A hernia happens when an internal part of the body or area of an organ or tissue pushes or spills out through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or tissue wall. These generally occur in groin or abdomen.
This bulge can be painful, when you a cough, bend over or lift a heavy object.
Mostly all hernias are an external hernia.
The common symptoms of an external hernia include the following:
- A noticeable lump or bulge in the groin or abdomen.
- A bulge that can be pushed back in or disappears when lying down
- An increase in the size of the bulge over time
- Swelling, pain, or a bulge in the groin or scrotum in men
- Pain or a burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge
- Pain while coughing, bending over, or lifting heavy objects
- A heavy feeling in your groin
- Weakness or a feeling of pressure in your groin
- A sense of fullness or bowel obstruction.
The Common Symptoms of Internal Hernia are
Unlike an external hernia, an internal hernia will not be seen as a bulge outside the body.
One of the most common types of an internal hernia is a hiatal hernia, In Hiatal Hernia a part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that separates your abdomen from your chest.
In most of the cases, a hiatal hernia doesn’t show any symptoms at all.
But sometimes a hiatal hernia can cause gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). It’s a situation when digestive juices in the stomach move up into the esophagus, known as acid reflux.
Symptoms of GERD include these reactions:
- Heartburn (a sense of burning in the upper chest)
- A bitter, acidic, or sour taste in the back of your throat
- A feeling stomach bloating
- Frequent unpleasant burping
- Discomfort or pain in your stomach or esophagus
A hiatal hernia can sometimes also cause chest pain. This can further lead to a heart attack. If you experience chest pain, it’s important to call or see a doctor right away.
Immediate medical attention should be sought immediately if a hernia produces even an acute abdominal discomfort.