Abdominal Hernia Symptoms & Treatment One

An abdominal hernia occurs when there is a tear or bulge in the inside layer of the abdominal wall. Most commonly, hernias occur in the abdomen, groin, belly button, or in a place where a previous surgery has occurred. Some hernias are congenital (existing at birth), while others occur over time as a result of pressure due to heaving lifting, persistent coughing, or straining during bowel movement.

Abdominal Hernia Symptoms

Common symptoms of an abdominal hernia include, but aren’t limited to:

1. A bulge under the skin in the abdomen
2. Pain when lifting or coughing
3. Pain after a long period of standing or sitting
4. Pain from straining during a bowel movement

Abdominal hernia pain can vary from a dull, constant pain to a sharp pain that worsens when the abdomen is under pressure. If the pain is severe and/or if there is redness in the area of the hernia, a physician should be consulted right away.

Abdominal Hernia Diagnosis

A physician can diagnose an abdominal hernia by performing a physical examination. It is not usually necessary to perform other tests or procedures, unless it is to rule out some other suspected condition.

Abdominal Hernia Treatment

Surgery is the only treatment that will cure an abdominal hernia. It will not heal or “go away” on its own. If the hernia is small and not symptomatic, it may not be necessary to perform surgery right away.
Sometimes, with elderly patients or if other health concerns prevent the patient from being a good candidate for surgery, a physician may prescribe a truss to be worn to keep the hernia from worsening.