An inguinal hernia occurs when the intestine or other tissue in the abdominal cavity protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal muscles. This often causes pain when coughing, bending over or lifting heavy objects. However, some inguinal hernias do not cause significant pain.
Inguinal Hernia Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of inguinal hernia include:
Inguinal Hernia Symptoms | Description |
Swelling in the groin | Bloating, especially when you stand upright, cough or strain. |
Burning or pain | Burning or aching sensation in the protrusion area. |
Discomfort in the groin | Pain or discomfort, especially when bending, coughing or lifting weights.Pain or discomfort, especially when bending, coughing or lifting weights. |
Feeling of heaviness or dragging | Feeling heavy or dragging in the groin. |
Weakness or pressure | Feeling of weakness or pressure in the groin area. |
Pain and swelling in the testicles | Pain and swelling around the testicle when the intestine descends into the scrotum. |
When is an inguinal hernia dangerous?
If the hernia cannot be pushed in, the contents of the hernia can become trapped (incarcerated) in the abdominal wall. An incarcerated hernia can strangle, which can cut off the blood supply to the trapped tissue. A strangulated hernia can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Symptoms of strangulated hernia | Description |
Nausea and vomiting | Nausea and vomiting due to incarcerated tissue. |
Fever | It may be a sign of infection. |
Sudden and intense pain | Rapidly intensifying and severe pain. |
Red or darkening protrusion | Discolouration of the hernial protrusion (red, purple or dark). |
Inability to have a bowel movement | Inability to defecate or pass gas due to compression of the intestines. |
Risk Factors of Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernia can occur at any age. However, the risk is higher in some people:
Risk Factor | Description |
Men | Men have a higher risk of inguinal hernia. |
Obesity | The risk increases in overweight people. |
Pregnancy | Pregnant women are at increased risk due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. |
Family history | The risk increases if there is a family history of inguinal hernia. |
Smoking | Smoking leads to weakening of the tissues. |
Heavy lifting | The risk is increased in people who frequently lift heavy weights. |
Chronic cough | Prolonged coughing increases the risk by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. |
Constipation | Increases the risk of straining due to constipation. |
How is inguinal hernia diagnosed?
Your health care provider can diagnose an inguinal hernia by looking at your past health and doing a physical examination. During the examination, they may try to push the hernia back into your abdomen. Imaging tests that can be used for diagnosis include:
Imaging Test | Description |
Ultrasound | It provides tissue and organ images using high frequency sound waves. |
X-ray | Creates images of internal tissues, bones and organs. |
CT Scan | It creates detailed cross-sectional images of the body. |
MRI | It provides detailed images of the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. |
Complications of Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernia can lead to the following complications:
Complication | Description |
Incarcerated hernia | Part of the intestine gets stuck in the groin and cannot be pushed back into your abdomen. |
Strangulated hernia | Blockage of intestinal blood flow; requires urgent medical intervention. |
Hole (perforation) | Hernia can cause a hole, bowel resection may be required. |
Peritonitis | Infection of the umbilical membrane (peritonitis); requires urgent medical intervention. |
What happens if an inguinal hernia ruptures?
Inguinal hernia does not burst, but some serious complications can occur. Situations such as trapping or strangulation of the hernia inside require emergency medical intervention.
Complication | Description |
Incarcerated Hernia | Part of the intestine gets stuck in the groin and cannot be pushed back into your abdomen. It can cause severe pain. |
Strangulated Hernia | Blood flow to the compressed tissue is blocked, which can lead to tissue death. If not treated quickly, it can be life-threatening. |
Hole (Perforation) | A hernia can cause a hole, which can lead to leakage of intestinal contents into the abdomen. |
Peritonitis | If the strangulated hernia becomes infected, it can cause a serious infection of the peritoneum. |
Inguinal Hernia Damages
Inguinal hernia can cause various damages if left untreated. The most common damages are:
Damage | Description |
Chronic Pain | A hernia can cause long-term pain and discomfort. |
Incarcerated Hernia | Severe pain and bloating occur when part of the small intestine gets stuck in the groin and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. |
Strangulated Hernia | Tissue death can occur when the blood supply of the incarcerated tissue is cut off, this requires urgent surgical intervention. |
Intestinal obstruction | A hernia can lead to intestinal obstruction, causing digestive problems and severe abdominal pain. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Inguinal Hernia
1. Why does swelling in the groin occur?
Swelling in the groin is usually caused by an inguinal hernia, which occurs when the intestine or other tissue protrudes from a weak point of the abdominal muscles.
2. Does Inguinal Hernia Cause Leg Pain?
Yes, inguinal hernia can cause pain in the leg, especially depending on the size and location of the hernia. The pain usually radiates from the groin area towards the leg.
3. What should someone with an inguinal hernia do? Next Steps
Tips to help you get the most out of your visit to your healthcare professional:
Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Write down questions you want answered before your visit.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider told you.
Write down the name of the new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests.
Find out why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also find out what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Find out why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results may mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time and purpose of this visit.
Find out how to contact your provider if you have questions.
4. What Causes Swelling in the Groin?
Swelling in the groin is usually caused by an inguinal hernia. It occurs when the intestine or other tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This is especially evident when coughing, bending or heavy lifting.
5. Does Inguinal Hernia Cause Leg Pain?
Answer: Yes, inguinal hernia can cause leg pain. Pressure and discomfort in the hernia area can affect the nerves and cause pain in the leg.
6. Does Inguinal Hernia Spontaneously Pass?
No, inguinal hernia does not go away on its own. If left untreated, it can grow and lead to more serious complications. Your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the hernia.
7. Is Inguinal Hernia Surgery Risky?
Inguinal hernia surgery is a generally safe and common surgical procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks. Complications related to infection, bleeding and anaesthesia may occur, although rarely.
8. Will Inguinal Hernia Recur?
After the inguinal hernia is surgically repaired, the risk of recurrence is low but possible. It is important to avoid heavy lifting and adopt a healthy lifestyle to minimise risk factors.
9. What is good for inguinal hernia?
Answer: The definitive treatment of inguinal hernia is surgery. However, it may be helpful to avoid heavy lifting, maintain weight control and manage factors such as chronic cough to alleviate symptoms before surgery.
10. Which Department Treats Inguinal Hernia?
You should contact the general surgery department for inguinal hernia. General surgeons are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of inguinal hernia.
11. How is Inguinal Hernia Diagnosed?
Inguinal hernia is usually diagnosed by physical examination. The doctor performs an examination by trying to push the hernia back into your abdomen. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan and MRI can also be used.
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