Hernia Symptoms: Understanding Signs & What to Do

A hernia is a protrusion of some sort where a portion of either the stomach (hiatal) or the intestines (inguinal) obtrude into another area of the body. This protrusion may be a result of an injury or a weakening of tissue, but will usually bring with it a set of symptoms.

Indigestion

• Many people who have a more pronounced hernia involving the stomach will often experience a certain level of heartburn or indigestion. This is owing to a change in the function of this organ, in that acids and food may "backflow" into the esophagus.

Gas

• If you've ever experienced any sort of indigestion, you know that it will usually bring with it some gas. Indigestion from a hernia is no different.

Nausea

• When the hernia originates from the stomach, most people will also begin to feel nauseous or queasy. Again, this has a lot to do with the change in the stomach.

Pain

• No matter where the hernia is located, a person will normally feel some sort of pain, especially when the hernia is large. With a hiatal hernia, this pain will usually be isolated to the chest. With an inguinal hernia, it will be located in region of the groin.

Swelling

• Some men who suffer from a hernia cropping out of the testicles may also notice some swelling in the scrotum. This will only happen if the protrusion presses into the testicles.