Hernia: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Many people do not notice their hernia until it causes pain, and it begins as a small bulge that may come and go. Our surgeons at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (MGMCH), Jaipur, diagnose and treat all kinds of hernias, including inguinal as well as hiatal. This guide discusses hernia symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis and treatment, and when hernia surgery is required.

What Is a Hernia?

A weakness or tear in the abdominal wall through which an organ or tissue can pass. Visualize a bicycle tire that is bulging out, with the outer layer of the tire being worn thin. The disease is not cancerous, but it will not heal spontaneously.

Types of Hernia

Inguinal hernia: a bulge in the inguinal area. This is the most common and is more common in males than females.

Femoral hernia: A bulge slightly below the crease of the groin, on the upper thigh. More common in women.

Umbilical hernia: Swelling of the belly button. It affects infants and adults after pregnancy or weight gain.

Incisional Hernia: A bulge through the scar of a previous abdominal surgery.

Hiatal hernia: The upper portion of the stomach rolls up into the chest, through the diaphragm.

Signs and Symptoms of Hernia

• A bulge or lump that can be seen.
• Pain or discomfort when lifting, coughing, or straining
• Aching, burning, or dragging sensation at the location
• A bulge that goes away or gets smaller when lying down.
• Hiatal hernias do not act the same. Instead of a bulge, they are responsible for heartburn, acid reflux, and chest pain.

Hernia Symptoms in Males

The most common symptom of a male hernia is a bulge in the groin. May grow down into the scrotum, leading to swelling or heaviness.

Hernia Symptoms in Females

Women may not have a lump that can be seen. Rather, they experience severe pain in their groin, lower abdomen, or pelvis. Femoral hernias are very difficult to notice, and any pain in the groin area should be examined.

Hernia Pain: When It Becomes an Emergency

If you see:

• Sudden, severe pain
• An out bulge that becomes hard, red, or dark.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Failure to pass stool or gas

Your symptoms suggest a trapped or strangulated hernia.

What Causes a Hernia?

There are two necessary components to all hernias: a weakness and pressure.

Causes of weakness: old age, congenital weakness, previous surgery, smoking, and nutrition.

Reasons for pressure:

• Heavy lifting
• Chronic cough
• Constipation and straining
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Repeated sneezing

Causes of hernia in males: Since the natural inguinal canal is the place the testicle passes through before birth, men are at an extra risk of developing a hernia. Pressure is put on by manual work, smoking, and straining to urinate as a result of an enlarged prostate.

How is a hernia diagnosed?

Typically, the diagnosis of hernias begins with a physical examination. While standing and coughing, the surgeon observes the area. Tests should only be performed when the picture isn't clear:

• Ultrasound: Detects small or hidden hernias - especially in women.
• Complex, recurrent, or incisional hernia: maps with CT or MRI.
• Barium swallow or endoscopy: Checks for a hiatal hernia.

Treatment for Hernia

No exercise, belts, or medicine can correct a hernia. Symptoms may be relieved by a truss or supportive belt for a while, but only surgical repair will close the defect.

Watchful waiting: For small hernias with no symptoms. Your surgeon checks them on a regular basis.

• Open hernia surgery: Surgery where the surgeon makes one cut in the groin or the abdomen to repair the wall.
• Less invasive surgery: Small incisions and a camera, typically fewer symptoms and a quicker return to normal life.
• Hiatal hernia: Diet modifications and acid-lowering medications are the first steps. Surgery is recommended if symptoms continue.

When Does a Hernia Need Surgery?

Surgery is recommended for hernias in the following cases:

• Causes pain and/or interferes with daily activities
• Keeps growing
• Is trapped or strangulated (an emergency)

Avoid emergencies. It's safer and easier to have a hernia repaired when the surgery is planned than when it is urgent.

Can a Hernia Heal Without Surgery?

No. The muscle gap will not close spontaneously. Try to get rid of weight, cure a cough, or prevent constipation to decrease the pressure but not the opening.

What Will Happen If a Hernia Goes Untreated?

Typically grows, is more painful, and negatively interferes with life. The serious dangers are

Incarceration: the contents are held inside.

Strangulation: Blood supply is blocked; tissue can die.

Bowel obstruction: Food and stool can’t pass through.

Hernia Surgery at MGMCH

Specialities: The General Surgery Department performs hernia repairs. It is compatible with surgical gastroenterology, medical gastroenterology, pediatric surgery, and surgical oncology. MGMCH has over 55 departments.

Here on our Hernia page, you will find that Dr. (Prof.) Naimish N. Mehta, Professor & Head, is a doctor with 24 years of experience. It also mentions the names of Professor & HOD Dr. Ajay Sharma, who has 27 years of experience, and Professor Dr. Vinay Kumar Mahala, with 10 years of experience. They work as part of a team of more than 400 doctors.

Facilities: The 1450+ bed hospital has modular operation theaters, radio-diagnostic services (including CT and MRI), ICU care, and 24/7 emergency contact.

Patient care: MGMCH has physiotherapy and rehabilitation, dietitians, telemedicine, insurance and TPA support, and an international patient desk. The hospital has announced the accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI) in 2025.

Prevention Tips

Lift using your knees, not your back!

Try not to strain; consume fiber and water.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Treat the cough early!

Stop smoking.

Conclusion

Hernias occur frequently and are very easily treated. All of these symptoms of pain, bulge, or indigestion that persist are worth a professional perspective, and an early visit will lead to a simpler surgical procedure and recovery. A team of surgeons at MGMCH, Jaipur, is waiting to assist you from diagnosis to recovery.