If a hernia goes untreated, it can cause serious health complications. Typically, hernias don’t cause symptoms until they become more serious, and can become incarcerated, which means the intestine can become trapped in the weakened area of the abdominal wall.
This can cause a blockage in the intestine and lead to severe pain, vomiting, and nausea. If left untreated, an incarcerated hernia can cause tissue death and even be life-threatening. Long-term untreated hernias can lead to a strangulated hernia, which means the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off.
This can cause the tissue to die, and requires immediate medical attention. Other complications of an untreated hernia can include infection or a collection of fluid in the abdomen known as an abscess.
It’s important to see a doctor if you think you have a hernia so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated. Not all hernias require surgery, but it is important to have them monitored to ensure they are not becoming incarcerated or strangulated.
How long can a hernia be left untreated?
A hernia should not be left untreated for long, as the longer it goes without treatment, the greater the risk of complications. If not treated properly, complications can include pain, infection, swelling, and even the possibility of the hernia becoming incarcerated, which is when the hernia becomes trapped in the abdominal wall, cutting off its blood supply.
If a hernia incarcerated, it requires urgent medical attention and may require surgery. Generally, it is recommended to seek treatment for a hernia as soon as possible. While a hernia itself may not be immediately life-threatening, the complications that can arise as a result of leaving a hernia untreated can be dangerous.
Therefore, it is always best to consult a doctor as soon as possible and follow through with treatment.
Can you live with a hernia for years?
Yes, you can live with a hernia for a number of years. In fact, many people do not even realize they have a hernia until it starts causing symptoms. However, it is important to remember that hernias can become worse over time and can lead to more serious medical problems.
It is important to stay aware of the signs and symptoms of a hernia, which can include pain in the abdomen, bulging or swelling in the abdominal area, and feeling pressure in the abdominal region. Depending on the type of hernia, treatment options can include lifestyle changes, support garments, medications, minimally invasive surgical procedures, and more extensive surgery.
Even if a hernia does not cause immediate symptoms, it is usually best to have it professionally evaluated to ensure an appropriate treatment plan is implemented.
How do you know if a hernia is serious?
When it comes to hernias, it’s always best to consult a physician if you have any concerns or symptoms. However, some signs that your hernia may be serious includes: pain or discomfort in the affected area, tenderness of the area, swelling and the inability to move the area.
Other potential symptoms include a lump in the affected area that is visible or can be felt, feeling of pressure or weakness in the affected area, nausea or vomiting, and constipation. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your physician right away, as these could be signs of a serious hernia.
Additionally, hernias can become incarcerated or strangulated, which can be a sign of a more serious issue. In this instance, surgery may be required. To prevent any complications that can arise due to your hernia, be sure to contact your physician and follow any instructions given.
Can you be too old for hernia surgery?
No, you cannot be too old for hernia surgery. The success rate of hernia surgery is the same across all age groups. In fact, the risk of complications associated with hernia surgery actually increase with age, so it is important to make sure that an elderly person is in good health before they undergo a hernia surgery.
However, it is important to be aware that some elderly people may have other health conditions that could make them ineligible for hernia surgery. In some cases, if the hernia is very small and has not caused significant symptoms, it can be treated without surgery.
For example, if a hernia is causing a bulge but not any pain, a doctor may recommend that a person wear a hernia truss or belt to support the area and reduce the risk of the hernia getting bigger or becoming more complex.
The doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes that may help reduce the risk of further damage to the hernia. In certain cases, elderly people who have a large or complex hernia may opt for a minimally invasive hernia repair, such as laparoscopic hernia repair, which poses less risk than a more invasive open hernia repair.
Ultimately, it is important to consult a healthcare professional when considering hernia repair surgery to ensure that the risks are evaluated and any associated risks are understood.
Is hernia a permanent disability?
No, hernia is not typically considered a permanent disability. A hernia is the protrusion of an organ, such as the intestines, through the abdominal wall. In most cases, hernia can be treated with surgery and is not a permanent disability.
However, in certain cases, hernia may cause chronic pain or lead to serious complications that can lead to disability and may be considered permanent. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention to better understand the condition and the possible treatments and implications.
Should a hernia always be repaired?
The answer to this depends on the individual and their specific hernia. Generally speaking, hernias should be repaired when they cause pain, they are growing, they are incarcerated (meaning they have become stuck outside the abdomen), or when they have an infection in them.
