If you don’t heal a hernia, the hernia itself will likely not get any worse, but the chances for complications (such as incarceration, obstruction, or strangulation) will increase, leading to potential problems that require medical intervention.
In some cases, a hernia can become incarcerated—the hernia gets stuck in the weakened area of the abdominal wall, making it difficult or impossible to reduce or push the hernia back into the abdominal cavity.
In some cases, the intestine may become completely blocked (obstruction), or part of the intestine or another organ can become twisted and cut off the blood supply (strangulation). Both of these complications are considered surgical emergencies and typically require an operation to repair the hernia and resect any affected tissues.
If you’re dealing with a hernia, it’s always best to seek professional medical help as soon as possible in order to reduce the risk of complications and to help you return to your normal lifestyle.
What can happen if a hernia is left untreated?
If a hernia is left untreated, it can lead to potentially serious health complications. Not only can a hernia cause severe pain and discomfort, but it can also cause a twisting or pinching of the intestine, leading to a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the affected area.
This can lead to infection, gangrene, sepsis, and herniation of other organs. In more extreme cases, an untreated hernia can be life-threatening. Once diagnosed, the hernia should be treated as soon as possible.
For most hernias, the treatment steps might involve wearing a truss to support the tissue and decrease any pain experienced, and then having surgery to repair the weak or torn muscle. It is important to take care of hernias as soon as they are diagnosed, as it can prevent long-term complications or threats to life.
Can you live with a hernia without surgery?
Yes, you can live with a hernia without surgery. Depending on the type of hernia, no treatment may be necessary if it is not causing symptoms. If the hernia is causing pain, it is important to seek medical attention.
Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes such as not lifting heavy objects and avoiding straining activities, as well as wearing a supportive belt or truss. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers may be prescribed.
For some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia. However, many individuals can manage their hernia without surgery and can lead normal lives.
How long can you go with a hernia untreated?
It is not advisable to go for a long period of time with a hernia untreated. The longer the hernia goes without being treated, the greater the risk of possible complications. A hernia can become strangulated, which can cut off the blood supply and cause pain or damage to the tissues.
To avoid risks of infection and further injury, it is important to have hernias examined and treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment typically involves either repairing or reinforcing the weakened or torn muscle, or using a hernia belt to provide support and reduce discomfort.
Surgery may also be needed to close the hernia. Weakened muscles and hernia repairs should be monitored closely, even after being repaired, to ensure that no additional complications arise.
Can you live with an untreated hernia?
It is not recommended to live with an untreated hernia since it can lead to serious complications. An untreated hernia can increase in size over time, and become increasingly painful. In some cases, if the hernia becomes strangulated, the hernia tissues can become trapped and without proper treatment the tissues can be deprived of oxygen, leading to tissue death.
Other potential complications of an untreated hernia include infection and blockage of the intestine, which can be life-threatening.
It is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of a hernia. Depending on the type and severity of the hernia, treatment can range from lifestyle and diet changes, to surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment of a hernia can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
How do you know if a hernia is serious?
It is important to speak with a doctor if you think you have a hernia to determine if it is serious. Typically, a hernia is a serious condition if it is large enough to cause significant physical discomfort, irreducible, painful or growing quickly.
Additional signs of a serious hernia can include difficulty urinating, fever, vomiting, constipation and a lump that is painful to the touch. In more severe cases, an incarcerated hernia can occur which is when the blood supply to the portion of your intestine or other tissue is cut off and can lead to gangrene or other infectious complications.
An individual who experiences any of the aforementioned signs should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Can a hernia burst?
Yes, a hernia can burst. A hernia is a bulge of tissue that occurs when a weak spot in the abdominal wall weakens and allows for the internal organs, such as the intestines, to protrude through the weakened area resulting in a bulge.
In most cases, the internal organs become entrapped and can’t retract back inside the abdominal wall and this can lead to various complications including a hernia bursting. This can be a very serious medical emergency and often requires surgery to repair the hernia.
The complications of a bursting hernia can range from minor to life-threatening. The most common symptoms of a hernia bursting are intense pain, burning sensation, and swelling in the area of the hernia.
Symptoms of a more serious hernia bursting can include vomiting, nausea, heartburn, and extreme abdominal pain. Although not common, in some cases a hernia can cause the intestines to become strangulated, which can result in intense pain and the intestinal tissue dying due to lack of blood flow.
If you suspect you have a hernia, it’s important that you visit your doctor to be assessed. Early diagnosis and medical intervention are key to prevent a hernia from bursting, as well as to reduce complications and pain.
A hernia that is not treated can become more severe and may require surgery.
