How Do Doctors Diagnose An Abdominal Hernia
Doctors may be able to diagnose an abdominal hernia by taking a full medical history and carrying out a physical examination.
In some cases, they may order medical tests, such as ultrasonography or a CT scan. These tests can help them confirm the diagnosis before they recommend the best treatment options.
When To See A Healthcare Provider
Hiatal hernias generally do not need to be medically managed unless the symptoms are getting worse or are persistent. You should see your healthcare provider if your hiatal hernia symptoms don’t improve despite conservative management.
The vast majority of hiatal hernia symptoms can be easily managed with over-the-counter medications, weight loss, and an adjustment to your diet. In some cases, you may need to adjust your prescription drugs.
Hiatal Hernia Doctor Discussion Guide
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
These may be the signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening hernial complication.
Frequent Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
Typically, a small hiatal hernia may not cause any symptoms. However, a larger hiatal hernia can change the structures and mechanisms that keep food and acids where they belong.
This can lead to symptoms such as:
When a hiatal hernia occurs, it can change the position of a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter . This allows the contents of the stomach to back-flow into the esophagus , which can lead to symptoms.
Generally speaking, problems only occur when a hernia becomes enlarged. If the LES weakens, which can happen with age, symptoms will get progressively worse.
People with a hiatal hernia are more likely to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease , a long-term form of reflux that can interfere with your quality of life.
The persistence of GERD symptoms can lead to a chronic cough, chest pain, asthma, and progressive damage to your tooth enamel.
Don’t Miss: What’s On The Right Side Of Your Stomach
Inguinal Hernia And Colonic Diverticulum Can Cause Sudden Stomach Pain
This article is about “hernia”, a condition in which part of an organ protrudes through the wall of the cavity containing it. There are many types of hernia. But in this issue, we’ll talk about a specific type of hernia of the digestive system called “inguinal hernia”, which can cause sudden stomach pain.
What kind of sickness is this? And who are more prone to this type of disease?
What Are The Types Of Hernias
Teens can get:
Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias are more common in guys than girls. In an inguinal hernia, part of the intestines protrudes through an opening in the lower part of the abdomen, near the groin, called the inguinal canal.
In guys, the inguinal canal is a passageway between the abdomen and the scrotum through which the spermatic cord passes . In girls, the inguinal canal is the passageway for a ligament that holds the uterus in place. Nearly all cases of inguinal hernias in teens are due to a congenital defect of the inguinal canal. Instead of closing tightly, the canal leaves a space for the intestines to slide into.
If you have an inguinal hernia, you might be able to see a bulge where your thigh and your groin meet. In guys, the protruding piece of intestine may enter the scrotum, which can cause swelling and pain. Other symptoms of an inguinal hernia might include pain when you cough, lift something heavy, or bend over. These types of hernias are fixed with surgery. In fact, inguinal hernia operations are the most common type of surgery done on kids and teens.
Epigastric Hernias
In an epigastric hernia, which is also called a ventral hernia, part of the intestines protrudes through the abdominal muscles located between the belly button and the chest.
It’s mostly guys who have to worry about this type of hernia about 75% of epigastric hernias are in males. People with this type of hernia may notice a lump. Surgery is a common way to fix this problem.
Read Also: What Causes Swollen Stomach And Pain
Top Signs You May Have A Hernia
When you have a hernia, you have an organ or tissue pushing through a weakened part of your abdominal wall that should be holding it in place. Several types of hernias can develop in various parts of your abdomen, including the:
You can also develop hernias around surgical incisions.
Many hernias dont cause any symptoms and arent life-threatening. However, some untreated hernias can be dangerous and require immediate attention. So, when symptoms do arise, dont ignore them.
As a hernia specialist at South Shore Surgical in Valley Stream, New York, Dr. Ira Klonsky recommends watching for these signs that could indicate a hernia.
Other Types Of Hernia
Other types of hernia that can affect the tummy include:
- incisional hernias where tissue pokes through a surgical wound in your tummy that has not fully healed
- epigastric hernias where fatty tissue pokes through your tummy, between your belly button and the lower part of your breastbone
- spigelian hernias where part of your bowel pokes through your tummy at the side of your abdominal muscle, below your belly button
- diaphragmatic hernias where organs in your tummy move into your chest through an opening in the diaphragm this can also affect babies if their diaphragm does not develop properly in the womb
- muscle hernias where part of a muscle pokes through your tummy they also occur in leg muscles as the result of a sports injury
Don’t Miss: How To Tone Stomach Without Losing Weight
Pain Symptoms Of A Hiatus Hernia
The hiatus hernia, also called the hiatal hernia, can cause significant pain and discomfort, although some people may not have symptoms or have occasional bouts of digestive distress 2. A one-way valve at the bottom of the esophagus temporarily opens so food may pass into the stomach, and then closes up to prevent stomach contents from coming back up into the esophagus. A hiatus hernia occurs when the upper stomach pushes through the valve and into the chest cavity. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology practice in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, more than half of adults by age 60 a hiatal hernia 12.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
What Is Perforation
Organ and bowel perforation can occur. This is because the polypropylene mesh fibers in certain devices have been found to erode and perforate the tissues and organs surrounding the mesh.
