Don’t Ignore That Bulge: What You Should Know About Hernias

Hernias are very common and affect people of all ages. Talk to your primary care provider if you think you have a hernia.

Have you noticed a bulge in your groin or abdomen that seems to appear when you stand up, cough, or lift something heavy? Did you feel a pop while splitting wood and now that ache has turned into a bulge? It could be a hernia.

Hernias are very common and affect people of all ages. While many hernias are not dangerous at first, they usually do not go away on their own. Knowing the signs can help you get treatment before a small problem becomes a bigger one.

In general, a hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscles of the abdominal wall. Think of it like a worn spot in a tire where the inner tube starts to push outward. Hernias can develop in the groin, around the belly button, or through the site of a previous surgery. The most common sign is a lump or bulge that may become more noticeable when you are standing, straining, or exercising.

Many hernias cause only mild symptoms at first. You may feel pressure, aching, burning, or discomfort in the area. Some people notice the bulge but have little or no pain. As a surgeon, one of the most common reasons people come to my office is to address a bulge they first noticed months or even years earlier. Many are surprised to learn that hernias usually do not improve on their own and often become larger over time. Because symptoms can be mild, it is easy to ignore a hernia and put off seeing a doctor.

Sometimes, hernias require urgent medical attention. For instance, a hernia can occasionally trap a piece of intestine, preventing it from moving normally. Warning signs include sudden severe pain, a bulge that becomes hard or cannot be pushed back in, nausea, vomiting, or increasing abdominal swelling. If these symptoms occur, seek medical care right away. Early treatment can help prevent serious complications, significantly improve outcomes, and decrease surgical risk.

The good news is hernias are usually treatable. Many hernia repairs are performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. Treatment can relieve discomfort, prevent complications, and help people return to normal activities.

If you notice a new bulge in your groin or abdomen, do not assume it will go away on its own. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider and have it evaluated. A simple examination can often determine whether a hernia is present and what treatment, if any, is needed. Taking action early can help you stay active, avoid complications, and protect your health.

By Michael Hurtado, MD, FACS, General Surgeon, Rutland General Surgery, a clinic of Rutland Regional Medical Center