An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue such as part of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The swelling that occurs can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift a heavy object.

Inguinal hernia is not necessarily dangerous. However, it does not heal on its own and can lead to life-threatening complications. Your doctor will likely recommend surgery to correct a painful or growing inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure.

 

The symptoms

Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include:

  • A bump on either side of your pubic bone that becomes more noticeable when you’re upright, especially when you cough or strain
  • Burning or painful sensation in the protrusion
  • Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending, coughing or lifting
  • A heavy or dragging feeling in your groin
  • Weakness or pressure in your groin
  • Sometimes, pain and swelling around the testicles as the protruding bowel descends into the scrotum

 

Signs and symptoms in children

Inguinal hernias in newborns and children are caused by the weakness of the abdominal wall present at birth. Sometimes a hernia can occur when a baby cries, coughs, or strains during a bowel movement. He may be nervous and have less appetite than usual.

In an older child, the hernia becomes more pronounced when the child coughs, strains during a bowel movement, or stands for a long time.

 

Trouble symptoms

If you cannot push the hernia in, the contents of the hernia may become trapped (trapped) in the abdominal wall. A trapped hernia can suffocate, interrupting the blood flow to the compressed tissue. If left untreated, a strangulated hernia can be life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms of a strangulated hernia include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, or both
  • Fire
  • Sudden pain that intensifies quickly
  • A herniated bump that is red, purple, or darkening
  • Inability to move your bowels or pass gas

 

When to see a doctor

If a hernia bulge turns red, purple, or darker, or if you notice any other signs or symptoms of a strangulated hernia, seek help immediately.

See your doctor if you have a painful or noticeable swelling in your groin on either side of your pubic bone. The protrusion is more noticeable when standing, and you can usually feel it if you put your hand directly over the affected area.

 

Reasons

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Others may occur as a result of:

  • Increased pressure in the abdomen
  • Pre-existing weak spot in the abdominal wall
  • Bowel movements or straining during urination
  • Strenuous activity
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic coughing or sneezing

 

Abdominal wall weakness that causes inguinal hernia in many people occurs at birth when the peritoneum (peritoneum) does not close properly. Other inguinal hernias develop later in life when muscles weaken or deteriorate due to aging, strenuous physical activity, or cough that accompanies smoking.

In the later stages of life, weakness may also occur in the abdominal wall, especially after an injury or abdominal surgery.

The weak spot in men usually occurs in the inguinal canal where the spermatic cord enters the scrotum. In women, the inguinal canal carries a ligament that helps hold the uterus in place, and hernias sometimes occur where the connective tissue in the uterus connects to the tissue surrounding the pubic bone.

 

Risk factors

Factors that contribute to the development of an inguinal hernia include:

  • Being a man. Men are eight times more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than women.
  • Get old. Muscles weaken as you get older.
  • Being white.
  • Family history. You have a close relative such as a parent or sibling with the condition.
  • Chronic cough, such as smoking.
  • Chronic constipation. Constipation causes strain during bowel movements.
  • Pregnancy. Being pregnant can weaken your abdominal muscles and cause increased pressure inside your abdomen.
  • Premature birth and low birth weight.
  • Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair. You have a higher risk of developing another inguinal hernia, even if your previous hernias appeared in childhood.

 

Complications

Complications of an inguinal hernia include:

  • Printing on surrounding tissues. Most inguinal hernias grow over time if not repaired surgically. Large hernias in men can extend to the scrotum causing pain and swelling.
  • Imprisoned hernia. If the contents of the hernia get stuck in the weak spot in the abdominal wall, it can block the intestines, causing severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to have bowel movement or gas passage.
  • Suffocation. A trapped hernia can cut off blood flow to part of your intestine. Choking can lead to death of the affected bowel tissue. A strangulated hernia is life threatening and requires urgent surgery.

 

Prevention

You cannot prevent the congenital defect that makes you prone to inguinal hernia. With it, you can reduce the pressure on your abdominal muscles and tissues. For example:

  • Sa