Most abdominal hernias appear suddenly when the abdominal muscles are strained. You may feel tenderness, a slight burning sensation, or a feeling of heaviness in the bulge.
It may be possible to push the hernia back into place with gentle pressure, or the hernia may disappear by itself when you lie down. Being able to push the hernia back is called reducing it. On the other hand, some hernias cannot be pushed back into place, and are termed incarcerated or irreducible.
Irreducible hernias frequently become more painful and require prompt medical attention. An irreducible hernia may progress to a strangulated hernia when part of the intestine or other tissue becomes tightly trapped. This may lead to dangerous complications such as the obstruction of the bowel or intestinal blood supply (strangulation), leading to tissue death. Intestinal obstruction produces nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. A strangulated hernia usually requires immediate surgery.
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