A hernia happens when an internal organ pushes through the muscle or tissue that normally holds it in place. It’s a common condition that can affect both men and women, and it usually appears in the abdomen, groin, or around previous surgical scars. Hernias develop due to a combination of muscle weakness and strain, and certain factors—like age, pregnancy, chronic coughing, or a family history of hernias—can increase your risk.
Many hernias don’t cause immediate symptoms and aren’t always dangerous. But when they do lead to complications, they can become serious and require urgent medical attention. Recognizing the signs early can help you get the right treatment before things get worse.
Keep on reading to discover the six common hernia signs you should look out for.
1. A Noticeable Lump or Bulge
A persistent bulge that cannot be pushed back is the most common sign of a hernia. These bumps typically form in your abdomen, pubic bone, and groin. The hernia bulge either may not cause any pain or can be extremely painful. It can be of any size and often becomes bigger or smaller due to changes in your abdomen pressure, particularly when you cough, stand, or lay down.
2. Pain or Discomfort
Hernias don’t always feel the same for everyone. Some cause a dull ache, while others bring sharp, stabbing pain. It all depends on where they are and how big they get. You might notice:
- A nagging pressure or mild discomfort in the area
- Pain that flares up when you lift, bend, or even just cough
- A weird burning or pulling feeling
Sometimes, a hernia pops up out of nowhere—like right after heavy lifting or intense exercise—bringing sudden, sharp pain. That could mean muscle tearing, which isn’t something to ignore.
3. Nausea and Vomiting
Hernias don’t usually make you feel sick, but if nausea or vomiting kicks in, that’s a red flag. It could mean the herniated tissue is stuck—an incarcerated hernia—which can quickly turn into something worse. If blood flow gets cut off (that’s called a strangulated hernia), things can spiral fast. We’re talking severe pain, vomiting, and a blocked bowel. Consider avoiding the risk by repairing your hernia with a minimally invasive laparoscopic hernia surgery. This state-of-the-art procedure involves a reduced risk of blood loss and a faster and more comfortable recovery than in open hernia surgery.
If you’ve got a hernia and suddenly feel nauseous or start throwing up, don’t wait. Get medical help right away.
4. Bloating, Constipation, or Feeling Full
Certain hernias, especially inguinal ones, don’t just sit there—they mess with digestion too. You might struggle to pass gas or have a bowel movement. Your lower abdomen could feel weirdly heavy like you’ve eaten too much when you haven’t. Maybe there’s a dull ache in your groin that won’t go away.
It’s easy to brush these off as regular stomach troubles, but if they’re sticking around, a hernia could be the real culprit.
5. Acid Reflux or Heartburn
You may think that symptoms of heartburn occur due to the foods that you consume. However, a hiatal hernia can also result in them. This hernia type develops in the upper part of your belly and protrudes through the diaphragm. Small Hiatal hernias may not cause any symptoms at all. However, when they become bigger, they may cause food and gastric acid to accumulate in your esophagus, resulting in esophagitis and digestive issues like heartburn.
6. Fever and Skin Discoloration
If your hernia starts changing color—red, purple, or darker than it should be—and you’re running a fever, that’s not something to brush off. This could mean the tissue is losing blood supply, which can lead to infection or even tissue death. At that point, waiting isn’t an option. A strangulated hernia needs emergency surgery, fast, to prevent serious damage.
