More than 2 million inpatient hernia repair procedures were performed in a decade’s stretch of time. It’s a common medical situation that requires emergency attention in many cases.
This situation takes place when an organ or tissue protrudes into the abdomen, grown, or elsewhere. You need to understand and be aware of the symptoms that come with these emergency issues so that you can get medical attention as quickly as possible.
The tips below will help you out when you’re looking into diagnosing and treating a hernia whenever the need comes about.
1. Vomiting and Feelings of Nausea
When you’re dealing with a hernia, it often comes with symptoms of vomiting and nausea. Understanding these hernia symptoms will help you get attention as soon as you can, in order to nip the issues in the bud.
Nausea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms that you deal with since your intestine is poking out of your abdominal wall. These feelings of nausea and vomiting are typically pronounced and difficult to contend with, even after taking medicine or other nausea remedies.
Get to know the differences between a direct and indirect hernia so that you can get an accurate diagnosis. Examples of different types of hernias include:
- Umbilical hernia
- Incisional hernia
- Hiatal hernia
- Groin hernia
- Epigastric hernia
- Spigelian hernia
- Giant abdominal wall hernia
Taking the time to get a doctor’s consultation will let you know what kind of hernia you’re dealing with. Get a sense of the symptoms so that you can get the soonest diagnosis possible.
2. A Noticeable Bulge
Another medical of a hernia is a bulge in your groin or abdominal area. If you’re noticing this, it’s a high chance that you are dealing with some kind of hernia.
It’s a bulge that you will notice no matter how you’re sitting or standing and is a noticeable form of swelling and protrusion.
3. Severe and Consistent Pain
Make sure that you take note of the pain that comes with a hernia. Hernia pain is generally sharp and chronic, and most importantly, has a quick onset that intensifies once it begins.
You should pay particular attention to the pain if it took place after lifting something heavy or otherwise making sudden movements that can put your intestines at risk. The pain will be particularly severe if you’re dealing with hernial strangulation. This takes place when the tissue or organ that is protruding into your abdominal wall is being deprived of blood flow.
Go to the emergency room right away if you are dealing with a strangulated hernia, since it can be fatal.
4. Running a High Fever
People generally start to experience flu-like symptoms whenever dealing with a hernia. Most notably, running a high fever is one of the most consistent symptoms that you’ll see when dealing with a hernia.
It’s considered a fever when your temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Keep track of this hernia symptom so that you’re aware of whether or not the fever is dangerous or severe. Get your hands on a forehead infrared thermometer that is as accurate as possible.
Take your temperature a few times in a room temperature, comfortable setting so that you have the right information to give your physician.
5. Pressure or Pain in the Groin Area
People suffering hernia symptoms also tend to have pain in their groin area. While many people notice a bulge or pain in the stomach area or abdominal wall, many experience it lower.
Men might experience pain or swelling of the testicles as well. Pay careful attention to groin pain or intense pressure if you notice these symptoms in conjunction with others.
6. A Feeling of Constipation
Because your organs are protruding and compromised, it’s possible that you feel symptoms of constipation. You may feel that your bowels are constricted and that you may not be able to pass stool or gas without intense discomfort.
Conversely, you might also deal with symptoms of diarrhea if your intestines become overactive. Keep track of your bathroom activity and make note if you have had trouble lately, or found yourself needing stool softeners.
7. The Bulge Is Changing Colors
Finally, you might also be dealing with a hernia if the bulge you notice is changing color. It typically turns colors like red, white, or purple, different from your skin tone, due to the lack of blood flow.
It might also be painful to the touch while quickly changing colors.
The Top Signs of a Hernia
These symptoms point toward a hernia, which is a medical situation that you need to pay attention to. Now that you understand the top seven signs that you’re dealing with a hernia, it’s important to recognize that your next step should be to get in touch with a medical professional as quickly as possible.
These issues will typically keep compounding and may lead to other medical issues. Aside from discomfort, a hernia can lead to death or other serious medical consequences if you don’t catch it in time. Do your due diligence and find the help of a medical professional that can assist you.
If the pain is unbearable, visit the emergency room as quickly as possible. Otherwise, touch base with an urgent care facility or other physician practice that can give you an accurate diagnosis.
Surgco is happy to help you out when you need it. Use our site to schedule an appointment or give us a call at (615)757-3451.