You can have a hernia without experiencing any pain so why and when you should seek medical advice?
It’s a good idea to seek advice from your family GP if you find yourself experiencing hernia pain along with other symptoms although some people find themselves with a hernia without experiencing any pain at all.
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a medical condition when organs, tissues, or intestines start pushing through their surrounding connective tissues. While hernias typically occur in the abdominal wall, they can also appear in other parts of the body.
Hernias can become painful and cause a bulge-like appearance because of additional pressure from bending over or lifting something heavy. It is a good idea to seek advice from a doctor if you find yourself experiencing hernia pain along with other symptoms.
Abdominal hernias are a common occurrence across different age groups. However, men over 40 are more likely to have the condition. It’s possible for you to be born with a weakness in your muscles or tissues that develops into a hernia later in life.
Symptoms and signs of a hernia
You can have a hernia without experiencing any pain. One of the first signs that people may notice is a bulge appearing in the affected area. It may only appear when you perform an action like coughing or lifting. The bulge may disappear when you lie down. Other symptoms of a hernia can include:
Shooting pain or dragging sensation
Constipation
Feeling of pressure
Hernia causes
Besides the causes for specific types of hernia, weakened abdominal muscles and connective tissues are the most common reasons why hernias form. Risk factors that could increase your chances of developing a hernia include:
Lifting heavy objects
Carrying extra weight on your frame
Smoking
Persistent strained movements like diarrhoea, sneezing, or coughing
Overuse of a muscle
When should I seek medical advice? You should see your family GP if you notice any unexplained bulges or experience more severe symptoms like hernia pain. They may be able to detect the hernia by performing a physical exam. They may also order additional tests to determine the extent of your current condition.
The recommendations your family GP might offer to treat your condition will depend on your health and the hernia type. Also how the hernia affects your everyday life will influence whether surgery will be an option or not.
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