HomeAnswersGeneral SurgeryherniaI get a bulge in my stomach when I cough, but it is not present otherwise. Is it a hernia?

Does a bulge in the stomach while coughing indicates a hernia?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At February 28, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 2, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Please let me know if this is a hernia. I do not have any bulging, but I cannot put it back in when I cough.

Answered by Dr. Shivpal Saini

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

A small umbilical hernia is very common. Based on the image (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), it looks like a hernia with omental fat as a content. Umbilical hernia with omental fat as the content remains reducible for the initial period but becomes irreducible after a long time. If it is not painful, then nothing to worry about.

I hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Does the hernia go beneath the wall? I am looking to have liposuction. Will this interfere?

Answered by Dr. Shivpal Saini

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It will not interfere much. Another thing that the plastic surgeon who will be doing liposuction can take a stitch and permanently cure it. It is a small defect in the rectus sheath (sheath which provides strength to the abdominal wall). So one to two sutures can be taken, and it can be cured.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

The plastic surgeon does not want to do it until the hernia is repaired. I have waited six months, and my primary care physician stated in my yearly that no hernia felt.

Answered by Dr. Shivpal Saini

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

In this matter, I will suggest an abdomen ultrasound (local site). Doing this will confirm whether it is a hernia or not. If it is a hernia, you can undergo repair; if it is not, you have evidence to say that there is no hernia on imaging.

I hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I am seeing a surgeon tomorrow. The spot has been there for as long as I can remember and has never caused any pain. Three years ago, I had colon inflammation and had all the tests CT, MRI, and ultrasound, and they found nothing but some polyps in my colonoscopy. So I am hoping the surgeon will sign off on liposuction.

Answered by Dr. Shivpal Saini

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Colon inflammation is a big thing. And during the workup of those things, a small umbilical hernia can be easily missed. And as I said previously small umbilical hernia does not cause much problem. Anyway, seeing a surgeon in person is a better decision. So please take your previous CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) along with you.

I hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shivpal Saini
Dr. Shivpal Saini

General Surgery

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