Hernias can cause varying amounts of pain depending on the severity and location. Generally, hernias cause some degree of discomfort when they first appear. If the hernia increases in size, pressing on the internal structures in the abdomen, it will often become more painful.
Certain activities—such as coughing, vomiting, or strenuous activity—may aggravate a hernia and lead to pain. In certain cases, an outpouching of the intestine, or a “strangulated” hernia, can become gangrenous and is an emergency requiring surgery.
These types of hernias are almost always very painful. However, many hernias do not cause any symptoms or pain and do not require surgery. It is always important to discuss any concerning symptoms with your doctor.
Does hernia pain come and go?
Hernia pain can come and go and varies in intensity from person to person. Generally, the pain caused by a hernia is continual and tends to worsen with physical activity, coughing, or straining. However, the pain may also come and go in intensity for some individuals.
The pain may last for minutes, hours, or even days. If the pain is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Hernia pain can also be relieved by certain at-home remedies, such as positioning a cold pack on the affected area and getting rest.
Additionally, you should avoid strenuous activities during hernia flare-ups and wear supportive undergarments to provide extra support. It is important to speak with your doctor if the pain is severe, persists beyond a few days, or worsens.
What can be mistaken for a hernia?
Inguinal hernias are the most common types of hernias and can be easily mistaken for other medical conditions. Generally, patients may describe symptoms such as a bulge in the groin area that can be seen when standing or coughing, a pulling sensation in the groin area, pain or discomfort when standing or coughing, a heavy feeling in the groin area, or a weak spot or swelling in the groin area.
However, painless lumps or swelling may also be present and these may be mistakenly identified as hernias. Other medical conditions that can be mistaken for hernias include an abdominal wall defect, lipoma, varicocele, hydrocele, or even a tumor.
It is important to consult a physician to properly diagnose hernias as some of these conditions can need medical treatment or even surgery.
What does a hernia pain feel like?
A hernia pain can vary from person to person, but generally it is described as a sharp or burning pain in the abdomen, groin, or chest area. The pain from a hernia can range from mild and hard to ignore, to intense and debilitating.
It can feel like a dull ache or throbbing sensation, and can become worse when you stand, sit for long periods, lift heavy objects, or strain during bowel movements or urination. Other symptoms of a hernia can include: feeling a bulge or lump, weakness or heaviness in the abdomen, a pulling sensation in the area of the hernia, nausea or vomiting, difficulty urinating, and diarrhea.
If the hernia is not treated, it can lead to significant health complications and discomfort. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or discomfort, it is important that you seek medical care from your physician.
When should I worry about hernia pain?
You should contact your doctor if you experience hernia pain that does not go away or keeps coming back. Pain that is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or any other symptoms may be an indication of a more serious condition and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Additionally, if your hernia pain is increasing in intensity and duration, or if the area is tender to the touch, you should seek medical attention. Sudden and persistent abdominal pain can be a sign of a strangulated hernia which may require immediate intervention to prevent permanent damage.
How do you know if your hernia is bothering you?
If you have a hernia, you may experience pain, discomfort, and other symptoms in the affected area. Depending on the location and type of hernia, specific symptoms may be more noticeable. Generally, signs and symptoms include a bulge or lump in the affected area, pain or discomfort when standing, bending over, coughing, or lifting, a heaviness in the area, an ache or feeling of weakness and/or burning sensation near the bulge.
In some cases, there may be a sharp and sudden pain in the groin area, especially if the contents of the hernia are incarcerated or strangulated. In some cases, a hernia may cause no signs or symptoms and only be discovered during a physical exam.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any symptoms to ensure the most appropriate treatment plan is put in place.
Where do you usually feel hernia pain?
Hernia pain can vary depending on the type of hernia and the individual person, however the most common areas to experience hernia pain are the abdomen and groin. In an abdominal hernia, the hernia often causes a bulge to appear, with pain occurring at or near the bulge when the person is straining, coughing, or lifting heavy objects.
The pain may be aching or sharp depending on the severity of the hernia. For groin hernias, the pain may be felt in the testicles, groins, or inner thighs. Hernia pain may worsen when a person has been sitting or standing for a prolonged period of time.
In addition to the pain, some individuals may also experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Seeing a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment is the best way to deal with hernia pain.
Does a hernia hurt when you lay down?
In general, a hernia can cause pain any time of day and in any position, including when you lay down. The level of pain caused by a hernia can vary greatly. Some may experience no pain at all while others may experience severe, sharp pain that gets worse when coughing, sneezing, or lifting something heavy.
In addition to pain, you may experience other symptoms such as a lump or bulge that is particularly noticeable in the stomach, groin, inguinal, or belly button regions when you are standing up. You may also feel like something is “falling out” that is related to the hernia.
