If an inguinal hernia is left untreated, the hernia will continue to enlarge and the risk of developing serious medical complications increases. If a piece of intestine becomes trapped in the hernia (called incarcerating the hernia), it may cause a blockage in the intestine, leading to intense pain, vomiting, and a lack of appetite.
In rare cases, it can cause a loss of blood supply to the involved bowel, resulting in death of the tissue. If a hernia is incarcerated for a long period of time, it can cause a gangrenous section of the intestines and require emergency surgery.
In addition, an untreated hernia can result in pain, discomfort, and an inability to engage in physical activities. As such, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if an inguinal hernia is suspected.
Can you live with inguinal hernia without surgery?
Yes, you can live with an inguinal hernia without surgery; however, it is not recommended. An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the muscle of the abdominal wall.
If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems, such as intestinal blockage and strangulation of the intestine. Therefore, although it is possible to live with an inguinal hernia without surgery, it is recommended that you seek medical treatment and have the hernia surgically repaired.
Treatment typically involves making a small incision in the affected area and patching the weak muscle with a strong, supportive material. In many cases, recovery is easy and full recovery is typically achieved after a few weeks.
Can you live a normal life with an inguinal hernia?
Yes, you can live a normal life with an inguinal hernia. It is an extremely common condition and many people manage it without any disruption to their day-to-day activities. Treatment options will depend on the severity of the hernia, but oftentimes medications and lifestyle modifications are enough to manage the symptoms.
This may include avoidance of certain activities that may aggravate the hernia, such as heavy lifting or straining.
In cases where the hernia is causing significant discomfort or putting a person’s health at risk, surgery may be recommended. Fortunately, surgery for inguinal hernias is safe and successful, so a person is usually able to return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
The key to living a normal life with an inguinal hernia is to take steps to manage it as soon as possible and follow the advice of your doctor. This will help to ensure that the hernia does not cause any severe complications or limit the activities that you enjoy.
How long can an inguinal hernia go untreated?
An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of intestine or other abdominal organs into the inguinal or groin area. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can become larger, more painful, and a bowel obstruction can occur.
The sooner a hernia is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome and the shorter recovery time.
In some cases, an inguinal hernia may go unnoticed and untreated for several years. However, it is not recommended that an inguinal hernia remain untreated for any length of time. A small hernia can gradually become larger over time due to increased pressure in the abdominal cavity caused by coughing, sneezing, lifting, or straining.
If it is not treated, the intestine or other abdominal organs can become permanently trapped in the hernia, resulting in considerable pain and the potential for a serious digestive or mobility problem.
In some cases, this can lead to serious health complications, such as gangrene or infection. Treatment is then more difficult, and the potential risk of life-threatening complications increases.
Thus, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect an inguinal hernia. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of long-term health risks.
How do I know if my inguinal hernia is serious?
It can be difficult to know if your inguinal hernia is serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to take them seriously and seek medical attention right away:
1) Severe pain in the area of the hernia.
2) Tenderness around the hernia that does not improve with rest or pain relievers.
3) An increasingly large bulge in the area of the hernia that continues to grow and does not go away on its own.
4) Nausea, vomiting, fever, and general feeling of being unwell.
5) Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement.
If any of these symptoms present themselves, it is important to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider in order to determine if your hernia is serious. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order additional testing to assess the hernia.
Depending on the severity of the hernia, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.
When should you go to ER for inguinal hernia?
If you suspect that you have an inguinal hernia, it is important to seek medical attention right away. If the hernia is causing severe pain, nausea, or other symptoms, you should go to the ER. Other signs that should prompt prompt you to seek emergency care include swelling or discoloration near the hernia, pressure or pain in the abdomen or groin area that continue or worsens over time, any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and pain, or any lumps or bulges that persist.
Additionally, if your hernia is incarcerated- meaning that it has become entrapped and can’t be pushed back in- this is an urgent and potentially dangerous situation, warranting a trip to the ER. Finally, if you have a high fever, trouble breathing, and/or loss of consciousness, seek medical attention immediately.
Can inguinal hernia surgery be delayed?
In most cases, yes, inguinal hernia surgery can be delayed if there is no risk of complications exacerbating due to the hernia. However, most healthcare providers will recommend hernia surgery for adults as quickly as possible to prevent future complex hernia surgeries and complications such as an incarcerated hernia, a risk of tissue death due to an impaired blood flow, and pain and discomfort.
There are some cases in which surgery will need to be done immediately, such as if there are signs of infection, an incarcerated hernia, or if the person has a history of recurrent hernias.
There are some ways to manage a hernia without surgery, such as wearing a supportive truss which can encourage the intestines to move back into place, and oral medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to reduce pain and minor swelling.
However, it’s important to remember that the hernia can worsen over time if left untreated and can lead to further complications.
