Can you feel a hernia?

Have you ever wondered if that slight discomfort you’re feeling in your lower abdomen is a hernia? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll explore whether or not you can actually feel a hernia and what to do if you suspect you have one.

What is a Hernia?

Before we dive into whether or not you can feel a hernia, let’s first define what exactly it is. A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. Common types of hernias include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (diaphragm).

Fun fact: The word “hernia” comes from the Latin word “hernius,” which means “rupture.”

Signs and Symptoms

So, how do you know if what you’re feeling in your abdomen is a hernia? Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• A bulge or lump in the affected area
• Pain or discomfort
• Weakness or pressure in the affected area
• Nausea and vomiting (not so fun fact: This could also be a sign of incarcerated/strangulated hernias)
• Difficulty with bowel movements

It’s important to note that some people may not experience any symptoms at all, making detection even trickier.

Pro tip: If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, seek medical attention immediately!

Can You Feel It?

Now onto the burning question: Can you actually feel a hernia? The short answer is yes – sort of.

Since one of the most common signs of a hernia is an abnormal lump/bulge on your body part (don’t get excited about this) where there isn’t supposed to be one, often times patients will notice when they touch themselves on their hernia (usually over the area).

The best way to identify if what you’re feeling is a hernia is to try and push it back into your body (DON’T DO THIS AT HOME). If you can “reduce” it by lying down or pushing on it gently with your hand, then there’s a good chance that it’s actually a hernia. However, do keep in mind that not all hernias are reducible.

Fun fact: Hernias are usually more noticeable when standing up/when pressure on has been placed on the affected area (i.e., coughing, sneezing)

Causes of Hernias

So now we know what hernias look/feel like… but why do they form in the first place? Here some common factors (besides fate) :

• Week abdominal muscles: This can include chronic constipation, weightlifting or straining through bowel movements
• Age – Unfortunately, as we age out tissues start getting weaker!
• Genetics (gasp!)
• Pregnancy issues.

What you do not hear about often lately?

Hmmmm! Oh yes! Stuck gas pockets trying to move around obstructed griddled colon!!!

Types of Hernias

There are several types of hernias which I mentioned earlier – but just for fun let me give you some much more uncommon terms than the regular Umbilical etcetera:

1. Sciatic Hernia: A rare type of pelvic wall hernia through which either fat or part constituent elements canal nerve passes
2. Obturator Internus Muscle Defect: Also known as OIMD. It occurs after trauma during childbirth leaving an opening in your pelvis also very very rare.
3. Femoral Hensiations: These occur towards AND below the groin crease unlike inguinal ones which come above along the sides!

Who knew naming some subtypes would be this funny!

Treatment

So, now that you know what a hernia is and how to tell if you have one, the next question is: What do you do about it?

The most common form of treatment for a hernia is surgery. The type of surgery will depend on the location and severity of the hernia, as well as your overall health.

If caught early or in its less severe stage- MILD TEASPOON LIFESTYLE CHANGES become paramount e.g weight loss exerises – just kidding! (LOL!) Medical checkups help diagnoses…not internet fun facts to be specific…

Ultimately, early detection/treatment along with adoption of healthy lifestyle habits can often prevent more serious problems later down the line (STAY HEALTHY)

Prevention

As always (last but not least) prevention is better than cure. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing a hernia:

• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Don’t lift objects that are too heavy for you (In other words don’t aim high!)
• Quit smoking
• Practice good posture (don’t slouch)

I wish there was an easy step by which we all avoided getting Hernias given that some people develop them even after taking preventative measures due to genetic reasons…..

Oh wait!! Eating Bananas helps!

Benefits	Reasons
Extremely Nutritious	Contain Essential Vitamins
Reduces Inflammation	Helps With Weight Loss
Might Help Lower Your Blood Pressure	Contains Powerful Antioxidants

You may never look at Banana’s in quite the same way again!!

Fun fact: Did You Know ‘Banana Ovaries’ Are A Real Thing? They’re small bumps towards end of bananas!

Conclusion

A Herniua maybe uncomfortable but it doesn’t have to be a source of panic or embarassment. Early detection and treatment can prevent further complications. If you suspect you may have a hernia, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider for medical attention right away.

And in the meantime…don’t forget to eat those bananas! Living well is paramount!