A hernia develops when an organ pushes up through an opening in a tissue or muscle. For instance, intestines may erupt through a weakened spot in the wall of the abdomen. Whilst hernias commonly appear in the abdomen, they may also emerge in the bellybutton, groin, or upper thigh.
When a hernia pushes though a part of the intestine, it is referred to as inguinal. The bulge proves to be painful, especially if you cough, lift an object, or bend over. Whilst this type of hernia is not necessarily harmful, it will not resolve on its own. Therefore, your doctor may refer you to a laparoscopic hernia repair clinic in Singapore.
When you are diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, you usually will experience the following symptoms:
- A bulge in the spot on either side of your pubic bone that becomes noticeable when you sit up, particularly if you strain or cough
- An aching or burning sensation at the site
- Discomfort in the groin, especially when you move
- A dragging or heavy sensation in the groin area
- Pressure or weakness in the groin
You should be able to push the hernia back into the abdominal area when you lie down. If you cannot do so, apply an ice pack to the area to reduce the swelling and promote movement. Lying with an elevated pelvis may also help.
If you cannot push the hernia inside the abdominal wall, the contents may be incarcerated or trapped in the abdomen. This type of hernia can cut off the blood flow to the tissues that have been trapped. This type of hernia must be treated immediately. Otherwise, it can become a life-threatening condition.
Some of the symptoms associated with a strangulated hernia include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- A bulge that is reddish or purplish
- An inability to move the bowels
- A sudden pain that gets worse
Hernias may surface in children as well. When this happens, it is because of a weakness in the abdominal wall at birth. Sometimes the hernia is seen when a baby is crying, straining during a bowel movement, or coughing. Babies with the condition often appear irritable and have a poor appetite.
Reasons for a Diagnosis
Whilst some inguinal hernias do not seem to have a cause, other hernias result from the following:
- Increased pressure within the abdominal wall
- A pre-existent weakened area inside the abdomen
- A combination of increased pressure along with the weak spot
- Straining during urination or when moving the bowel
- Excessive and strenuous activity
- Chronic sneezing or coughing
Are You an Older Patient?
Some of the weakness occur when a patient is older or after he or she has sustained injury. In some instances, a weakness can develop after intestinal surgery. You are at an increased risk if you are older, male, white, and have a family history of hernias. You also can develop a hernia from a chronic cough if you are a smoker. Chronic constipation can lead to the development of a hernia as well.