Hernia Symptoms

The most common symptom of hernias is a visible lump or bulge. This is common to all hernias be it inguinal, femoral or umbilical hernia. Other common symptoms of hernias include:

A dragging sensation or heaviness
Pain – intermittent or continuous
Occasional digestive upsets

If the lump can be gently pushed back through the abdominal wall, it is known as a Reducible hernia. If the lump resists manual pressure, it is an Irreducible hernia. An Irreducible hernia can become a Strangulated hernia if its blood supply is compromised or cut off.

The symptoms of a Reducible hernia can vary depending on the location and severity, but may include:

A visible lump or a swollen area.
A heavy or uncomfortable feeling in the gut, particularly when bending over.
Pain or ache, particularly on exertion (such as lifting or carrying heavy objects).
Digestive upsets, such as constipation.
The lump disappears when the person is lying down.
The lump enlarges on coughing, straining or standing up.

Symptoms of Irreducible hernia include:

Usually painful enlargement of a previous hernia that cannot be reduced back into the abdominal cavity.
It may sometimes be painless.
If the hernia is strangulated the pain could become very severe.
Nausea and vomiting could be presenting symptom if the bowel is obstructed or blocked.

Irreducible hernia where the entrapped intestine has its blood supply cut off is a Strangulated hernia. Symptoms of which include:

Severe Pain, which is always present, followed quickly by tenderness
Nausea and vomiting may be present due to bowel obstruction Fever may be present.
The person may appear to be very ill or toxic.

All strangulated hernias are irreducible but all irreducible hernias are not strangulated.