Indication That You Have Hernia

We have often heard the term ‘Hernia’ associated with men’s health. Although it is common in men, women and kids can suffer from hernias too. Hernia is actually a protrusion of the abdominal contents through any opening or defect in the abdominal wall.

The patient usually has the following symptoms while suffering from hernia.

Swelling - Since the abdominal contents consisting of intestinal loops, fat and part of organs protrude out through the opening, there is a huge bulge or swelling in the affected areas. In the early stages, the swelling occurs only with the increase of pressure in the abdominal cavity. Activities like sneezing, coughing, lifting weights etc tend to aggravate the hernia by increasing the pressure.

Pain - Hernia is almost always associated with pain. The pain may be mild at first. Quite often excruciating pain is felt if nerve endings are irritated by pushing out of the hernia through the opening. Sometimes injury to the nerve endings may cause referred pain where the pain is felt at a place far away from the site of hernia.

Nausea and Vomiting - When a part of the intestine is blocked within the hernia, the blood circulation to intestine is hampered and the person may have a sensation of nausea and vomiting. This is also accompanied by a loss of appetite.

Constipation - With the trapping of the intestine in the hernial sac, flow of food and formation of feces may be affected leading to constipation.

Urinary Infections - Frequent urinary infections, burning sensation during urination and bladder stones may also be associated with hernia.

Reproductive Problems – Impotence may occur due to hernia. In rare cases there are also problems with ejaculation.

A physical examination and clinical tests are required for diagnosing a hernia. Some hernias can be cured on their own if detected early. Surgical procedure is normally required to correct the hernia if they persist.