Hernias don’t always cause symptoms. And, if they do, they can vary from person to person. So, how do you know if you have a hernia? Don’t miss these common signs of a problem.
Hernias can affect everyone at every stage of life, even infants and children. They can develop anywhere in the body, and their symptoms can vary — factors that can make them tricky to detect.
So, how do you know if you have a hernia? Dr. Laureen Forgione-Rubino uses the most advanced surgical techniques available to repair hernias at her practice in Manchester, Connecticut.
In this blog, Dr. Forgione-Rubino explains this common problem and how a hernia might feel.
How hernias work
There are numerous types of hernias. They basically develop when tissue from one part of your body bulges into an area where it doesn’t belong. One of the most common forms is an inguinal hernia.
This hernia develops when abdominal tissue pushes through a weakened area in your lower abdominal wall — or the inguinal canal — near the inner thigh. These hernias account for 75% of all cases and are most common in men or people assigned male at birth.
Other types of hernias include:
- Femoral hernia
- Hiatal hernia
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Perineal hernia
Hernias can even form at incision sites after abdominal surgery.
Since hernias are common, it’s important to understand the signs of a problem so you can seek treatment when they arise.
What a hernia feels like
The challenge with hernias is that the symptoms vary depending on type and location.
While they may be different, hernias often share one common characteristic: a bulge or lump. But that’s not all — this abnormal bump typically appears in specific physical positions or during certain activities, only to disappear in others.
Hernias can also cause a dull ache, pinching, or pressure. In many cases, these sensations occur during activities that involve strain, like laughing, coughing, running, squatting, lifting, or having a bowel movement.
However, since hiatal or diaphragmatic hernias affect the upper part of your gastrointestinal system, they often cause symptoms that include:
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Discomfort after large meals
- Feeling full very easily
- Episodic chest pain while eating, often with problems swallowing and vomiting
- Chest pain
Whether you notice a bulge or not, it’s essential to seek treatment to avoid potential complications in the future.
Why you shouldn’t ignore a hernia
A hernia isn’t always serious, but complications can arise. On top of that, they typically worsen with time.
The problem with a hernia is that tissue protruding into an area it doesn’t belong can become stuck. When this occurs, it can become incredibly painful and disrupt your blood supply, causing the trapped tissue to die.
Dr. Forgione-Rubino recommends seeing your doctor if you have symptoms that can indicate a hernia. They can often diagnose your condition during a routine exam and determine its severity.
The good news is that not all hernias require surgical repair immediately. Instead, your doctor can often monitor small or mild forms until they worsen.
However, hernias don’t heal on their own — except for umbilical hernias in babies. But surgical solutions make it easier than ever to address this condition.
Surgical treatments for hernias
Dr. Forgione-Rubino customizes hernia repair strategies on a case-by-case basis. You can rest easy knowing she uses the most advanced minimally invasive tools available whenever possible, including laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair.
During laparoscopic hernia repair, Dr. Forgione-Rubino makes a tiny incision near your hernia and inserts a device known as a laparoscope. This special tool has a light and camera that displays real-time images of the surgical site on a monitor.
Robotic hernia repair also uses smaller incisions, but Dr. Forgione-Rubino uses a robot-assisted device to perform the repair. This advanced approach offers greater precision and flexibility than traditional methods.
Minimally invasive approaches can make a hernia a distant memory and provide a faster, greatly improved recovery. However, you’re also in exceptional hands if Dr. Forgione-Rubino determines you’re better suited for a traditional hernia surgery.
Could you have a hernia? Find out about your treatment options by contacting us today. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Forgione-Rubino by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.