Abdominal hernias are common in women and can be more complicated due to their specific physiological variables. The abdominal hernia symptoms female range from minor pain to painful swelling that can affect daily activities. What are the main symptoms, and how can they be identified? Continue reading for more details.
Common Signs of an Abdominal Hernia
An abdominal hernia occurs when internal organs protrude into the abdominal cavity as a result of the surrounding tissue wall weakening or muscular weakness.
Some symptoms, such as:
- Sudden pain in the hernia area, particularly while standing or carrying heavy objects, may be linked to this visible protrusion.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Heartburn.
- Breathing problems.
- Fever.
It is worth noting that women are more likely to develop abdominal hernias, especially near the belly button or upper thigh. This leads to abdominal hernia symptoms female as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, or hormonal changes that cause the uterus to expand to receive the baby, resulting in a weakening of the abdominal wall.
Pain and Discomfort in the Affected Area
The potency of pain caused by a hernia varies from one individual to another. Some patients may have pain while standing, bending, lifting, laughing, or coughing.
In addition, abdominal hernia in females can be deeper, less noticeable and smaller and can lead to chronic pain in the pelvic area. Furthermore, abdominal hernias can cause pain in other parts of the body, such as the back, due to pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues.
Contact medical care if you have the following:
- Persistent, intense, or sudden discomfort.
- Noticing the hernia becoming hardened or turning red.
- Having problems passing gas or bowel movements.
Swelling or Bulge: How to Identify It
The first sign of an abdominal hernia is the appearance of a tiny bulge in the lower abdomen or thighs. Activities may increase abdominal pressure and force a portion of the intestine to push through a weak muscular area, causing the bulge.
If you have a hernia, your doctor may treat it as follows:
- For a soft hernia, the doctor may gently massage the intestine to return it to its original position.
- The firm bulge in the abdomen can trap the intestine, necessitating surgery to cut off the blood supply to it, causing severe issues.
Risk Factors for Hernia Development
Several issues that lead to hernia, including:
- Family history with hernias.
- Obesity.
- Coughing due to bronchitis, asthma, and smoking may lead to extra pressure on the abdominal wall.
- Constipation causes internal abdominal pressure, which raises the chance of developing a hernia.
- Chemotherapy.
- Diabetes.
- Ascites due to liver failure.
- Pregnancy and delivery.
Treatment Options for Hernias
The doctor might recommend an ultrasound scan to identify the size and location of the hernia, as well as whether surgery is required. There are two types of surgical techniques:
- Open surgery refers to making a cut and pushing the bulge back into the tummy.
- Laparoscopy is an easy way that involves making tiny incisions and using specialist devices to close the hernia.
Read Also: Sudden Stabbing Pain in Pelvic Area in Female
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, December 13). Overview: Hernias. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. From NIH
- NHS. (n.d.-a). NHS choices.From NHS
- Kavic, M. S. (2005). Hernias as a source of abdominal pain: A matter of concern to general surgeons, gynecologists, and Urologists. JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons. From PubMed
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, June 17). Battling a bulging hernia. National Institutes of Health. From NIH
- AhmedAlenazi, A., Alsharif, M. M., Hussain, M. A., Alenezi, N. G., Alenazi, A. A., Almadani, S. A., Alanazi, N. H., Alshammari, J. H., Altimyat, A. O., & Alanazi, T. H. (2017, July 25). Prevalence, risk factors and character of abdominal hernia in Arar City, northern Saudi Arabia in 2017. Electronic physician. From NIH
