Abdominal pain or persistent back pain can be a sign of hernia – a common condition in both men and women. According to doctors, hernias cause a lot of pain and do not heal on their own. However, they can be treated with surgery and for this, you need to recognize its symptoms in time.

Experts say that hernias develop gradually, often with symptoms that most people ignore as minor annoyances. Yet, these minor problems can turn into serious health concerns.

What is a hernia?,

Harvard Health says your abdomen is lined with 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 of the abdomen to protrude outward. There are different types of hernias, but the most common hernias occur in the abdominal or groin areas.

According to experts, anyone can get a hernia, but the risk is higher in more than 30 percent of people who undergo abdominal surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of a Hernia

Doctors say it is important to understand that both men and women can get hernias and the common belief that only men get hernias is wrong. Women are underdiagnosed because their symptoms are different from men. Some of the signs and symptoms to look out for are:

a noticeable bulge or lump on your abdomen

Doctors say that the most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area – the abdomen. You may find that the lump often disappears when you lie down and is mostly felt through touch when you stand up or bend down.

Persistent pain

A hernia causes persistent and recurring pain and discomfort in the area around the lump. The pain can range from dull to sharp, debilitating and stabbing, and may be worse with physical activities such as bending, lifting or standing upright.

Swelling

Hernias cause severe bloating by changing the size and arrangement of organs in the abdomen, which traps gas and increases pressure in your gastrointestinal tract. Certain types of hernias, such as abdominal and inguinal hernias, also cause a feeling of fullness as if you’ve eaten too much food, as well as heartburn, acid reflux and chest pain.

Difficulty urinating

One of the most dangerous aspects of hernias is that they negatively impact your ability to urinate or defecate. Doctors say that if there is pressure on your intestines that negatively impacts involuntary peristalsis it eventually becomes a regular feature.

burning sensation

Burning sensation – which can be very painful at the hernia site – is another important symptom you need to look out for. Doctors say this sensation can be persistent and is aggravated by activities that put pressure on the affected area.

breathlessness

In some cases when the hernia starts growing out of control, it can cause shortness of breath as it puts pressure on your diaphragm or lungs. If you experience shortness of breath along with other hernia symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor immediately.

nausea and vomiting

When the hernia gets stuck in the weak point of the abdominal wall, it begins to block the bowel, causing severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Fever

Recurrent high fever is also another important sign of strangulated hernia that you should not ignore.

persistent weakness

Feeling fatigue and weakness in the muscles in the upper leg and groin can be a sign of a hernia.

Swelling in the groin

In men, an advanced hernia can cause painful swelling in the groin or scrotum. According to experts, this may also be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or a visible bulge, which becomes more painful with physical exertion.

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