The most common type of hernia is the inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia appears when part of the intestine presses against the abdominal muscles and finds a weak spot in which it can protrude and stick out. It can result in a bulge that is spongy feeling and may or may not be uncomfortable. Coughing, lifting heavy objects, or straining while using the bathroom may cause pain in the area.
And while hernias are inherently dangerous on their own, they can lead to life-threatening health situations so being able to discern if your loved one has one so that you can bring him to be examined by his doctor is an important step in treating a hernia.
Many hernias occur on a part of the body that you as a caregiver may not see. Your loved one may need to call attention to it with his in-home care provider or if his in-home care provider helps with bathing or dressing, they may notice it. Since it is in a more private area of the body, encourage your loved one to always share with you or his in-home care provider (or at least ask for a doctor visit) when he sees something abnormal occurring.
For inguinal hernias, these are the symptoms he may see or feel.
- He may see a bulge on either side of his pubic bone that becomes more prominent when he stands. It may become very noticeable when he’s straining to pick up a heavy object or if he sneezes or coughs.
- A hernia can also occur in the scrotum area. When it does, there is pain and swelling in the testicles because of the intestine that has descended into that area.
- The bulge may be achy or feel like it’s burning.
- The bulge may also be painful but isn’t always. It might also feel fine until your loved one does an activity that bothers it like coughing or lifting an object.
- Your loved one might feel a heavy feeling in the groin or pressure in the area.
Hernias can occur at any time, but they are more common among older men than any other demographic. They develop later in life as muscles weaken and deteriorate. Sometimes the cause behind a new hernia is obvious and sometimes it isn’t. Here are the most common causes of hernias.
- Smoking. Because someone who has smoked most of their life usually develops the classic smoker’s cough, that cough over the years can weaken the abdominal walls and cause a hernia to develop.
- Excessive coughing. Like a smoker’s cough, any consistent and deep coughing, such as a battle with bronchitis, can lead to a hernia.
- Lifting something too heavy. Bending and lifting a heavy object and then carrying it for a distance can cause strain, which may cause the intestines to press up against the abdominal wall and then find a place to protrude. Getting help from his in-home care provider or asking a family member to help with heavy objects will reduce this risk.
- Straining during bowel movements can also cause a hernia.
If a hernia has occurred, having your loved one visit his doctor for an evaluation is your next step to find him relief.
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