However, some people with hernias that do not fall within any of the above categories opt to keep them and not get them repaired. It is important to discuss the options with a doctor to make sure that the risks associated with the hernia, both for keeping and for repairing, are properly weighed and understood.
In some cases, a hernia repair can be done with a minimally invasive procedure, making it a much less invasive option for some people.
What are the symptoms of a severe hernia?
The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area. The lump may become larger when coughing, laughing, straining, lifting, or bearing down. Other symptoms may include: pain or discomfort in the affected area; a burning or aching sensation at the bulge; or a heavy feeling or weakness in the affected area.
People with hernias may also experience nausea, vomiting, swollen or enlarged abdomen, or difficulty with bowel movement. In severe cases, the hernia can cause intestinal obstruction, tissue strangulation, or incontinence.
The hernia can cut off the blood supply to the intestines, resulting in severe pain and swelling. In this case emergency surgery is needed to prevent any serious complications.
Will the ER do anything for a hernia?
Yes, the ER can provide treatment for hernias. The exact treatment will depend on the type and severity of your hernia. In some cases, the ER may provide medication to contain the hernia or refer you to a specialist for further treatment.
In more severe cases, the ER may perform surgery to repair the hernia. During the surgery, a mesh is used to strengthen the hernia walls and prevent the hernia from returning. After surgery, you may need to follow-up with a doctor for checkups to monitor your progress and make sure your hernia is healing properly.
How soon should I see a doctor for a hernia?
It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you may have a hernia. The symptoms of a hernia vary based on the location, but can include a bulge, pain or discomfort in the area, and swelling or tenderness.
If any of these symptoms occur, you should seek medical advice right away. It is important to note that if the hernia is incarcerated or strangulated, that is, it cannot be pushed back inside and there is a risk of the hernia becoming stuck, then you should seek immediate medical attention.
There is potential for the hernia to become a serious, life-threatening condition if not attended to immediately. If the hernia is persisting and is causing distress or has the potential to be incarcerated, it is best to speak to your doctor who can recommend the appropriate course of action.
How can I tell if my hernia is strangulated?
If you think you may have a strangulated hernia, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This type of hernia can be life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include intense pain in the area of the hernia, where the pain may feel intense and sharp, like a “knot” in the abdomen or groin.
The pain may worsen when you lean forward, cough, or stand. Other symptoms associated with a strangulated hernia include redness and swelling in the area of the hernia, nausea, fever, chills, and vomiting.
Furthermore, if you notice the area becomes tender to the touch, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. If these symptoms are present, you should call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
A range of diagnostic tests can be conducted to determine if a hernia is strangulated and help identify the cause of the strangulation. These tests may include an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan.
Should I go to urgent care for a hernia?
Whether or not you should go to urgent care for a hernia depends on the severity of your hernia and your overall health and risk factors. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible:
– Severe pain in the affected area
– Nausea and vomiting
– High fever
– Redness, swelling, or warmth in the affected area
– An inability to move the affected area
It is also important to consider other risk factors before determining if you should seek medical attention for your hernia. If you are elderly, pregnant, or obese, then you should consider speaking to a doctor about the best course of action for your particular situation.
While certain types of hernias may feel like just a nuisance, they can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine if urgent care is necessary or if you can treat the hernia with home treatments.
How much of an emergency is a hernia?
A hernia can range from being a minor inconvenience to a potentially life-threatening emergency, depending upon the severity of the hernia and a person’s underlying health status. A serious hernia is one in which the protrusion of the organ or tissue is so large that it places pressure on the surrounding vascular structures, blocking the return of blood or other fluids.
A hernia of this type becomes a medical emergency, as the pressure can eventually cause death to tissue due to lack of oxygenated blood supply, or even cause death or injury due to strangulation of the herniated organ or tissue.
Further, if the person experiences significant pain, swelling, or discoloration around the hernia, it is an immediate sign of a serious hernia and medical attention should be sought immediately. Even if the hernia is not serious, if there is any tenderness or pain associated with the hernia, it is best to be evaluated by a doctor who can appropriately diagnose and treat the hernia.
What does a hernia flare up feel like?
A hernia flare up can feel like a sharp, burning pain in the area of the hernia. This pain can vary from mild to severe depending on the individual and the severity of the hernia. It could also feel like a bulge that worsens over time and is often accompanied by pain, pressure, and tenderness in the area.
The pain may feel worse with coughing, exertion, or straining, and can be accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth in the area of the hernia. It’s important to visit your doctor as soon as possible if you feel any of these symptoms as they can help determine if you have a hernia flare up and provide appropriate treatment.