How can you tell if an obese person has a hernia?

Ventral Hernias

• Are very overweight.
• Have a cough that doesn’t go away.
• Lift heavy objects, like with construction work.
• Strain hard when you go the bathroom.
• Throw up often.

How do I check myself for an abdominal hernia?

How to tell you have a hernia

1. Feel for a lump or swelling around the pubic bone.
2. If you find a lump, make note of where it is and lie down.
3. Did the lump disappear or become smaller? If so, it may be a hernia.
4. Do you feel discomfort when coughing or lifting heavy objects? It’s almost certainly a hernia.

Can hernias be hidden by fat?

In rare instances, such hernias may entrap a piece of the intestine, causing gangrene and even death. But while women can sometimes develop a similar hernia, they are more likely to have a hidden, internal kind that entraps abdominal fat and compresses nerves, causing intense pain. Dr.

What are the symptoms of a abdominal hernia?

Signs and Symptoms of a Hernia

• An obvious swelling beneath the skin of the abdomen or the groin.
• A heavy feeling in the abdomen that sometimes comes with constipation or blood in the stool.
• Discomfort in the abdomen or groin when lifting or bending over.
• A burning or aching sensation at the bulge.

What is a fat hernia?

An inguinal hernia occurs when the intestines or fat from the abdomen bulge through the lower abdominal wall into the inguinal, or groin, area.

Does losing weight reduce hernia?

Why is weight loss important for alleviating a hernia? Losing weight relieves excess pressure on the abdomen, which can prevent a hernia from developing, improve hernia symptoms, and avoid complications such as strangulation. Weight loss alone may be all you need to reduce the size of your hernia and eliminate pain.

Can an obese person have hernia surgery?

Conclusions: A general surgeon with training in basic laparoscopy can safely perform laparoscopic incisional hernia repair on obese patients with minimal complications. The procedure requires a short leaning curve of no more than 3 cases and few extra materials to be feasible at any hospital in the US.

Can an abdominal hernia be hidden?

An occult hernia or hidden hernia, also commonly referred to as an occult inguinal hernia, is an undetectable mass of herniated tissue. It is usually impossible to discover through a physical examination or even with an ultrasound.

Where is an abdominal hernia located?

The most common abdominal hernias are in the groin (inguinal hernia), in the diaphragm (hiatal hernia), and the belly button (umbilical hernia). Hernias may be present at birth (congenital), or they may develop at any time thereafter (acquired).

How serious is an abdominal hernia?

ANSWER: Abdominal hernias are common and not necessarily dangerous. But, a hernia doesn’t usually get better on its own. In rare circumstances, it can lead to life-threatening complications. Consequently, surgery is usually recommended for a hernia that’s painful or becoming larger.

Does losing weight help abdominal hernia?

How does being overweight affect a hernia?

Being overweight increases the strain and pressure on your abdominal muscles and makes them weaker and more prone to developing a hernia. Over time, this additional weight contributes to a growth in the size of the hernia.

How do you know if you have a hernia in your stomach?

Signs that you or a loved one might have a hernia include: A bulge in the groin or scrotum, or swelling in the scrotum. Discomfort in the groin area that gets worse when you bend or lift something. Heaviness in the groin or abdomen. Pain or discomfort during a bowel movement or urination.

What increases my risk for developing an abdominal wall hernia?

Obesity increases the risk for developing abdominal wall hernias. Being overweight increases the strain and pressure on your abdominal muscles and makes them weaker and more prone to developing a hernia. Over time, this additional weight contributes to a growth in the size of the hernia.

What happens in a giant abdominal wall hernia?

In giant abdominal wall hernias, multiple loops of intestines and sometimes other abdominal organs reside within the hernia sac. The abdominal wall muscles then become conditioned to this and retract reducing the available space inside the abdomen.