Diagnosing An Abdominal Hernia

Abdominal hernias are caused by fatty tissue that will push itself out of the abdominal wall and will cause a protrusion. The abdominal wall can become weak for a number of reasons that depends on the seriousness of the condition that the patient has.

How To Diagnose Abdominal Hernia

It is hard to diagnose abdominal hernia because the hernia can only be spotted when the abdominal pressure is increased. Doctors will often examine the patient while they are standing to make spotting it easier. If the hernia is not palpable the doctor will instruct the patient to cough or they will perform a Valsalva procedure as they palpates the abdominal wall. The examination will focus on the umbilicus the inguinal area and any other incisions that are present.

Inguinal masses may resemble hernias. When this happens it may be the cause of adenopathy (which could be malignant or infectious), lipoma, or an ectopic testis. These masses cannot be reduced in size and are completely solid.

Many patients who suffer from an abdominal hernia will suffer from a visible bulge that causes discomfort. The majority of hernias can be reduced with constant gentle pressure. An incarcerated hernia has no symptoms and cannot be reduced.

Strangulated hernias ware associated with a steady increasing of pain and vomiting. The hernia itself can be tender and the skin covering it may be erythematous. Depending on where it is located on the body it can cause peritonitis.