Lump On Lower Left Abdomen Like Balloon

by Anna Mae
(Philippines)

Hi, my name is Mimi from the Philippines. I am a little trouble over the lump that I have found on my fathers lower left portion of the abdomen. It is soft but big. You actually poke on it if you put pressure. It's nearly as big as a childs fist. He said that every time that he coughs, the lump feels like its swelling up like a balloon. It's not painful but is really uncomfortable when he coughs and if he has constipation.


Do you think you can give me an idea what the bump is? We have limited resources right now and my father opted not to go to the doctor no matter how much I persuade him.

Looking forward for your response the soonest possible time.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,
Mimi Ballon






Dear Anna Mae

It's Dr Edema here from abdopain.com. I hope you are well.
How is Phillipines today? Sunny?

What you described so well is most likely a left inguinal hernia. Do you know what an hernia is? This is an out pouching of the bowel, or part of the bowel through an abnormal hole in the wall of the abdomen, and protected by the skin, to put it simply.

It is the bowel that makes the lump to "balloon" when dad coughs.

It will require a surgeon to see it and decide if it is the type that needs immediate operation or not. From what you have described, there does not seem to be a need for immedaite intervention, but that is only if the lump can be pushed in and come out on coughing, and no associated pain.

Please book an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can to have it assessed.

I hope this helps.

Yours,

Dr. O. Edema

On Call Doctor,

Abdopain.com