What Are the Symptoms of a Bowel Hernia?
The symptoms of a bowel hernia include swelling underneath the skin, discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen or groin, according to Boots WebMD. When patients are unable to release intestinal gas or have a bowel movement, they should seek immediate medical attention.
The swelling of a bowel hernis is often tender to the touch and may be present around the groin or abdomen depending on its location, and it may lessen when the patient lies down, according to Boots WebMD. Constipation or blood in the stool may occur with a feeling of heaviness, and discomfort commonly occurs when the patient bends over or lifts an object. The inability to have bowel movements may indicate a medical emergency such as an obstruction in the intestine or a strangulated hernia.
Although a physical examination is generally enough for doctors to diagnose a bowel hernia, they may use an X-ray to find potential bowel obstructions, as explained by Boots WebMD. Treatment includes pushing the hernia back in place, using a truss to secure the area and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Patients must then undergo a herniorrhaphy to reposition the hernia. Depending on the location and severity of the hernia, a doctor may advise against surgery and simply monitor the condition.
