July 4, 2009

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Hernia (cont.)

Hernia Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a hernia can range from noticing a painless lump to the painful, tender, swollen protrusion of tissue that you are unable to push back into the abdomen -- an incarcerated strangulated hernia.

  • Reducible hernia


    • It may appear as a new lump in the groin or other abdominal-wall area.


    • It may ache but is not tender when touched.


    • Sometimes pain precedes the discovery of the lump.


    • The lump increases in size when standing or when abdominal pressure is increased (such as coughing).


    • It may be reduced (pushed back into the abdomen) unless very large.


  • Irreducible hernia


    • It may be an occasionally painful enlargement of a previously reducible hernia that cannot be returned into the abdominal cavity on its own or when you push it.


    • Some may be chronic (occur over a long term) without pain.


    • It's also known as an incarcerated hernia.


    • It can lead to strangulation.


    • Signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction may occur, such as nausea and vomiting.


  • Strangulated hernia


    • It's an irreducible hernia in which the entrapped intestine has its blood supply cut off.


    • Pain is always present, followed quickly by tenderness and sometimes symptoms of bowel obstruction (nausea and vomiting).


    • The affected person may appear ill with or without fever.


    • It's a surgical emergency.



Next: When to Seek Medical Care »

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As defined in 1804 by Astley Cooper, a hernia as a protrusion of any viscus from its proper cavity.

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