

anon12612

i have had a numbness (needles/pins), Burning on my L leg and severe pain in my L testicle, is this a hernia?????

lambroger

What is the proper conditions needed to facilitate natural healing of an umbilical hernia?

anon6665

What is the proper conditions for natural hernia healing? Such as in the case of an umbilical hernia?

dbg

what do you do to heal hernias on their own and when should this be the first course of action?

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    • Symptoms of a hernia may include lower abdominal pain.
      By: Dessie
      Symptoms of a hernia may include lower abdominal pain.
    • The stress of coughing can cause pain for an individual with a hernia.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      The stress of coughing can cause pain for an individual with a hernia.
    • Pain from a hernia typically gets worse when heavy lifting is required.
      By: Monkey Business
      Pain from a hernia typically gets worse when heavy lifting is required.
    • A hernia that does not cause symptoms may simply require regular monitoring by a doctor.
      By: Monkey Business
      A hernia that does not cause symptoms may simply require regular monitoring by a doctor.
    • If a hernia does damage to the intestine, surgery may be necessary to fix the issue.
      By: 7activestudio
      If a hernia does damage to the intestine, surgery may be necessary to fix the issue.