Hernia Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore (And How We Can Help)

A hernia occurs when part of your insides protrudes through a weak spot or an opening in the tissue that’s supposed to contain it. Most hernias develop when one of your abdominal organs pushes through the wall of your abdominal cavity. It may develop from wear-and-tear on the tissue as you age, or from injury, surgery, or a congenital disability.

Common locations include the lower chest through the diaphragm, the groin through the lower abdominal wall, the front midline of your abdomen, or a former abdominal surgery incision.

At Advanced Surgical Associates of Northern Minnesota, board-certified general surgeon Dr. John Bollins and his staff diagnose and treat hernias of all types, often using minimally invasive or robot-assisted procedures. Because many people aren’t familiar with hernias and their symptoms, the team is taking this opportunity to explain what to watch for.

What are common types of hernias?

Some common types of hernias include:

Inguinal hernia

These are the most common type, making up about 75% of all hernias and affecting mostly men. They occur when part of the bowel protrudes into the inguinal canal, which runs down your inner thigh.

Femoral hernia

This is a groin hernia that occurs in the femoral canal, which runs underneath the inguinal canal. The protruding tissue may be fatty.

Hiatal hernia

This is another common type of hernia, one that occurs when the opening in your diaphragm — where your esophagus passes through — widens; the top of your stomach then pushes up through the opening into your chest.

Incisional hernia

As its name suggests, this type occurs when tissue protrudes through a weakened surgical incision in your abdominal wall.

Hernia symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

Not all hernias produce symptoms, and the different types of hernias may cause different symptoms. One obvious sign is a visible lump or bulge that appears during certain activities or in certain physical positions and retracts at other times. You may sense pressure, a dull ache, or a pinching sensation when it emerges, which can happen if you’re lifting, coughing, or even laughing.

These are concerning symptoms only because hernias tend to get worse over time, and they usually require a surgical solution.

However, a hernia needs urgent medical attention if it’s extremely painful, grows quickly, is swollen or red, makes you nauseous, leads to constipation or bloating, or if it comes with a fever.

In most cases, complications start when a hernia becomes incarcerated – that is, when it won’t retract. An incarcerated hernia may be quite painful. If the bowel becomes incarcerated, it may develop an obstruction that makes you unable to pass food or gas – a medical emergency.

In addition, if incarcerated tissue doesn’t have access to the blood supply, a condition known as strangulation, it can lead to gangrene. If this happens, the dead tissue must be surgically removed.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a hernia, it’s time to schedule a consultation with Advanced Surgical Associates of Northern Minnesota. Call our office in Hibbing, Duluth, or Ely, Minnesota, or book your appointment online.

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