What Does A Hernia Feel Like?

Hernias are the protruding stomachs or intestines seen in the region of the stomach or abdomen and the groin. The stomach in our bodies is covered with solid tissues of the abdominal muscles. Due to rapid stretching, injury, or pressure on the muscles, these intestines can come out from the abdomen or the groin and can cause a hernia-like structure to develop.

Hernias are painful and, when left untreated, can be a sign of problems. With effective treatments, people can deal with hernias successfully. This blog will emphasize "What does a hernia feel like." How to identify a hernia in men, women, and children? When do you require medical attention in case of a hernia, and what are the different ways of preventing it?

What does a hernia feel like?

As per research, A bulge in the area of the abdomen that can be on either side of the pubic bones can be noticeable when you are standing, coughing, or straining the muscles. You can notice a burning or aching sensation at the bulge. Hernia also causes pain and discomfort while bending over or coughing. A heavy or dragging sensation can be felt in the groin. Weakness and pressure in the groin can also suggest a hernia. Pain and swelling around the testicles can be observed when there is a protrusion in the scrotum. 

Does a hernia feel different in men and women?

Men and women will experience similar symptoms of hernias and bulges or discomfort in the affected areas. Women will experience some misdiagnosis as they can conclude any bulge to be a gynecological problem. 

The feel of hernia in men - 

• An apparent bulge in the area/abdomen
• Arching Pain in the areas
• A feeling of pressure 
• A tugging sensation of the scrotum around the testicles. 
• Pain can worsen with regular or daily activities that can add stress to the site due to heavy lifting or straining.

The Feel of Hernia in Women - 

• Arching or sharp Pain in the abdominal or groin region
• A burning sensation
• A bulge at the site of the abdomen that can be a hernia groin
• Discomfort increases with any activity.

Also Read: How to Stop Burning Sensation After Urination?

What does a hernia feel like in children? 

Inguinal hernias occur in newborns and children due to weaknesses in the abdominal wall present at the time of birth. Sometimes the hernias are visible only when the infants are crying, coughing, or having a bowel movement. They might be irritated or have a lesser appetite than usual.  

In older children, weakness in the abdominal walls is present at birth. Sometimes the hernia is visible only after the infant is crying. However, coughing and straining can occur at birth, and hernia quill is visible even when the abdominal walls are irritable or the appetite is less than usual.  It is observed in older children when the infant has an irritable bowel movement or due to long strained standing. 

Also, Read 10 Epigastric Hernia Treatment Without Surgery?

How are hernias caused?

Abdominal hernias can be caused due to one or more factors like 

1. Aging
2. Congenital conditions from birth
3. Straining from chronic cough, bowel movement, or constipation. Infection from the previous surgeries
4. Obesity or compulsive eating disorder
5. Pregnancy
6. Surgical opening and injuries.

A hernia is not detected from the external environment, and a sign of having a hernia can be a slight bulge or protrusion in the abdomen. Over time if the lump becomes more extensive, it will not be repaired. 

What else can also be interpreted as a hernia?

Hernias are caused in people who experience lumps or bulges in the abdomen. There are several other possibilities, such as hematoma, lipoma, and gynecological issues in women, or it can be undescended testicles in a newborn boy. In rare cases, the lump can indicate a tumor as well. If you feel a bump in the body that is difficult to diagnose, then this can also be a tumor or hernia symptom. 

How can a hernia be prevented?

One can prevent a hernia by following the following terms-

1. At most, the individual's body weight should be in the normal range. Everyone should include exercise and yoga in their diet.
2. Eat enough fruits and vegetables, including whole grains that do not cause constipation.
3. Use correct lifting techniques, and avoid lifting heavier weights.
4. Do not lift objects at home that is beyond your ability.
5. See the doctor if you are ill or have a persistent cough.
6. Do not smoke, as smoking can lead to coughing triggers that can cause a hernia.

Also Read: Better Breathing, Less Smoking

When is a hernia emergency?

When the hernias in the intestinal issues push through the muscle gap in the fat of the abdomen, it can also be possible then the bowel can protrude through the opening. Signs that can indicate a hernia emergency are-

1. A painful bulge that won't reduce in size when you lay down or stand up.
2. Worsening or Pain
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Difficulties with having a bowel movement 
5. Racing heartbeat
6. Fever

When to see a doctor for a hernia?

One should seek immediate medical attention in case the hernia has turned red, purple, or dark, and the signs and symptoms can be seen in case of a strangulated hernia. One should see a doctor even when the pain is unbearable and the bulge in the groin or either side of the pubic bone is visible. The swelling will become more noticeable when the patients are standing, or they can feel the bulge when touching it with their hands. 

Also, Read: Abdominal Hernias In Women: Know The Warning Signs

Summing it up-

In this blog, we covered the topic "What does a hernia feel like?" and tried to explain how one can find out if one has a hernia. Start hernias. These are small protruding bulge structures that are present in the abdominal and groin of the body. These bulges can also be Pain full and sometimes can stay in that area for many years without causing any pain in the body. Sometimes the pain will not be felt for many years. Sometimes it can be supposed even with small hernias. 

Also, Read Before and after hernia surgery: 10 Things to Expect?