Abdominal Wall Hernia Symptoms

The dictionary defines a hernia as "the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an opening in its surrounding walls, especially in the abdominal region." Although hernias can happen in many places, abdominal hernias, or hernias that push through the abdominal wall, are the most common location. The different types of abdominal-wall hernias include inguinal (75 percent of abdominal-wall hernias), umbilical (10 to 30 percent), femoral, incisional, spigelian, obturator and epigastric. These hernias generally cause little pain but are identified by the bulges they form. While some of the bulges may show in places other than the stomach area, the hernia begins with a penetration through the abdominal wall. Although heavy lifting and straining won't cause a hernia, it will make hernias more obvious because the action pushes the intestines against the weak areas of the abdominal wall.

Inguinal Hernias

These hernias occur in the groin area where the thigh meets the body and appear as a bulge. Inguinal hernias are found in men 25 times more than in women. These hernias can be direct or indirect. The difference is where the hernias originate. Indirect hernias follow the path of the testicles when they descended from the abdomen. This path usually closes as a male ages, but if it doesn't, it provides the hole through the abdominal wall that the hernia needs. Indirect hernias can also cause protrusions in the scrotum. Direct hernias occur near the site where you find indirect hernias but along an area of the abdominal wall where it is thinner.

Umbilical Hernias

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord between mother and fetus provides the fetus nourishment, but the cord also penetrates the fetus' abdominal wall. Prior to birth, that hole in the abdominal wall closes. When it doesn't, it could open the way for an umbilical hernia, which is seen as a protrusion in the bellybutton area when a baby is born. Small hernias usually close on their own by the time a child reaches age two. Larger hernias require surgery around the same age. If an adult gets an umbilical hernia, it is usually because of pregnancy, obesity or excess fluid in the abdominal area.

Femoral Hernias

Femoral hernias follow the path of the femoral artery from the abdomen into the thigh. This hernia causes a bulge below the inguinal area, usually in the mid-thigh, and it tends to occur in women. There is a high risk that this type of hernia will become irreducible and strangulated. A strangulated hernia means that its blood supply is cut off.

Incisional and Spigelian Hernias

Incisional hernias are caused by abdominal surgery. The surgery leaves the abdominal wall weak, which can lead to a hernia. These hernias may even return after they have been repaired.

Spigelian hernias are rare and can be found as protrusions along the side of the middle of the abdomen. These hernias follow the edge of the rectus abdominis muscle.

Obturator Hernias

This is a rare hernia that is found generally in women. This hernia doesn't cause a protrusion, but it can block the bowels. It also causes nausea and vomiting. The intestines push into the pelvic cavity through an opening in the pelvic bone.

Epigastric Hernias

Unlike other abdominal hernias, epigastric hernias are protrusions of fat rather than intestines that push through the abdomen mid-line between the bellybutton and the bottom of the rib cage.

Hernia Symptoms

The unusual bulge from a hernia is the most-noticeable indication that you have one. The bulge may ache but not be painful, or it could be very tender. While many things could produce such bulges, if it grows in size when you stand or strain, it is probably a hernia. Another sign of a hernia is that it can be pushed back inside the abdomen. This is called reducing.

Because of entanglements with other organs and tissue, some hernias can't be reduced. These hernias are more painful and can cause bowel obstruction, nausea and vomiting. The danger with these hernias is that the blood supply can be cut off. This is called strangulation. The hernia will be painful and tender if this is the case. The person with the hernia may even look and feel ill, although the person won't have a fever. At this point, the hernia has become a medical emergency that requires surgery.

Resources

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