This stabbing of the organs and tissue can result in extreme and lasting pain, as well as mesh infection, seromas, scar tissue, and bowel obstruction.
Defective meshes can perforate organs, causing infection and chronic pain, and requiring emergency surgery.
Read Also: How To Treat Stomach Virus Symptoms
What Is A Long
A long-term or delayed complication is an issue arising from your hernia mesh procedure that does not present itself immediately after or soon after the surgery. Negative symptoms can arise months or even years after your surgery. Some of these injuries may last for years once they start.
Patients who develop symptoms even five years after their hernia repair surgery have successfully brought personal injury lawsuits relating to their surgery from all types of hernias.
What Are The Symptoms Of An Abdominal Hernia
Many people do not experience symptoms of an abdominal hernia. However, some individuals may notice a bulge in their abdomen or groin.
Symptoms that may occur with an abdominal hernia include:
- nausea and vomiting
It is important to seek medical advice if you experience a sudden onset of pain or if the symptoms begin to worsen.
Also Check: How To Cure Stomach Ache In Child
How To Prevent Pulling Abdominal Muscles
The best way to avoid pulling an abdominal muscle is to strengthen your core. Doctors recommend keeping your abs flexible and strong to decrease the risk of injury when lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous physical activity.3
For example, you can try plank exercises to help strengthen your core and prevent abdominal muscle injuries. There are also many easy exercises you can do at home to improve stomach tone and strengthen your abdominal muscles.
Abdominal Pain When To See A Doctor
You should never ignore any abdominal pain that lasts for longer than 2 days or comes on suddenly and is severe. Many vital organs are located in your abdominal cavity and what you think may be a pulled ab muscle could be a painful symptom of a medical condition.
Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that you should visit a doctor promptly for a suspected pulled abdominal muscle in the following circumstances:12
- You still have severe pain for 3 days after an injury to your abdomen.
- There is severe tenderness and/or swelling of your abdomen.
- You pass bloody stools.
- You have nausea and vomiting that doesnt go away.
If you have a suspected hernia and notice a bulge in your groin or abdomen, doctors from the National Health Service advise visiting a doctor in the following circumstances:13
- The hernia suddenly becomes very sore and painful.
- You have difficulty passing a bowel movement.
- The hernia becomes firm or tender and wont move when you try to push it back in.
- You have nausea and vomiting.
Read my other related articles:
Recommended Reading: What Causes Stomach Pain Every Time You Eat
How Is A Hernia Treated
Hernias usually do not get better on their own, and surgery may be the only way to repair them. However, your doctor will recommend the best therapy to address your hernia, and may refer you to a surgeon. If the surgeon thinks it is necessary to repair your hernia, then the surgeon will tailor the method of repair that best meets your needs.
In the case of an umbilical hernia in a child, surgery may be recommended if the hernia is large or if it has not healed by the age of 4 to 5 years old. By this age, a child can usually avoid surgical complications.
If an adult has an umbilical hernia, surgery is usually recommended because the condition will not likely improve on its own and the risk of complications is higher.
One of three types of hernia surgery can be performed:
Each type of surgery has its advantages and disadvantages. The best approach will be decided by the patientâs surgeon.
Pulled Abdominal Muscles Or Hernia: 7 Easy Ways To Tell The Difference
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Health
Knowing the difference between a pulled abdominal muscle and a hernia can be a challenge. Both hernia and pulled muscles in your abdomen can cause some pain and abdominal discomfort. However, it is important to tell the difference between the symptoms of a strained, stretched or pulled abdominal muscle and a hernia because treating the conditions is different.
Recommended Reading: What’s The Best Medicine For Stomach Pain
I Think I Have A Hernia What Now
If you are experiencing symptoms of a hernia, schedule an appointment with one of our hernia specialists at the Hernia Center of NGMC. While effective treatment will almost always require surgery, hernia repair surgery is typically highly successful and choosing the right hernia doctor can help you avoid hernia recurrence and other complications. The Hernia Center is Georgias first accredited Hernia Surgery Center of Excellence and offers you access to the most advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques for hernia repair.
Our experienced surgeons have performed nearly 6,000 minimally invasivehernia repairs and more than 1,500 robotic hernia repairsusing the da Vinci surgical system.Learn more about the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center or call 770-282-8956 to speak to our care team about questions or to schedule an appointment.
How To Treat A Hernia
According to Dr. Balentine, most doctors recommend a wait and see approach and may recommend some support trusses or supporting belts. However, all hernias should be repaired surgically to prevent further complications. Even if the hernia can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity, there is always the risk that it will reappear.10
Read Also: How To Recover From Stomach Flu
Contact Us Today For An Appointment
Selecting an experienced hernia surgeon with a high level of technical skill will significantly reduce the risk of recurrence or other complications. At the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center , our hernia repair surgeons are experienced and highly skilled in open, laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair. Our surgeons also successfully treat patients who had initial hernia repair elsewhere but need revision surgery because their hernia has returned.