How urgent is hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery is generally considered to be an elective procedure, meaning it is not considered to be medically necessary and can be scheduled at the discretion of the patient or doctor. However, not treating hernias can be dangerous, with some potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
In these cases, it is important for the patient to seek medical care and treatment as soon as possible.
It is important for those with a hernia to speak to their doctor about the risks and benefits of surgery. This can help them make an informed decision about whether to have hernia surgery, what type of hernia surgery is best for them, and how quickly they should have it done.
Some people may be advised to have emergency surgery if their hernia is causing pain and putting them at risk for serious complications.
In general, it is best to have hernia surgery as soon as possible. Delaying a hernia repair can increase the risks and make the procedure more difficult. Therefore, those who have a hernia should talk to a doctor right away and get the surgery scheduled as soon as possible.
How long is too long to have a hernia?
Hernias can sometimes be present for years before they are diagnosed or cause any discomfort, however, when they do become symptomatic they will usually require medical treatment. It is important to not ignore the signs or put off seeking treatment as the longer an untreated hernia is left, the greater the chance of complications, including pain or the hernia becoming strangulated, whereby the tissues within the hernia are trapped and the blood supply is cut off.
For this reason, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you notice any signs or symptoms associated with a hernia. It is not possible to give a definitive answer as to how long is too long for a hernia, as each case is unique and will depend on the individual, hence why seeking medical assessment is so important.
When does a hernia become an emergency?
A hernia becomes an emergency when it is strangulated, meaning the blood supply has been cut off to the hernia. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and redness, swelling, and tenderness at the hernia site.
If the hernia is accompanied by fever, it could be a sign of a more serious infection. In this situation, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Other signs of an emergency situation include a large hernia that cannot be reduced (pushed back in), a hernia that becomes increasingly painful and swollen, and signs of another medical emergency such as an obstructed bowel.
Is it OK to ignore a hernia?
No, it is not OK to ignore a hernia. Hernias can be uncomfortable and can worsen without treatment. Ignoring a hernia can lead to serious problems, such as pain, strangulation, gangrene, and bowel obstruction, which can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.
If an individual suspects they have a hernia, they should make an appointment with a doctor to discuss the best course of action. Depending on the severity of the hernia, the doctor may recommend wearing a truss or belt, taking medication, or having surgery.
What are the signs of a serious hernia?
Signs of a serious hernia can vary depending on the type of hernia, but some common signs include pain or discomfort in your abdomen, groin or chest area, a bulge or lump near your belly button or groin area, a burning, gurgling or aching sensation in the affected area, or in some cases, a feeling of heaviness in the area.
If a hernia causes the intestine or fatty tissue to become trapped, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or difficulty passing bowel movements. Additional signs of a serious hernia include fever, difficulty breathing, coughing, or pain that worsens or lingers for more than a few days.
Complications such as intestinal blockages, strangling of the intestine, or irreversible damage to the intestine, can also be signs of a serious hernia. If you have any of these symptoms or are concerned that you have a hernia, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Is it safe to delay hernia surgery?
Whether or not it is safe to delay hernia surgery is a decision that should only be made by your doctor in consultation with you. Generally speaking, most physicians advise to proceed with a hernia surgery as soon as possible as leaving a hernia untreated can lead to complications, including strangulation of the organ or tissue, incarceration of the hernia, and a reduced blood supply to the affected area.
In some cases, delaying hernia surgery could worsen the hernia or cause additional damage to the surrounding tissue or organs. Delaying hernia surgery could also lead to the ineffectiveness of the procedure, as it is harder to repair the hernia if it worsens over time.
If you are considering delaying hernia surgery for any reason, it is important to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. Ultimately, your doctor is the best source of advice on this matter, as they will be able to assess your individual situation and health status before making a recommendation.
Is hernia repair a high risk surgery?
Hernia repair is generally considered a low risk surgery, however, like with any surgery, there are risks associated with it. In general, the risks associated with hernia repair include the possibility of infection, bleeding, numbness or nerve injury, adverse reaction to anesthesia, a reaction to sutures, or a recurrence of the hernia.
In some rare cases, hernia repair can also lead to bowel obstruction. The majority of hernia repair surgeries have a very low rate of complications, however, to reduce any further risk, it is important to talk to your doctor about the specific procedure, and make sure they are experienced in the kind of hernia repair you need.
How long does it take for a hernia to progress?
It depends on the type and size of hernia, as well as the overall health of the individual. Generally, smaller hernias may not cause any symptoms and may not need surgery or treatment. However, larger hernias can increase in size over time and may cause pain and other symptoms, such as a lump or bulge.
Those hernias may need surgery to prevent further complications. As it can depend on many factors. If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of a hernia, it is important to consult your doctor as soon as possible.