A hernia most frequently occurs when the intestinal tract abnormally pushes through a weak area along the muscular abdominal wall. Typically, the bulge that protrudes from the herniated site can be easily pushed back into the abdominal cavity by a doctor. If a patient develops an incarcerated hernia, however, the intestine is trapped within the abdominal wall and can't be pushed back into place. As a result, patients with incarcerated hernia symptoms require immediate medical attention to surgically resolve the hernia.
Abdominal Bulge
The primary symptom associated with an incarcerated hernia is the appearance of an abdominal bulge that can't be reduced, or easily pushed back into place. The abdominal mass appears when a portion of the intestinal tract forces its way through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Certain activities, such as coughing or lifting, may cause the abdominal bulge to become more apparent or noticeable to a patient. Each year in the United States, approximately 700,000 surgeries are performed to resolve incarcerated or strangulated hernias, according to the Merck Manual. Patients who develop any hernia symptoms should seek medical care immediately to prevent further complications.
Abdominal Pain
Patients with an incarcerated hernia can experience sensations of mild to severe pain at the site of the hernia. Sneezing, coughing or standing for extended periods of time can exacerbate pain symptoms in affected patients, warns PDRHealth. Patients may notice that the herniated area is tender to the touch and can experience discomfort when producing a bowel movement. Abdominal pain symptoms should be discussed with a medical professional as this incarcerated hernia symptom can be a sign of alternate medical problems.
Skin Discoloration or Swelling
The skin covering the site of an incarcerated hernia can appear abnormally red, inflamed or swollen, reports KidsHealth, a children's health information website supported by the Nemours Foundation. Certain patients can develop unusually blue or gray patches of skin over the site of the hernia. Affected patients should consult a physician for further guidance and care.
Stomach Upset
An incarcerated hernia can cause stomach upset symptoms in affected patients, explains KidsHealth. These stomach-related effects can include vomiting or constipation, which occur because ingested food can't normally pass through the herniated intestinal tract. Patients who experience persistent vomiting or constipation in conjunction with the appearance of an unusual abdominal bulge should seek prompt care from a medical professional.
