Can hernia cause constipation?

An internal organ pushing through a weak point in your muscle or tissue results in a hernia. Hernia symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually, and they can be in many ways painful or uncomfortable. Constipation is one issue individuals learn about when it comes to hernias. When dealing with her is, several folks mention having constipation.

Is this the case? Let’s find out

Hernia

When an organ pulls through a tear in the muscle or tissue holding it in place, a hernia occurs. The majority of hernias develop in the abdomen, between the chest and the hips. For instance, a weak spot in the abdominal wall may be breached by the intestines. they can also manifest in the groin and upper thigh regions.

While most hernias don’t pose a life-threatening hazard right away, they also don’t go away on their own. Surgery may occasionally be necessary to avoid potentially serious side effects.

Types of hernia

Hernias come in many different forms. We’ll look at a few of the more popular ones below.

Hiatal hernia

When a portion of your stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into your chest cavity, it is known as a hiatal hernia. The diaphragm is a muscular sheet that contracts to bring air into the lungs, aiding in breathing. It divides the organs in your chest from those in your abdomen.

The majority of cases of this kind of hernia occur in adults over 50. If a child has the syndrome, a congenital birth defect is often to blame.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is usually always brought on by hiatal hernias (GERD). The stomach’s contents seep backward into the esophagus in GERD, giving the patient a burning feeling. Find out more about hiatal hernias.

Umbilical hernia

Children and infants may experience umbilical hernias. When the intestines protrude through the abdominal wall close to the belly button, they develop. If your child is weeping, you might see a bulge in or close to their belly button.

Only an umbilical hernia frequently resolves by itself when the muscles of the abdominal wall get stronger. By the time the child is 1 or 2 years old, this usually occurs. If the hernia has not disappeared by the time the child is five years old, surgery can be done to treat it.

Umbilical hernias can also occur in grownups. They can develop as a result of the abdomen being repeatedly strained by situations including obesity, ascites, or pregnancy. Learn more information about umbilical hernias.

Inguinal hernia

The most typical kind of hernias are inguinal hernias. They take place when a weak area or rip in the lower abdominal wall, frequently in the inguinal canal, is breached by the intestines.

Your groin contains the inguinal canal. It is the region in men where the spermatic cord connects the scrotum to the abdomen. The testicles are where this rope fastens. The round ligament, which is found in the inguinal canal in females, aids in holding the uterus in place.

Because the testicles descend through the inguinal canal soon after birth, inguinal hernias are more common in men. Behind them, the canal is planned to almost entirely close. Occasionally, the canal won’t completely shut, creating a weak spot. Study up on inguinal hernias.

Ventral hernia

When tissue protrudes via a tear in the muscles of your abdomen, it is known as a ventral hernia. When you’re lying down, a ventral hernia could seem to get smaller.

A ventral hernia can occur from birth, but it’s more likely to develop throughout the course of your lifetime. Obesity, pregnancy, and intense activity are all common causes of ventral hernias.

A surgical incision site can also experience ventral hernias. An incisional hernia can develop as a result of abdominal muscular weakening near the surgery site or surgical scarring.

Symptoms of hernia

An unsightly lump or bulge in the affected area is the hernia’s most prevalent symptom. For instance, if you have an inguinal hernia, you can feel a bump where your groin and thigh connect on either side of your pubic bone.

When you’re lying down, the lump could seem to vanish. When you’re standing up, bending over, or coughing, you have a greater chance of feeling your hernia through touch. There may also be discomfort or soreness in the vicinity of the bump.

Hiatal hernias, for example, may cause more specialized symptoms. These include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and heartburn.

Hernias frequently have no symptoms. Unless it manifests itself during a standard physical examination or a medical examination for an unrelated issue, you might not be aware that you have a hernia.

What causes hernia?

Muscle strain and weakened tissues contribute to the development of hernias. A hernia may develop suddenly or gradually, depending on the etiology.

The following are some typical sources of muscle weakness or strain that can result in a hernia:

• heavy lifting or difficult activity
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or persistent cough (COPD)
• having several pregnancies in particular
• constipation, which makes you struggle to go to the bathroom
• having obesity or being overweight
• ascites
• a congenital disorder that develops during uterine development and is evident from birth
• aging
• damage caused by surgery or an injury

Additionally, there are other risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing a hernia. They consist of:

• pregnancy
• persistent constipation
• smoking, which causes connective tissue to deteriorate
• a history of hernias in the family or personally
• having a low birth weight or being born too soon
• having matured
• persistent cough (likely due to the repetitive increase in abdominal pressure)
• cystic fibrosis

Can hernia cause constipation?

Yes, hernia can cause constipation. One of the main symptoms of hernia is constipation. Constipation with hernia can restrict bowel movement which can in turn make you struggle in the bathroom if you want to free yourself.

How are hernias identified?

Physical examination typically reveals or feels a protrusion in the place where a hernia has developed. A male patient is instructed to cough while the doctor touches the area around his testicles and groin as part of the standard physical examination for inguinal hernias. Soft-tissue imaging, such as a CT scan, can occasionally provide an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment for hernia

A hernia can only be adequately treated by surgical correction. The extent of your hernia and the intensity of your symptoms will determine whether you require surgery.

Simply keeping an eye on your hernia for potential consequences may be enough for your doctor. This strategy is known as cautious waiting.

Wearing a truss might occasionally assist to reduce the symptoms of a hernia. An undergarment that provides support and helps to retain the hernia in place is called a truss. Before using a truss, always check with your doctor to ensure that it fits properly.

OTC and prescription drugs that lessen stomach acid can ease your discomfort and improve your symptoms if you have a hiatal hernia. Antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are a few of these.

What could occur if a hernia was left untreated?

Hernias, with the exception of umbilical hernias in infants, do not go away on their own. A hernia may enlarge, become more painful, or become complicated over time. Untreated inguinal or femoral hernia complications could result in:

Obstruction (incarceration)

When a portion of the intestine gets stuck in the inguinal canal, it causes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and a sore lump in the groin.

Strangulation

When a portion of the intestine gets caught, its blood supply is cut off. In these circumstances, immediate surgery is required to stop tissue death from developing.

Summary

Hernia symptoms can come on gradually or unexpectedly, and they can be painful or uncomfortable in different ways. Nevertheless, depending on the individual or hernia type, symptoms can vary. Hernias are hazardous if left untreated, so be cautious and don’t overlook any changes.