6 Hernia Symptoms You May Be Ignoring

When most of us hear the word “hernia,” we think of the obvious symptoms: a noticeable bulge, uncomfortable swelling and aggravating pain. But according to Natasha Annor, M.D., a Carroll Health Group general surgeon at the Mt. Airy Health & Wellness Pavilion, hernias can be less noticeable than we think.

“Hernias can occur in various locations, so you may not always have a ‘bulge.’ In fact, it’s common for a hernia to present no symptoms or to present symptoms that are easy for patients to miss or dismiss as something else,” she explains. “But if left untreated, any hernia can lead to life-interfering pain and even life-threatening complications.”

Here are six hidden hernia symptoms Dr. Annor encourages you to look out for:

Localized Weakness

We all feel run down some days. But if you are experiencing muscle fatigue and weakness that’s specific to your upper leg and groin, keep a close watch on it. If it doesn’t go away with a little rest, it could mean you have a hernia.

Pain Triggered by a Specific Activity

Hernia pain, when present, is not always constant. In fact, you may only feel pain when performing a very specific activity, such as lifting heavy objects, bending down, coughing or even laughing. If there is a certain activity that is repeatedly causing you to experience abdominal or groin pain, talk to your doctor about the possibility of a hernia.

Pelvic Pain in Women

Hernias in women are even less likely to present the telltale abdominal bulge. For some women, the top hernia symptom is actually pelvic pain, which can be misdiagnosed as fibroids, ovarian cysts or endometriosis. If you are experiencing pelvic pain, ask your doctor if a hernia could be the culprit before beginning treatment.

Constipation

Constipation or difficulty passing gas—without any obvious causes, like changes in diet—may indicate that your digestive system is being disrupted by a blockage in the large intestine. If the symptoms don’t dissipate after several days, talk to your doctor.

Feeling Full

Do you frequently feel bloated? Or feel like you’ve eaten a large meal—even though you have not? It may be a sign that you have a hernia. A hernia-related bloat is usually accompanied by some pain in the groin and/or lower abdomen as well.

Heartburn

A hiatal hernia is when your stomach pushes up through the small opening in your diaphragm through which your esophagus (aka your food tube) passes. If the hernia is large enough, food and acid can begin to back up in your esophagus, leading to heartburn.

A single one of these symptoms by itself may not mean that you have a hernia, but it would require further evaluation, says Dr. Annor. If you suspect you have a hernia, don’t ignore it. Hernias do not heal on their own. Instead, talk to your general surgeon about the latest minimally invasive treatment options, which allow patients to heal comfortably and resume normal activities faster than ever before.

Dr. Annor is one of the many providers now accepting new patients at the Mt. Airy Health & Wellness Pavilion, located at 504 East Ridgeville Boulevard. To make an appointment with Dr. Annor, please call 410-848-1818.

Visit MtAiryHealth.org to see a complete list of providers and explore all the pavilion’s services, including urgent care, physical therapy and more.