It is not recommended to leave a hernia untreated for an extended period of time. A hernia can become more serious over time if not treated and can lead to complications such as infection, incarceration of the bowel (an emergency), or strangulation of the bowel, which can be life threatening.
If a hernia is present, then seeking medical treatment is important. This may involve the use of trusses or other support devices, such as a hernia belt, or sometimes surgery. The type of treatment will depend on the type and size of the hernia, as well as the patient’s age, medical history, and underlying medical condition.
The sooner a hernia is treated, the better the outcome.
Can you live with a hernia for years?
Yes, it is possible to live with a hernia for years. However, it is important to note that you should seek medical treatment if you think you have a hernia. A hernia occurs when part of the intestine, or other organs, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
Depending on the type of hernia, this protrusion can cause pain, discomfort, and other symptoms. Furthermore, hernias can become more severe if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Certain lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding heavy lifting, can help manage a hernia, and may enable you to live with it for years. Regular monitoring by a medical professional is also important to ensure that the hernia doesn’t become more severe or cause complications.
In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the hernia and prevent further complications.
What happens if you have a hernia for too long?
If a hernia is left untreated for a long period of time, the consequences can be serious. First of all, the hernia can enlarge and become more difficult to repair. Additionally, the intestine or fatty tissue can become trapped or incarcerated, which can cause the affected area to become swollen and tender.
This can limit blood flow to the region, leading to tissue death, infection, and/or gangrene. Lastly, if the affected bowel twists or strangulates, that can cause a medical emergency and life-threatening complications.
Treatment is always best done as soon as possible, so if you have any signs of a hernia, it is important to seek medical care and have it checked out.
How long you can live with hernia?
It depends on the type of hernia and how it is treated. Some hernias may not require treatment and can be monitored for a lifetime. Other hernias may require surgical repair. If the hernia is treated with surgery, the life expectancy should not be affected.
Most hernias can be repaired with minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery and the recovery period is typically short. Depending on the individual and their overall health, some people may experience a complete recovery from the hernia with no complications.
Is it OK to ignore a hernia?
No, it is not OK to ignore a hernia. Hernias occur when some of the tissue that lines the stomach or intestines bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, resulting in a lump or swelling in the stomach area.
If left untreated, a hernia can lead to severe complications, including strangulation of the intestine, which can be life-threatening. It is important to see a doctor right away if you suspect you may have a hernia.
Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment that may include diet modification, medicines, and/or hernia repair surgery.
What are the signs of a serious hernia?
Signs of a serious hernia may include swelling and discomfort around the affected area of the body. Possible symptoms of a serious hernia may also include pain when lifting, coughing, or straining; a visible lump or bulge in the affected area of the body; nausea or vomiting; constipation; dizziness; difficulty urinating; and/or fever.
In severe cases, hernias can lead to obstruction or strangulation of the tissues in the affected area, which can cause intense pain and other complications that require immediate medical attention.
Can a hernia be pushed back in without surgery?
In most cases, hernias cannot be pushed back in without surgery. A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall which causes a lump or swelling. Hernias can be caused by straining, increased pressure in the abdomen, or a pre-existing weak area.
When a hernia is small, some people may be able to push it back into the abdomen, often referred to as “reducing” the hernia. However, this should not be considered a long-term solution, as the hernia will often come back.
Additionally, while attempting to reduce the hernia, it is possible to cause further injury or even damage the surrounding organs. For these reasons, most doctors recommend seeking medical attention or surgery.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend employing a hernia truss or belt to aid in providing support to the hernia. The truss or belt can help to hold the hernia in place and reduce pain or discomfort.
However, unless recommended by a doctor, do not attempt to push back the hernia yourself. It is important to seek professional help if you think you may have a hernia.
What are the chances of surviving hernia surgery?
The chances of surviving hernia surgery depend on several factors, including the type of hernia being treated, the patient’s overall health, the type of procedure used, and the skills of the surgeon performing the operation.
Generally speaking, hernia surgery is relatively low risk, and the majority of patients who undergo it have a very good chance of survival.
Hernias can be classified as either open or laparoscopic. For open hernias, the surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen and manually repairs the hole or bulge. For laparoscopic hernias, the surgeon uses special instruments that are inserted through small keyhole incisions in the abdomen.
The laparoscopic approach is preferred, as it offers less pain, less risk of infection and a faster recovery period.
In general, the chance of survival after hernia surgery depends on the patient’s overall health. Even in the case of a relatively healthy individual, certain complications can arise. These can include pain, infection, blood clots and even build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
The most serious risk is an obstructed bowel, a condition that can occur if the small intestine gets caught in the hernia.
When it comes to the surgeon performing the procedure, the skill level can have a direct effect on the success rate of the repair. A qualified, experienced surgeon will have the knowledge, confidence and experience to carry out the operation safely and quickly.
Overall, the chance of survival from hernia surgery is very good. For the vast majority of cases, the patient can expect to make a full recovery.
