Symptoms. The only characteristic symptom of hernia is the presentation of an elastic, or doughy tumor of variable size, which either gradually or suddenly makes its appearance. There is flatulence, uneasiness, and sometimes pain in the abdomen.
Sharp and dull pains frequently recurring and confined to the locations where ruptures appear should receive attention. Examination will not infrequently reveal a small enlargement. If a hernia, this will usually disappear after a night's rest and may not be again noticed until the next day, or for several days. On coughing, with the finger applied to the enlargement, a sensation of an impulse (succussion), or slight additional protrusion will be felt
The trouble appears at any time of life, an analysis of seventy thousand cases indicating that it is most common in debilitated persons, and that there is a constant decrease in the frequency of the affection from the first to the thirteenth year, after which rupture is more and more frequently met with as age advances.
Inguinal Hernia (see Fig. 1) is more common than all other forms of rupture. It is more frequently met with in men, and when severe there is usually a mass of intestine which falls into the scrotum and has an evil effect, by pressing upon the testicle. The protrusion follows the spermatic vessels and hence it usually appears low down in the abdomen and on one or both sides of the pubic bone.
Femoral Hernia (see Fig. 2), most common in women of mature life, is felt as a lump below the strong ligament in the groin which forms the line of separation between the thigh and the abdomen. On its outer side and close to it can be felt the beating or pulsation of the large artery of the thigh.
Umbilical Hernia (see Fig. 3) appears at or near the navel and is most common in children. It may be present from birth, or it may result from fretting and crying at any period of childhood.
Sufferers from any form of rupture are constantly subject to the danger of strangulation. This occurs when, from any cause the free return of the contents of the protruded part of the intestine is prevented. It is an accident of a serious nature, inasmuch as nearly fifty per cent. die if not carefully operated upon, and with the most skillful treatment, one in four cases terminates in death.
Every individual should guard against rupture by maintaining, by proper exercise, diet, and rest, a condition of vigor and tonicity of the muscular system.