Internal Hernia Symptoms

The muscle tissue that surrounds the abdomen and groin plays a vital role in holding internal organs intact. When these tissues become injured or begin to weaken, internal structures can further weaken tissue areas and result in a hernia. Hernia symptoms may vary depending its location.

Identification

• Internal hernias are abnormal bulges or protrusions. They appear as a result of weak containing tissues that give way and allow an internal organ to break through. These formations can appear anywhere on the body, though the abdominal area is the most common. Initially, hernias may appear as small, soft painless lumps. As the internal organs continue to press against containing tissues, the lump may grow larger and begin to hurt.

Umbilical Hernias

• Umbilical hernias are often playfully referred to as "outie" bellybuttons. They result from a weakness in the tissue that makes up the navel area. Umbilical protrusions can develop at any time from childhood to late adulthood. Symptoms of a possible hernia include a bulge or deformity in the navel area. The vessels that were once an umbilical cord may press out through the navel or somewhere in its vicinity. Pain in the navel area is also a symptom.

Inguinal Hernias

• Inguinal hernias develop in the lower abdomen and can appear on either side of the pubic area. The myopectineal orifice is a wall of muscles that runs across the groin area. A weakness or injury to this area can give way to an intestinal protrusion. Symptoms of inguinal hernias include a lump or bulge that appears just above the crease that begins at the top of the leg. Individuals may feel a constant pain, or the pain will come and go. Because of the differing muscular structures in men and women, these types of hernias are more common among men than women.

Femoral Hernias

• Femoral hernias also develop within the groin area and can surface at the top of the inner thigh as well as in the groin itself. Weak or injured muscle tissue in this area can give way to intestinal pressure. The protrusion is caused by an intestinal loop that runs alongside the major blood vessels that enter the leg. Femoral hernias are much more likely to occur in women than men. Possible symptoms include a lump or bulge that is noticeably painful.

Strangulated Hernias

• In some cases, a hernia can be corrected by gently pushing it back into place. When this is not possible, the hernia is classified as irreducible or incarcerated. This is a more serious condition in which blood flow to the protruding organ can become blocked. If left unattended, the organ can become strangulated and begin to die off. Femoral hernias in particular are prone to strangulation, and medical attention is warranted. Nausea, vomiting, constipation and fever are possible symptoms when a hernia has become strangulated.