However, the swelling and/or lump may not be as visible or even disappear when you lie down. If you experience any symptoms of a hernia, you should consult your doctor for further examination and advice.
How long can a hernia go untreated?
A hernia can go untreated for quite some time, depending on the severity of the hernia. If a hernia is mild, it may not cause any noticeable symptoms or pain and can go untreated for years, although it is not recommended.
If it is more severe, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If a hernia is left untreated, the risk of further complications increases, such as strangulation or obstruction of the intestine, obstruction of the stomach and esophagus, pain, vomiting, and even peritonitis (an inflammation of the stomach lining).
If a hernia is left untreated for too long, it can be difficult to repair the hernia effectively and the surgery may be more complex and require a longer recovery time. If the hernia is causing pain or any other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice and treatment right away.
What happens if you wait too long with a hernia?
If you have a hernia, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, the hernia will continue to increase in size and may cause more serious health risks.
A hernia can become extremely painful and may cause life-threatening complications if not treated properly. Complications associated with a hernia that has been waiting too long to be treated include intestinal obstruction (blockage) and intestinal strangulation (loss of circulation of an organ or tissue), which can lead to tissue death and organ failure.
Infection can also occur if the hernia is left untreated. Treatment options for a hernia include surgical repair and medications to help reduce symptoms.
What are the 3 types of hernias?
The three main types of hernias are inguinal hernias, ventral hernias, and hiatal hernias.
Inguinal hernias occur when fatty tissue or part of the small intestine pushes through the abdominal wall in the groin area. This type of hernia is more common in males.
Ventral hernias occur when intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. This type of hernia is most commonly caused by a previous surgery.
Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach moves through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. This type of hernia can cause symptoms such as heartburn and can be more difficult to diagnose as the pain is often confused with that of cardiac issues.
How long does hernia discomfort last?
Hernia discomfort can last for a variety of lengths of time and can vary from person to person. For some people, hernia discomfort may last for only a short amount of time and can be relieved by self-care measures such as avoiding activities that make it worse, using heat or cold compresses, and wearing a hernia belt.
However, hernia discomfort may also last for a more prolonged period of time if the underlying cause is not treated promptly. In some cases, the underlying cause can be something more serious such as an obstruction or a severe infection, which will require medical evaluation and treatment.
If it is determined that the hernia is the result of a more serious underlying cause, the discomfort may persist until appropriate treatment is provided. Additionally, hernias that are neglected and left untreated can lead to serious medical complications such as an obstruction, strangulated hernia, or even death.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical care if you have any persistent hernia discomfort.
Can a hernia come on and off?
Yes, a hernia can come on and off. A hernia is a bulge or lump that occurs when an internal organ pushes through a weak area in the muscle or tissue wall that contains it. In some cases, the hernia can be pushed back in with gentle pressure.
But, if not supported properly, the hernia may be pushed out again. Hernias can come on and off depending on activities such as straining or heavy lifting. Some people may be able to push the hernia back in, while in other cases, the hernia may need to be professionally supported with a hernia belt or truss.
Surgery is sometimes needed if the hernia is large, painful, or growing.
Why does a hernia hurt sometimes and not others?
A hernia is a condition in which an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle, tissue, or wall of the abdomen. Although hernias can often be painless, they can also be painful and can lead to other health issues and complications, such as bowel obstruction or chronic pain.
The amount of pain or discomfort associated with a hernia can vary and depend largely on several factors, such as the location and size of the hernia, the muscle and tissue surrounding it, and the overall health of the person.
If the hernia is small and not blocking any other organs or tissue, it may not cause any symptoms at all. However, when the hernia becomes larger or begins pressing on surrounding tissue and organs, it may cause pain and other symptoms, such as nausea, a feeling of pressure in the area, weakness, and difficulty breathing.
If the hernia is particularly large or has put too much strain on the weak spot in the wall of the abdomen, it can become strangulated. Strangulated hernias are very painful and cause other health complications, including infection.
Ultimately, a hernia can hurt sometimes and not others, depending on the size and severity of the hernia as well as the overall health of the person affected by it. It is important to see a doctor if you think you may have a hernia, even if it is not yet causing any pain or discomfort.
Where would I feel pain if I had a hernia?
If you have a hernia, the most likely area where you will feel pain is in your abdomen. Hernias can occur in different areas of the abdomen, depending on the type:
In the case of inguinal hernias, which are the most common type, pain in the inner thigh or groin is most common. In addition, you may feel fullness or a “bulge” in the affected area.
Other types of hernias such as umbilical hernias are located in the belly button and can cause pain or tenderness in the abdomen.
In rare cases, such as with a femoral hernia, pain may be felt in the upper thigh or the labia in females.
If you are experiencing any type of pain in your abdominal area, it is important to follow up with a doctor to determine if a hernia could be the cause.