How do you know if a hernia is serious?
If you suspect that you have a hernia, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor to be checked. Your doctor can diagnose a hernia with a physical exam. If a hernia is present, it will likely be visible and/or the doctor may feel a lump or bulge in your abdomen.
Your doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the seriousness of the hernia. These could include imaging tests (such as an ultrasound or CT scan) and/or a blood test.
Some hernias may be relatively small and have few to no symptoms, but others can be more serious and require immediate medical attention. Signs of a serious hernia may include abdominal pain or pressure, difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement, or nausea.
Other signs could include vomiting or swelling in the abdomen or groin area. If any of these symptoms is present, it is important to contact your doctor right away as they could indicate a serious hernia.
In general, if your hernia is small and not causing any symptoms, your doctor may suggest “watchful waiting” to monitor it and see how it progresses. However, if your hernia is causing you pain or any other symptoms, your doctor may suggest treatment such as hernia repair surgery.
It is important to discuss the options with your doctor and follow their advice.
When should I be worried about hernia pain?
If you are experiencing hernia pain, it is important to pay attention to the amount and intensity of the pain, as well as when it occurs. Generally, any persistent or severe acute pain associated with the hernia should be taken seriously.
It is also important to look out for any redness, swelling, or heat around the site of the hernia, as these can be signs of infection. If you are having difficulty passing stools, are vomiting, have an intolerance to food, or are running a fever, you should also seek medical attention.
Additionally, if you notice an enlargement or change in shape of the hernia or any sudden pain which does not go away with rest, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out complications.
What does a hernia flare up feel like?
The experience of a hernia flare up can vary from person to person, however, some common symptoms may include a burning or stabbing sensation in the affected area, inflammation of the area, numbness and general discomfort.
On palpation of the hernia, one may feel a hard lump or bulge where the hernia is located. Many patients experience localized pain, tenderness and irritation in the area of their hernia. Even when not in a flare up, the hernia may cause pain with the movement of the surrounding tissue, such as coughing or sneezing.
In more severe cases, the hernia may interfere with bowel movements, causing distortion and blockages. Hernias can also cause a feeling of heaviness in the affected area. It is important to consult a medical professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan as hernias can worsen over time and can cause further complications.
What does it mean when a hernia starts to hurt?
When a hernia starts to hurt, it typically means that the hernia has reached a point where the pressure is too great and the hernia is beginning to show signs of herniation, or an abnormal protrusion of an organ or tissue through the muscular wall of the cavity that normally contains it.
Generally speaking, hernia pain–which can range from a dull ache to sharp pain–will increase with time without treatment, and the hernia may become larger. In some cases, the hernia can become strangulated, which means the blood supply to the tissue is cut off, increasing the risk of infection or other serious complications.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible when a hernia begins to hurt in order to avoid further damage and properly diagnose and, if necessary, treat the hernia. Depending on the situation, the treatment may include medications, wearing a support belt or ligament, or an operation to repair the hernia.
What should I do if my hernia hurts?
If your hernia is causing pain, you should seek medical attention. This is especially important if the pain is severe, recurring, or not relieved with home treatments. You should visit your doctor or a specialist to confirm that you have a hernia, determine the type of hernia, and discuss medical treatment options.
During the appointment, you should provide your doctor with a thorough medical history.
Your doctor may order tests, such as an ultrasound, to help them diagnose your hernia. Treatment options may include medications, such as pain relievers, or a hernia truss or belt may be used to provide external support to the hernia.
Surgery may also be necessary to repair the hernia. Your doctor will discuss the ideal treatment course for your condition.
To help manage your pain, you can use the following home treatments:
– Taking over the counter medications, such as ibuprofen for pain relief
– Applying a cold compress to the hernia area
– Wearing a truss or belt to provide support
– Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity
– Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly
– Taking time to rest and relax
It is important to note that you should not try to push a hernia back inside. This can lead to damaging tissue and cause further complications. If you believe you may have a hernia, talk to your doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment.
Can a hernia burst?
Yes, a hernia can burst. A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue causing a tear or weakness in the area that normally keeps it in place. When pressure is increased within the hernia, it can cause the hernia to burst, and the contents of the hernia to spill out.
When a hernia bursts, it is referred to as an incarcerated, or strangulated, hernia and is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of a burst hernia include severe pain, vomiting, fever, and difficulty passing stools or urine.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
What is the last stage of hernia?
The last stage of a hernia is known as a strangulated hernia. This is a life-threatening condition where the hernia becomes stuck and is unable to return to its normal position. If the hernia is strangulated, that means that the area is dead, and surgery is the only way to restore blood flow to the region.
This can cause the tissue in the area to die, and a hernia repair is necessary to fix the problem. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia can include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are experiencing them.
Surgery is the only way to fix a strangulated hernia, and the success rate increases if the hernia is addressed in the earlier stages.