Our surgeons each perform between 15 to 30 hernia surgeries a month. This means that by choosing the Hernia Center of NGMC, you will see a hernia doctor who is highly experienced and will provide the highest quality hernia repair and surgical care possible. In fact, our hernia surgeons at the Hernia Center have been recognized by Surgical Review Corporation for their quality outcomes and expertise.
If you think you have a hernia, dont delay getting treatment. Call 770-219-4040 today to speak to our care team about questions or to schedule an appointment.
What Symptoms May Indicate You Have A Hernia
Hernias can be painful and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. If you are experiencing any of the hernia signs and symptoms below, our specialists at the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center can determine treatment options specific to your case.
Signs and symptoms of a hernia will vary based on the type of hernia you have. There are four main types of hernias:
- Inguinal hernia
Read Also: How Do I Bloat My Stomach
Hernia: Symptoms Causes And Treatments
A hernia feels like a round lump that bulges from your stomach or groin.
According to Dr. Benjamin Wedro on MedicineNet, hernia often occurs around the abdominal region when tissue pushes through stomach muscles. However, hernia can also appear in the pelvic area on either side of your genitals, in your diaphragm, or around your belly button.7
The most common types of hernias are:
- Inguinal hernia. This hernia occurs in men more than women and will cause a painful bulge in the groin or scrotum.
- Femoral hernia. A femoral hernia occurs in the floor of the abdomen near the upper leg. They occur more often in women.
- Umbilical hernia. A bulge near the belly button is usually a sign of an umbilical hernia. They are often present at birth.
- Hiatal hernia. When part of the stomach pushes into the esophagus, this can cause a hiatal hernia and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease .
Do We Need A New Way To Treat Sibo
While SIBO is a relatively new diagnosis, understanding of the process of methanogenesis has existed for decades.
In fact, methanogenesis has already been studied exhaustively in the agricultural world. This is because the production of excessive methane gas by cattle can actually impact the atmosphere.
Because it means there is a time-tested and science-backed way to treat excess methane in the gut caused by SIBO other than just drastically modifying the diet.
This idea was first explored by Dr. Kenneth Brown a board-certified gastroenterologist and clinical researcher.
Instead of trying to starve the bacteria out or obliterate them with antibiotics Dr. Brown wanted to interrupt the process of methanogenesis.
Also Check: How Much Is Align Probiotic
Read Also: How To Lose Stomach Fat Extremely Fast
Most Common Symptoms Of Hernia
Symptomatic hernias may produce a wide array of non-specific discomforts related to the hernia sac and the pressure by the sac on adjacent tissues. These discomforts are commonly worse at the end of a day, especially if there has been physical exertion during the day. These symptoms tend to be relieved at night when patients are lying down and the hernia reduces.
Federated Search Page Form Block
You are safe with us. Visit uofmhealth.org to learn how we are keeping our patients safe from exposure to COVID-19.
A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes through the wall of muscle that encircles it. A hiatal hernia means that the upper part of your stomach has protruded up into your chest, pushing through the little opening in your diaphragm .
Most of the time, hiatal hernias are so small they might not be felt at all. But if the hernia is a bit larger, it could force the opening in your diaphragm to become larger, too. At that point, the entire stomach and other organs are in danger of sliding up into your chest.
A hiatal hernia can also put undue pressure on your stomach, by squeezing or twisting it. This pressure can make your stomach retain acid, which can then flow up into your esophagus. You could develop chest pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and/or heartburn, and have trouble swallowing or even breathing. The acid may also cause ulcers within the stomach that can bleed and lead to acute or chronic anemia .
There are a few different kinds of hiatal hernias. Type I hernias, or sliding hiatal hernias, are the smallest and most common variety. These hernias cause your stomach to slide through a small opening in the diaphragm, and up into your chest. These often do not require an operation or treatment.
Read Also: Why Am I Losing Weight But Not In My Stomach
Can Hernias Be Prevented
Yes, hernias can be prevented whenever the risk factors are under our control. The following measures help prevent one from occurring.
-
Maintain healthy body weight.
-
Prevent constipation and improve your bowel movements by taking a fibrous diet, eating fruits and vegetables, probiotics, and laxatives .
-
Exercise regularly to promote smooth bowel movements and avoid straining to urinate and pass stools.
-
Do not lift weights without proper technique or abruptly.
-
If you have a chronic cough, get your cough treated by a doctor.
If you suspect you have a hernia, do not panic or worry, but do not ignore it too. Whether it is causing symptoms persistently or not, whether it is mild or not, you definitely need to visit your doctor to understand the actual status of your condition. If you could not consult a physician physically considering the pandemic, you could teleconsult with one of our specialists online and get yourself assessed.
Query:Hello doctor,I notice a lump in my stomach area, about 30 cm above a scar from my appendix removal operation I underwent eight months ago. The lump appears after I eat or drink something. There is no pain, only slight discomfort in the area around the lump. When I press the lump, it feels as if the… Read Full »