What is inguinal hernia?
What is a “Hernia”?
What is a “Hernia”? Hernia refers to organs being out of their normal position. For instance, when the intestines, which should be inside the abdominal cavity, protrude into the groin area (also known as the inguinal area) or elsewhere. A hernia occurring in the groin area is specifically termed an inguinal hernia.
What are the symptoms of an Inguinal Hernia?
Inguinal hernias are actually quite common. Patients may notice varying degrees of protrusion in the groin, some experiencing mild bulging while others have a more prominent bulging. Some individuals might feel noticeable pain or discomfort, while others may not sense anything unusual. These symptoms might develop from being non-existent to bothersome within a week or two. In some cases, the hernia might have been present for an extended period but only noticed accidentally by caregivers or healthcare providers.
Irrespective of the severity, patients often experience discomfort only when standing, and it might worsen after physical activity. However, upon resting and lying down, as the intestines retract into the abdominal cavity, the protrusion and pain may quickly disappear.
Is an Inguinal Hernia a Serious Condition?
Typically not considered severe. However, it’s crucial to monitor for the following symptoms:
- Rapid and sustained worsening of groin pain
- Redness or discoloration in the area of the inguinal hernia
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting If these symptoms occur, it might indicate the progression to an incarcerated hernia or a strangulated hernia, where the intestine becomes stuck in the inguinal hernia. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.
Who is at Risk for Inguinal Hernias?
Common risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic cough
- Prolonged heavy lifting
- Family history of inguinal hernias
- Having had an inguinal hernia on one side, increasing the likelihood of another hernia on the opposite side.