A hiatal hernia occurs when
weakened muscle tissue allows your stomach to bulge up through your diaphragm
. It's not always clear why this happens. But a hiatal hernia might be caused by: Age-related changes in your diaphragm.
What are the symptoms of an upper abdominal hernia?
- Heartburn.
- Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth.
- Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux)
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Chest or abdominal pain.
- Feeling full soon after you eat.
- Shortness of breath.
- Vomiting of blood or passing of black stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
Can a hernia cause pain in the upper abdomen?
Symptoms of a hiatal hernia may include
heartburn
and upper abdominal pain. Usually, you can push a hernia in. But sometimes, you can't. It can get stuck in your abdomen.
Can a hernia cause severe stomach pain?
If the contents of the hernia become trapped in the weak point in the abdominal wall,
the contents can obstruct the bowel
, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
What does an inflamed hernia feel like?
You may find that the lump disappears when you're lying down. You're more likely to feel your hernia through touch when you're standing up, bending down, or coughing.
Discomfort or pain in the area around the lump
may also be present.
What does an epigastric hernia feel like?
What are the signs and symptoms of umbilical and epigastric hernias? Signs and symptoms include:
A bulge in the affected area
.
Pain
— which can range from a dull ache to severe pain — especially when coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects.
Why does the top of my stomach protrude?
The most common causes are
trapped gas or eating too much in a short time
. The sensation of bloating can cause abdominal distention, which is a visible swelling or extension of your belly.
Can a hernia affect your bowels?
If the contents of the hernia become trapped in the weak point in the abdominal wall, the
contents can obstruct the bowel
, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas. Strangulation. An incarcerated hernia can cut off blood flow to part of your intestine.
Can a hernia cause bloating and gas?
Hernias can sometimes lead to
obstruction of the intestines
that can result in symptoms related to blockage, like bloating, abdominal cramps and constipation, Krikhely says.
What can mimic a hernia?
(SLS). Hernias can go misdiagnosed in women, and can instead be thought to be
ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis
, or other abdominal issues, according to the SLS. Women's hernias can be small and internal. They might not be a bulge that can be felt in an exam or be visible outside the body, according to the SLS.
Does a hernia hurt all the time?
Most hernias are not painful
. However, sometimes the area around your hernia may be tender and you may feel some sharp twinges or a pulling sensation. As your hernia gets bigger, your pain and discomfort may increase.
Does a hernia feel like a pulled muscle?
A pulled abdominal muscle can cause mild pain or sudden sharp pain, which may be aggravated by coughing, laughing and sneezing in a consistent area.
Hernias don't usually cause pain initially
. But as they grow, they can cause discomfort that many people describe as ‘achy or heavy.
How do I check myself for a hernia?
- Feel for a lump or swelling around the pubic bone.
- If you find a lump, make note of where it is and lie down.
- Did the lump disappear or become smaller? If so, it may be a hernia.
- Do you feel discomfort when coughing or lifting heavy objects? It's almost certainly a hernia.
Why is my upper abdomen big and hard?
When your stomach swells and feels hard, the explanation might be as simple as
overeating or drinking carbonated drinks
, which is easy to remedy. Other causes may be more serious, such as an inflammatory bowel disease. Sometimes the accumulated gas from drinking a soda too quickly can result in a hard stomach.
What does it mean if your upper stomach is bloated?
Abdominal bloating is when the abdomen feels full and tight. It commonly occurs due to a
buildup of gas
somewhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Bloating causes the belly to look larger than usual, and it may also feel tender or painful.
Why do older women's stomachs stick out?
Many women also notice an increase in belly fat as they get older — even if they aren't gaining weight. This is likely due to a
decreasing level of estrogen
, which appears to influence where fat is distributed in the body.
