If a hernia is not treated, it can become worse over time and may lead to serious health complications. This is because a hernia occurs when an organ, tissue, or fatty tissue protrudes through a weakened or damaged area of muscle or connective tissue, causing a bulge in the area of the hernia.
The pressure of the protrusion can eventually be too great, leading to a complete rupture of the muscle or connective tissue. Additionally, undiagnosed hernias can become strangulated, leading to an obstruction of blood flow to the area and possible infection.
In rare cases, this may even lead to death. It is important to seek medical attention for a hernia in order to address the cause and prevent any potential complications.
How long can a hernia be left untreated?
It is not advisable to leave a hernia untreated for a long period of time, as ignoring a hernia can cause serious medical issues. If a hernia is left untreated, the herniated tissue can become strangulated and lose its blood supply.
This can lead to bacterial infection, intense pain, and even tissue death. In some rare cases, the hernia can even cause a life-threatening stomach rupture or blockage of the intestine, which will require emergency surgery.
For all of these reasons, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect that you have a hernia.
Can you live with a hernia for years?
Yes, it is possible to live with a hernia for many years. Depending on the size, type and severity of the hernia, the symptoms may be minimal or non-existent and, in some cases, people can go years without realizing they have the condition.
However, if the hernia becomes larger or more symptomatic, it should not be left untreated as it can become more uncomfortable over time and could lead to more serious complications. While many hernias can be treated through lifestyle modifications and pain relief medications, if the hernia is severe, surgery may be recommended to prevent it from becoming larger or causing more serious complications.
What happens if you let a hernia go too long?
If a hernia is left untreated for too long, the hernia could become complicated and bigger in size. This could cause serious complications and potentially require surgery to repair it. In some cases, if the hernia is not repaired and not treated in a timely manner, the hernia could potentially cause a strangulated or incarcerated hernia.
This is a potentially dangerous condition where the intestine or other tissue becomes trapped in the hernia and is unable to be released. Strangulated or incarcerated hernias can cause extreme pain and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Other complications from an untreated hernia can include an infection in the hernia site, an obstructed bowel, blood clots, and an abscess.
How do you know if a hernia is serious?
If you think you may have a hernia, it’s important to visit your doctor as soon as possible, because some hernias can be serious and require medical attention. A hernia can be serious if it is painful, getting larger, if you experience nausea or vomiting, or if you can feel a lump in your abdomen and it doesn’t go away.
In some cases, a hernia can become a life-threatening medical emergency, if it causes an intestinal obstruction or strangulation. Intestinal obstruction occurs when a hernia narrows the opening in the abdominal wall and traps tissue in the hernial sac, blocking the intestine and preventing food or gas from passing through it.
Strangulation occurs when the intestine gets twisted and blocked off by a hernia, cutting off its blood supply and leading to gangrene. Signs of a hernia that may need immediate medical attention include intense, increasing abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and redness in the abdominal area.
Is it OK to ignore a hernia?
No, it is not OK to ignore a hernia. A hernia is a medical condition in which an organ or organ part pushes through a weakened muscle or tissue wall, which can cause pain, discomfort, and even physical deformity.
While some hernias are not life-threatening and can cause minimal discomfort, they can also become more serious and require medical treatment. Ignoring a hernia may lead to complications that could require surgery, such as a strangulated hernia, a hernia that may become so tight that the organ’s blood supply is cut off and can cause severe pain.
Additionally, ignoring a hernia can cause the hernia to become larger and more painful. Therefore, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you think you may have a hernia so that you can get tested and receive proper treatment.
How do you know when it’s time to have hernia surgery?
When it comes to determining when it’s time to have hernia surgery, the best indicator is usually specialist advice. A hernia is a strain or tear on a muscular area in the abdomen, often causing localized pain and discomfort.
You may not be able to treat or heal a hernia without surgery, so it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist to discuss the seriousness of the hernia.
The doctor will likely conduct a physical examination and order additional tests such as an imaging scan or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Through these tests, the doctor can determine the location, size and type of hernia and if it’s likely to cause additional problems if it is not treated surgically.
Typically, a person should have surgery if the hernia is causing persistent pain, strangulated (closed off, restricting blood supply to the affected organ) or causing an obstruction to the intestine or bladder.
Apart from tests, the doctor will also discuss other factors that may influence whether to have surgery or not, such as the person’s age, lifestyle, and general health. This is particularly important when it comes to older adults as they may have other health conditions that should be taken into consideration when determining if surgery is the right course of action.
Surgery is usually recommended if the risk of complications from not having it is greater than the risk of having it.
In some cases, hernia can be reduced with proper care and support, such as wearing a hernia belt. That being said, the only sure way to know when the time comes for surgery is to talk to a specialist who can provide an accurate assessment.
Should a hernia always be repaired?
Whether or not a hernia should be repaired will depend on factors such as its size, type, potential complications, and severity. Most hernias are small and cause few or no symptoms, and can usually be managed conservatively.
This may include wearing an abdominal binder or truss, or just making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding lifting heavy objects.
On the other hand, larger hernias or those causing discomfort or other symptoms may require surgery. This is especially true for hernias that can cause dangerous complications such as entrapment of the intestine or strangulation, which can cause medical emergencies such as bowel obstruction.
This is why it is important for people with hernias to seek medical advice and follow the recommended treatment plan, which may include surgery. It is also important to note that most hernias will not get better on their own and will require surgery to repair.
