
Rapid weight loss and weight gain place pressure on the abdominal wall. “But if you have pain, surgery is recommended.” Tips to Decrease the Risk of a Hernia “Not everyone with a hernia needs to have it fixed because it isn’t affecting daily activity,” says Vargo. Surgery is a common treatment, but Vargo says that he has seen many cases where surgery wasn’t required. But if left untreated, it can evolve into an inguinal hernia.
Injury- Most sports-related hernias occur in the groin and don’t appear as a bulge. Chronic Cough-Often associated with the effects of smoking, constant coughing weakens the abdominal wall. If bowel movements are a struggle, see a doctor. This can lead to some painful problems with the bowel. Constipation- The constant strain may cause a portion of your intestine to get trapped in the abdominal wall. Pregnancy- The risk is small, but studies show that pregnancy is associated with an increase in the risk of hernia recurrence. Family History- Although family history may not guarantee a hernia, research shows it is a reliable predictor of one occurring. Obesity- Those extra pounds increase the strain and weaken your abdominal muscles, making them more prone to developing a hernia. Vargo, MD, with University of Utah Health's General Surgery Services.Īlthough men are more likely to use a hernia as an excuse for spending all day on the couch, research shows that abdominal hernias occur equally, if not more often, in women. “Patients may have pain or discomfort from this condition, or it may not become painful until the patient coughs, sneezes, or lifts something,” says Daniel J. In other words, everyone is at risk of getting a hernia.Įxperts estimate that over one million surgeries are performed each year to repair an abdominal wall hernia, which is described as a tear or a hole in the body’s tissue which allows another body part to protrude, causing a bulge. The most common type of hernia is abdominal, and the variations depend on its location: according to the American Hernia Society, umbilical hernias appear around the navel inguinal hernias occur near the creases where the abdomen and the upper thighs meet and incisional hernias occur after surgery at the site of the incision. Having a better understanding of this condition and the repercussions of a hernia will shed light on this sometimes painful and surprisingly prevalent condition. Hernia? Isn’t that limited to athletes and old people? Hernias occur more often than you may think. Along with the risk of back injury, many people may suffer from a hernia. Don’t wait - this may indicate an emergency that can become life-threatening.With plans for spring cleaning, remodeling, and other ambitious projects on the horizon, the possibility of heavy lifting being a part of those plans is certain. *If you have a bulge that cannot be pushed back inside, that is red, purple, or dark, or have pain with fever, chills, and/or vomiting, go to your hospital emergency room or call 911. What you may notice: a sudden, sharp pain in the groin area or a sensation that something had ‘torn.’ Even if you have no other symptoms, you should see your doctor to check it out.
The bulge may get bigger over the course of the day or when you cough, bend, lift, or strain.*
What you may see: a soft bulge in the groin area or scrotum that you can push back in with gentle pressure or that gets smaller or disappears when you lie down. It may get worse when you stand for long periods or strain your abdominal muscles, such as when you cough, lift heavy objects (like your children), play sports (even golf), or have a bowel movement. What you may feel: a dull ache, feeling of weakness, heaviness, pressure, tingling, or a burning sensation in your abdomen, groin, or scrotum.
Think you might have a hernia? While some hernias have no symptoms (and are found during a routine physical), most inguinal hernias will have one or more of the following: