Inguinal hernias can cause swelling, pain, and a heavy feeling in the groin area. They occur when a section of the small intestine bulges through the inguinal ring. There are two types, indirect and direct, and they can have different causes. In severe cases, immediate medical attention is needed to prevent complications.
While some inguinal hernias present without any symptoms, others will have telltale signs. Common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include a swelling, burning sensation, and pain. Other possible symptoms of an inguinal hernia include a heavy feeling in the groin area, weakness in the groin, and various other symptoms related to the severity of the hernia.
Inguinal hernias occur in the groin area. They occur when a section of the small intestine bulges through the inguinal ring located in the lower abdominal muscles. Males tend to experience inguinal hernias more often than females and they can occur at any age.
The two types of inguinal hernias are indirect and direct inguinal hernias, and both are associated with different causes. Indirect inguinal hernias occur due to congenital problems and are the most common type of inguinal hernias. This usually means that the inguinal canal does not close as it normally should at birth and weakness develops in the area. Direct inguinal hernias are caused by weakening of the abdominal muscles over the years. If pressure, such as heavy lifting, puts strain on the area, a direct inguinal hernia develops.
Inguinal hernia sufferers may notice a bulge in the groin area, one of the most common symptoms of an inguinal hernia. This may appear larger when standing up. In males, a swollen or enlarged scrotum can be a sign of an inguinal hernia.
Inguinal hernias can have other symptoms as well. This includes a burning sensation or pain in the groin area. Patients suffering from an inguinal hernia may also notice pain when exercising or lifting heavy objects. The pain may decrease during rest and when lying down.
There are other symptoms associated with more severe inguinal hernias as well. In addition to severe pain and heaviness in the groin area, there may also be weakness in the groin, fever and a rapid heartbeat. These symptoms typically result from an incarcerated or strangulated inguinal hernia.
In case of incarcerated and strangulated hernias, patients need immediate medical attention. These types of inguinal hernias are those that cannot be fixed by a doctor and medical attention is needed before the hernia cuts off the blood supply to the intestines. Without immediate surgery, infections, nausea, and vomiting can occur as symptoms of an inguinal hernia, and surgical removal of that portion of the intestine may be required.
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