Can a hernia be pushed back in without surgery?
No, a hernia cannot be pushed back in without surgery. Hernias occur when the tissue (usually intestine or fat) protrudes through a tear or weak spot in the abdominal wall. This can cause swelling, pain, and sometimes difficulty with bowel movements.
If the hernia is not surgically repaired, it can become more severe. Pushing a hernia back in is not recommended as it can cause the hernia to become worse. The best way to treat a hernia is with surgery.
In most cases, the surgery is minor and can be done with a local anesthetic. During the surgery, the protruding tissue is pushed back inside the abdomen and the opening in the abdominal wall is closed.
After surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure a successful outcome.
Is it important to get a hernia fixed?
Yes, it is important to get a hernia fixed. A hernia occurs when an organ, tissue or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. It can cause severe pain, and can eventually lead to complications if left untreated.
When a hernia first appears, it will usually be painful and can be visible as a lump or bulge under the skin. Your doctor may recommend fixing the hernia before it gets worse. Fixing a hernia can help to reduce the pain, and can also prevent possible complications from occurring.
Surgery is the most effective way to treat a hernia, however for smaller hernias, some doctors may recommend wearing a hernia belt or truss. If symptoms become worse, it is important to see a doctor so that a diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started as soon as possible.
Overall, it is important to seek medical help if you think that you may have a hernia. With proper treatment, the hernia can be fixed and the risk of potential complications can be reduced.
Is it safe to delay hernia surgery?
It is generally not recommended to delay hernia surgery. A hernia is a potentially serious medical condition that should not be ignored or left untreated. Delaying a hernia surgery can cause the hernia to grow larger and increase the risk of a strangulated hernia, which can be life-threatening.
If the hernia is small, symptomless, and not causing any medical problems, your doctor may be able to closely monitor it. However, even if the hernia is not causing any obvious symptoms, it is still important to get it checked out and evaluated by your doctor to determine if surgery is needed.
A hernia has the potential to become strangulated, which can be particularly dangerous if left untreated.
Hernias sometimes occur during or after pregnancy and can be caused by heavy lifting or receiving an injury that puts pressure on the abdominal or groin area. If the hernia is mild and not causing serious issues, it may be possible to wait a period of time to have the hernia repaired.
However, this decision should be carefully discussed with your doctor to weigh the risks of delaying surgery. In most cases, it is safest to have the surgery as soon as possible to prevent any further complications.
Is hernia surgery a big deal?
Hernia surgery can certainly be a big deal, especially if it is a complex hernia. A surgical procedure to repair a hernia includes the surgeon making an incision and pushing the intestines back in the abdomen and then stitching or patching the weakened area of the abdominal wall.
This type of surgery is usually done under general anesthetic and involves opening the abdominal cavity and can take between 30 minutes to several hours depending on the severity and complexity. Potential complications common to all major abdominal surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia can occur with hernia surgery as well.
It is also important to note that there is a risk of the hernia returning even after successful surgery. Because of these potential risks and the importance of the surgery, hernia surgery is a big deal and should be given serious consideration before undergoing this type of surgery.
What kind of doctor do you see for a hernia?
A hernia can be diagnosed and treated by a variety of medical professionals, depending on several factors such as the type and severity of the hernia. Most often, hernia-related care is provided by surgeons—known as general surgeons, depending on the skills and experience of the medical provider.
These general surgeons will typically specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of hernias, and will use a variety of techniques depending on the location and nature of the patient’s hernia.
If a hernia is left untreated, it can cause long-term damage, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to assess the condition. In some cases, the doctor may refer the patient to a specialist, such as a urologist, pediatric surgeon, gynecologist, or orthopedist.
In rare cases, a plastic surgeon may be needed. Regardless of the medical professional consulted, the recommended treatment plan will depend on the type, location, severity and extent of the hernia. In most cases, surgical repair will be recommended for hernia repair.
How long can you stay with a hernia?
The length of time you can stay with a hernia will depend largely on the type of hernia, the severity of its symptoms, and the treatment plan determined by your healthcare professional. Generally speaking, the vast majority of hernias can be managed successfully with non-surgical treatments, such as increased core activity, using a hernia belt, and making dietary changes.
In this case, you may be able to live with your hernia indefinitely without significant discomfort.
In some cases, however, surgery may be required to repair your hernia, either because of the risk of complications or because of the severity of your symptoms. If surgery is required, recovery may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your procedure and the type of hernia you have.
In conclusion, the amount of time you can stay with your hernia will depend largely on your individual circumstances and the course of treatment prescribed by your physician. Talk to your healthcare professional for more information about managing your hernia symptoms.
What can you do for a hernia without surgery?
Non-surgical treatments for a hernia may include conservative measures like lifestyle changes such as avoiding lifting or straining, wearing supportive undershirts, light activity modification, high-fiber diet, as well as medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce discomfort and swelling.
In addition, other non-surgical options for treating a hernia may include physical therapy and ultrasound or ultrasound-guided therapy. A hernia specialist may also recommend use of a truss or a hernia girdle to provide extra support.
Injecting rubber material, or mesh, behind or above the hernia can also act as a barrier and prevent further bulging of the hernia. Alternately, stitches in the abdominal wall can be used to close the defect and help with the hernia.
Finally, a hernia specialist may recommend hernia surgery as a means to more definitively treat the issue.