Hernias can come in many shapes and sizes, and unfortunately, they can cause a wide variety of painful, irritating symptoms as well. That being said, knowing when a hernia is developing can be tricky due to the variety of symptoms it can cause. By being aware of the most common issues associated with the body during a hernia’s development, however, you can be properly defended against letting a hernia go untreated for a dangerously long period. To ensure you’re prepared for this scenario, here are ten signs that you may have a hernia:
1. Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue and weakness are the broadest symptoms you might experience when developing a hernia and are often side effects of other symptoms we will be going over on this list. However, if you’re suddenly experiencing difficulty explaining bouts of fatigue and weakness, you should avoid crossing off hernia from the list of potential causes. As you treat your hernia, you should also expect some fatigue and weakness to go along with the treatment (but you will get better).
2. Constipation
Constipation is painful and irritating, and can quickly cause your daily schedule to become disrupted. Having difficulty with your bowel movements passing can cause extra pressure on your gut and groin area, causing your hernia to worsen. Especially when you’re in the process of healing and getting rid of your hernia, finding the right medication to keep yourself from becoming constipated is essential.
3. Nausea and Vomiting
Especially if you have an incarcerated hernia (one that stays irritated more frequently), you can develop frequent bouts of nausea and vomiting. Upset stomach, pain in your midsection, and even more exhaustion can become a side effect of the already debilitating nausea that you might end up experiencing.
4. Heartburn
Hiatal hernias are most commonly associated with heartburns. A hiatal hernia occurs in the upper section of the stomach, which causes it to be squeezed through the diaphragm opening (a process that makes both areas highly irritated, and causes pain that will quickly become noticeable). Stomach acid pushing into your esophagus is caused as well, and this becomes the primary condition that leads to your heartburn.
5. Fever
Hernias can negatively impact your body’s blood flow. If your affliction is severe enough, it may even prevent your blood from flowing consistently and quickly enough to keep your body temperature at normal levels. When this occurs, you’re likely to develop a fever, which will only exacerbate the other symptoms you’re already suffering from your hernia.
6. A Sudden Bulge
If you discover that you suddenly have a bulge or swelling in your pelvic area, you’re likely to have a hernia. Inguinal hernias are what occurs in this area, and treatments are being developed more effectively these days for this type of hernia than ever before. However, this is also one of the most painful, destructive types of hernia, so be sure to see a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. If you do need surgery using a mesh be sure to do your research because some types have led to severe complications.
7. A Constant Sense of Being Full
Have you been noticing massive shifts in your appetite causing you to always feel full? Especially if this sensation is being accompanied by weakness or constipation, you might have developed a hernia. If your stomach feels full but you’re experiencing a sense of bloat even without a heavy meal, and this sensation lasts more than a few days, it’s time to see a doctor ensure you have not developed a hernia. After all, you should always trust what your gut is telling you.
8. Difficult, Painful Bowel Movements
Constipation is not the only bowel-related complication that hernias can cause. Painful movements, bloody stool, and other such conditions can occur as well. Bowel movement issues cause problems every single day they occur, and are especially disruptive, so never wait to seek medical attention for consistent issues with your bowel movements.
9. Pelvic-Area Pain
The groin is not the only area near the pelvis that can experience painful sensations as a hernia develops. To ensure your body is healthy, and to save you tons of discomfort, you should seek medical attention anytime you’re experiencing severe pelvic-area pain. Even if you do not end up having a hernia, other serious medical issues that require treatment could be going on. Thankfully, it’s getting easier and easier to treat groin-area hernias.
10. Heaviness in the Groin Area
Even if you’re not experiencing an outright bulge in your groin area, you can experience a feeling of it becoming heavy while you develop a hernia. There’s a tendency for inguinal hernias to cause all sorts of problems down there, so while you treat this particular type of hernia, you’ll need to go extra easy on your groin area.
Never Wait on Seeking Treatment for a Potential Hernia
There are even more conditions and symptoms that can arise from a hernia developing, so never waiting for long if you develop painful, irritating, and life-disrupting symptoms are key. If you do end up having a hernia, having a headstart on the treatment process becomes critical.