If a hernia is left untreated for too long, it can cause a number of serious complications. Depending on the severity and type of hernia, it can progress to a point where emergency surgery may be necessary.
For this reason, it is important to receive medical attention as soon as possible.
Most hernias can be treated with a simple surgical procedure that is sometimes performed under general anaesthetic. Surgery will involve the repair of any areas of weakness in the abdominal wall, likely through stitching and the insertion of a hernia mesh.
How long you can safely leave a hernia untreated will depend on the type and severity of the hernia.
Generally, hernias that are strangulated, incarcerated, or producing pain are considered to be a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible. Treatment of these types of hernias typically involves emergency surgery to prevent further complications, such as gangrene or trapping of the intestines.
Hernias that are not causing any signs and symptoms may not need treatment unless they become larger or cause discomfort. In this case, surgery may still be recommended, however, scheduled elective surgery may be preferable over emergency surgery.
If you have any concerns about the treatment or progress of a hernia, you should speak to a medical professional. They will be able to advise you on the best way to treat your hernia and provide the appropriate care.
Can you live with a hernia for years?
Yes, it is possible to live with a hernia for years. Many people can live with hernias for a long period of time without any significant complications. However, hernias can become more serious if they are left untreated.
This can lead to medical complications such as blocking the intestines, causing obstruction, or further weakening of the abdominal wall, among other issues. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention and be aware of symptoms, such as a bulge near the site of the hernia, trouble with bowel movements, or pain and pressure in the area.
Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of the hernia and their individual health needs. Treatment can range from medications to lifestyle modifications to surgery if required.
What happens if you have a hernia for too long?
If a hernia is left untreated for too long, it can lead to serious complications. The risk of complications increases the larger the hernia. Over time, the hernia can get bigger and lead to incarceration or strangulation of the intestine.
When a hernia is incarcerated, it cannot be pushed back in and has become trapped in the hernia sac. Strangulation occurs when part of the intestine is stuck inside the hernia sac, cutting off blood flow and causing the tissue to die.
If left untreated, both of these complications can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery. Other risks associated with leaving a hernia untreated include abdominal pain, bleeding, infection, and permanent damage to the affected area.
To prevent any of these complications, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have a hernia.
How long you can live with hernia?
The answer to this question depends on the severity of the hernia and the type of hernia. For the most part, hernias can be managed and treated through lifestyle changes, medications and/or surgery. With the right treatment and consistent care, most people can live a normal life with hernia.
Depending on what type of hernia a person has, it can often be treated quickly and easily with minimal disruption to their lifestyle. In some cases, hernias can become more severe over time, but in most cases they can be managed with the right treatment and follow-up care.
In general, hernias can be managed for many years if they are caught early and treatment is started quickly. With proper care and management, most people can live a normal life and enjoy an active lifestyle with hernia.
Is it OK to ignore a hernia?
No, it is not ok to ignore a hernia. A hernia occurs when part of an organ, such as the intestines, protrudes through a weak point in the muscle or connective tissue wall of the body. This can cause pain, weakness, and other symptoms.
If left untreated, a hernia can cause complications such as intestinal or tissue strangulation or obstruction, infection, and, rarely, death. That is why it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a hernia.
Your doctor can diagnose and recommend treatment options for your hernia, depending on its size and location. Treatment options can range from wearing a supportive belt or hernia truss to surgery. If you have any questions or concerns about your hernia, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor.
What are the signs of a serious hernia?
The signs of a serious hernia typically include a bulge in the groin, abdomen, or navel area, compound by pain or discomfort when performing everyday activities such as coughing, lifting, or bending over.
In some cases, blood may be present in the hernia itself, accompanied by mild to severe pain. In more extreme cases it can be accompanied by bloating, nausea, vomiting, and fever. When diagnosed with a serious hernia, immediate medical attention is required to prevent complications.
If left untreated, a hernia can cause a lot of discomfort as it progresses and can even interfere with normal bodily functions. A hernia that is not treated can become strangulated, meaning that the intestines become twisted, blocking the blood supply and causing intense pain, vomiting, and nausea.
In extreme cases, strangulated hernias can even cause death. It is important to seek medical attention if you have any of these symptoms to make sure it is properly evaluated and treated.
What is the most life threatening hernia?
The most life-threatening type of hernia is an strangulated hernia. This type of hernia occurs when a loop of intestine becomes trapped in the hernia and the blood supply is cut off. This can be life threatening if the intestine becomes gangrenous.
Symptoms of a strangulated hernia can include severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, and severe tenderness at the site of the hernia. If you think you might have a hernia, it is important to see a doctor right away as the longer it goes untreated the higher the risk of complications.
Treatment options may include antibiotics, non-surgical options such as prescribed medications to reduce swelling, or surgery to fix the hernia.
How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?
Knowing if your hernia needs surgery is something that should be addressed by your doctor. They will be able to give you a thorough physical examination in order to determine if surgery is the best option.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a hernia repair if they determine that the hernia is causing significant discomfort, is getting worse, or if there is a risk of strangulation or necrosis.
