Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia

What are the symptoms of inguinal hernia?

Symptoms of inguinal hernia include:

  • A small bulge in one or both sides of the groin that may increase in size and disappear when lying down; in males, it can present as a swollen or enlarged scrotum
  • Discomfort or sharp pain—especially when straining, lifting, or exercising—that improves when resting
  • A feeling of weakness or pressure in the groin
  • A burning, gurgling, or aching feeling at the bulge

What are “incarcerated” and “strangulated” inguinal hernias?

  • An incarcerated inguinal hernia is a hernia that becomes stuck in the groin or scrotum and cannot be massaged back into the abdomen.
  • An incarcerated hernia is caused by swelling and can lead to a strangulated hernia, in which the blood supply to the incarcerated small intestine is jeopardized.

  • A strangulated hernia is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Symptoms of a strangulated hernia includeextreme tenderness and redness in the area of the bulge
  • sudden pain that worsens in a short period of time
  • fever
  • rapid heart rate
  • Left untreated, nausea, vomiting, and severe infection can occur. If surgery is not performed right away, the condition can become life threatening, and the affected intestine may die. Then that portion of the intestine must be removed.
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