Doctors refer to the inguinal hernia as the groin hernia. It is a common medical condition that occurs in the inguinal canal. It is a passageway that runs from the pelvis to the reproductive organs. Inguinal hernia symptoms vary from person to person.
This medical condition occurs when the abdominal tissue, like the intestine loop or belly fat, bulges from the opening of the lower abdominal wall. Most people tend to ignore inguinal hernia as it doesn’t cause severe symptoms. However, if overlooked, this medical condition causes severe discomfort.
Inguinal Hernia Symptoms
You may feel the hernia while doing some activities as it slides out and into the opening. You can see the lump in the groin area, which becomes bigger. The following are the common symptoms of inguinal hernia:
- Pinching or burning sensation from the pelvis to the legs.
- A bulge in the groin area on the side of the pubic bone.
- Heaviness or pressure in groins.
- Groin pain, especially when bending, lifting, straining, or coughing.
The Severity of Inguinal Hernia
In most cases, the hernia is not always severe. However, serious complications can happen, which can be painful for the patient. A hernia develops and worsens over time, making it necessary not to overlook the inguinal hernia symptoms. As time passes, the tissues push through and can get trapped. It can cause excruciating pain and can be dangerous to your health. Once the tissues are trapped, the intestines become blocked and pinched, which cuts the blood supply.
If a hernia causes pain and discomfort, it is necessary to consult with a doctor and opt for surgery before it gets worse. If you don’t experience any inguinal hernia symptoms, doctors may wait before suggesting the surgery. The inguinal hernia will become symptomatic with time.
Causes of Inguinal Hernia
This type of hernia occurs due to weakness or lower opening, pushing the abdominal tissue. There are many causes, such as:
- Chronic sneezing or coughing
- Straining to urinate
- A weak spot occurred during birth.
- Congenital difference
- Multiple pregnancies
- Age-related tissue degeneration
- Standing for hours
- Manual labor
Inguinal Hernia Diagnosis
Your healthcare expert will conduct a physical exam for diagnosis. They will try to feel and see the hernia and ask you to bend down or cough to expose the hernia. Doctors try to find out whether they can push the hernia back into its place or if it is stuck.
Doctors will use imaging tests if they cannot see the hernia. Ultrasound is the most appropriate approach. In rare cases, doctors will use a more specific test like a CT scan.
Inguinal Hernia Treatment
Surgery is the best option for an inguinal hernia. If you don’t feel any inguinal hernia symptoms, you may develop these with time. Women and children are more inclined to develop severe repercussions. Doctors may be able to push back the hernia or suggest a truss or belt keep it in its place. It can help to prevent the hernia from growing.
It is necessary to weigh the pros and cons for patients with medical conditions that make the treatment unsafe.
Inguinal Hernia Risks and Complications
All surgeries have some general complications such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clotting
- Injury to organs, nerves, or blood vessels
- Wound-healing issues
- Anesthesia reactions
The following are the risks associated with inguinal hernia repair:
- Chronic Pain: There is a 10% chance of developing chronic pain after inguinal hernia surgery. It usually occurs due to the reaction or damage caused to the synthetic mesh.
- Urine Retention: After surgery, patients may have difficulty urinating. It is a temporary side effect. To treat it, doctors will have to empty the bladder.
How To Reduce The Risk Of Inguinal Hernia?
Individuals can reduce the chances of developing an inguinal hernia by reducing the wear and tear to their lower abdominal wall. For instance:
- Lifting heavy weights from your legs and not from the back or stomach.
- Seek treatment if you suffer from chronic sneezes or coughs.
- If you work out, have a trainer see whether you lift weights correctly.
- Build core strength and develop abdominal muscles.
- Choose a healthier diet.
Conclusion
Inguinal hernia symptoms should not be overlooked. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms such as nausea, difficulty passing stool or urinating, or increasing pain in the lower abdomen area. Going for a healthier lifestyle, such as quitting smoking and changing your diet, can help you strengthen your bowel function, which reduces the strain when you pass stool. Max Healthcare has an expert team of surgeons and specialists to help you diagnose inguinal hernia and take remedial steps to lead a healthy life.
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