In addition to this, your doctor may also want to converse with you about the long-term risks associated with having a hernia. They may decide that a hernia surgery is in your best interests if they think that waiting may cause further, potentially more harmful, issues in the future.
Your hernia may not need surgery if it is small and not causing you any discomfort. In some cases, like with small inguinal hernias, your doctor may simply recommend that you provide greater support for the area with an abdominal support garment.
This can help to relieve any pain and also support the affected area in order to prevent any further damage.
However, it’s important to remember that only a doctor can accurately determine the best route for you and whether or not you require hernia surgery. They will be able to provide you with an accurate assessment and the best course of action for you.
How urgent is hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery is typically not considered to be an incredibly urgent medical procedure. However, it is important to note that hernias can potentially become severe if left untreated and can cause significant complications.
For that reason, it is important to seek medical attention from a specialist if you experience any symptoms of a hernia, such as swelling, pain, or a feeling of tenderness in the affected area.
For hernias that involve the organs or intestines, surgery is typically the best treatment option. While it is important to act promptly for these types of hernias, emergency surgery is usually not necessary.
Most hernia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, with minimal pain or risk of complications.
Overall, hernia surgery is not typically considered urgent. It is important, however, to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any signs of a potential hernia or have previously been diagnosed with one in order to make sure the hernia does not cause any further complications.
When should I be worried about hernia pain?
If you are experiencing persistent hernia pain that does not improve with lifestyle changes or other conservative treatments such as over-the-counter medications, it is important to seek medical attention.
Pain is usually the result of the hernia becoming trapped or incarcerated. This is a serious medical condition that requires surgery and can occur if the hernia is undiagnosed or untreated.
Other symptoms that may indicate a need for medical attention include fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, difficulty passing urine or having a bowel movement, severe/prolonged abdominal pain and swelling, or any abdominal lump or bulge.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
It may also be a cause for concern if you notice the hernia become more painful, larger, firmer, or appears tighter and more obvious. This can be a sign of strangulation, which is a medical emergency.
If you experience sharp pain, severe tenderness, nausea/vomiting, or discoloration or redness at the hernia site, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
What does a hernia flare up feel like?
A hernia flare up can be painful and cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Depending on its location, a hernia flare up can cause sharp and stabbing pain in the abdomen or groin area, as well as a feeling of heaviness or tightness.
Certain activities, such as coughing, bending over, lifting, or straining can make the pain worse. In addition, nausea, vomiting, and constipation can occur, as well as an inability to pass gas, bloating, and indigestion.
In more severe cases, fever and difficulty urinating may also occur. Depending on the type and location of the hernia, hernia flare ups can also involve a visible lump or bulge near the site of the hernia.
If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is best to consult with a physician for an evaluation.
What does it mean when a hernia starts to hurt?
When a hernia starts to hurt, it means that there is increased pressure on the abdominal wall or on the contents of the hernia itself. This can be due to lifting, stretching, straining, or pushing. Pain can be felt in the area of the hernia and can be accompanied by swelling or physical deformity.
Depending on the severity of the pain and the size of the hernia, it may be a sign that the hernia has become incarcerated or strangulated (a medical emergency). In these cases, the hernia is trapping a portion of the intestine and may require immediate surgical intervention.
Therefore, if a hernia starts to hurt, it is important to seek medical attention from a doctor, who will evaluate the hernia and determine the best course of action.
What should I do if my hernia hurts?
If your hernia is causing pain, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to determine if the hernia needs to be surgically repaired or if it can be managed with medications or lifestyle changes.
In the meantime, you may find relief from your hernia-related pain by taking over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, or wearing a truss or belt around the groin area to provide support and reduce discomfort.
Also, be sure to avoid activities that may increase hernia-related discomfort. Reducing your stress levels can also be beneficial. Additionally, certain dietary changes, such as avoiding coffee and high-fat foods, may provide relief.
If your hernia still causes significant pain, seek medical advice right away.
How long is too long to have a hernia?
Having a hernia for an extended period of time without medical intervention can be dangerous. While the exact time frame considered ‘too long’ is dependent on each individual case and the severity of the hernia, any hernia that is present for more than a few weeks is generally considered to be an emergency and you should seek immediate medical attention.
Additionally, it is important to note that untreated hernias can cause serious health complications. It is important to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your doctor to ensure you receive the proper treatment.
On rare occasions, a hernia can cause blood flow to be restricted within the abdominal area, which can lead to tissue or organ damage if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to visit the doctor to get a professional assessment as soon as you start experiencing any symptoms of a hernia.
Can hernia cause long term damage?
Yes, hernias can cause long-term damage depending on their severity and whether or not they are treated with surgery. If left untreated, hernias can become strangulated, or obstructed and cause the intestines or other tissues to become deprived of oxygen and other nutrients, leading to tissues death or other complications.
Severe hernias can weaken the abdominal wall, leading to an inability to maintain normal pressure on the abdominal cavity, resulting in further bulges and herniations. Long-term consequences can also include chronic infections, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal perforation, which can be life-threatening.
Surgery to repair hernias can help reduce the risk of long-term damage. Surgery is typically recommended for hernias that are large or painful, that do not remain in place after being pushed back, or that cause other complications.