If the hernia is still relatively small and is not causing any pain or other symptoms, surgery can be delayed. However, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to regularly monitor progress and watch for changes in symptoms, such as increasing pain, heaviness in the abdomen, or discoloration of the hernia.
When should an inguinal hernia be removed?
An inguinal hernia should be removed if it is causing serious discomfort or pain. Inguinal hernias can be asymptomatic for long periods of time, but can become very painful if a loop of intestine becomes trapped in the abdominal wall, causing the hernia to become irreducible.
Pain from an inguinal hernia can range from a dull ache or feeling of pressure to a sharp stabbing sensation. Other signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for removal of an inguinal hernia include nausea, vomiting, and fever.
If the hernia is causing physical or emotional distress for the individual, it is typically recommended to have it removed through a surgical procedure.
It is important to note that the risk of complications associated with inguinal hernias increases over time. Delaying surgical removal can increase the risk of hernia incarceration and strangulation, both of which can cause serious infections and require emergency surgery.
This can also increase hospital bills, so it is always best to have the hernia taken care of as soon as possible. A doctor can evaluate the hernia and make a recommendation on the best solution for the individual’s particular case.
Do Inguinal hernias get worse over time?
Yes, inguinal hernias can get worse over time and may need to be repaired if symptoms worsen. When an inguinal hernia is present, the abdominal organs can push through a weakened or torn area near the groin area.
This can cause pain, aching, or discomfort. If the hernia gets larger, more of the abdominal organs can push through the weakened area, causing further pain, discomfort and strain on the hernia wall.
Long-term symptoms that may occur as a result of an inguinal hernia include constipation, urine retention and more serious problems like a strangulated hernia. Surgery is usually the recommended treatment if an inguinal hernia gets worse, as it is designed to strengthen the abdominal wall while pushing back the organs that have protruded through it.
A doctor will be able to decide if the condition requires surgery after a physical exam, imaging studies, and sometimes lab tests.
What type of hernia is life threatening?
A life-threatening type of hernia is an incarcerated or strangulated hernia. This is when the intestine or another part of the body becomes trapped in the hernia, which can cause a blockage in the intestine.
This can cause the hernia and the intestine to swell, cutting off the blood supply to the hernia and potentially leading to death or serious illness. If you experience symptoms like persistent pain, nausea, vomiting, or a fever, you should call your doctor immediately.
The only way to fix this type of hernia is through surgery and if left untreated, it can become life threatening.
What are the signs of a serious hernia?
Signs of a serious hernia can include a visible lump or swelling, pain or discomfort in the affected area that worsens with activity and gets better with rest, a burning or aching sensation at the lump or swelling, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected area.
In some cases, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, fever, and an inability to move or pass stools. In rare cases, you may have other symptoms, such as chest and abdominal pains and difficulty breathing.
If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
What is the survival rate of a hernia?
The survival rate of a hernia is typically very high; most hernias can be treated with minimally invasive surgery. According to the Mayo Clinic, the overall success rate for hernia surgery is 95%, with an average of 97% for groin hernia repairs.
A traditional hernia repair typically has a success rate of 90-95%, compared to laparoscopic hernia repair, which is 95-97%. Recovery time from surgery is generally two to three weeks. After a hernia repair, patients typically experience pain and discomfort, but this is usually minimal and can be controlled with pain medications.
Complications after hernia repair are rare, but can include bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. For people with a weakened immune system, the risk of infection is higher.
Overall, the survival rate of a hernia is quite high. However, it is important to follow-up with your doctor regularly to ensure that the hernia has been properly repaired and to catch any potential complications early.
Do you ever fully recover from a hernia?
The answer to this question is that it depends on the type of hernia you have and how you manage it. Generally, recovery from a hernia takes about 6-8 weeks if you don’t require surgery. If surgery is required, it can take up to 12 weeks or more to fully recover and regain normal physical activity.
It is important to talk to your doctor to develop a post-hernia treatment plan which includes rest, avoiding lifting heavy objects and wearing a truss or support garment. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and practicing proper posture can also help you to recover and reduce your risk of recurrence.
When it comes to a full recovery, you should be aware of long-term changes to your lifestyle that may be necessary to protect your health in the future. This can include activities like avoiding lifting heavy objects, maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet and being conscious of posture.
Although it is possible to fully recover from a hernia without surgery, you should follow your doctor’s advice to ensure a successful recovery.
How can I prevent my inguinal hernia from getting worse?
The best way to reduce your chances of the hernia worsening is to keep your body at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. You should also avoid heavy lifting, which could put pressure on the hernia and make it worse.
Other recommended lifestyle changes include avoiding large meals, quitting smoking, and wearing a truss or belt over the hernia to provide extra support. If your hernia is particularly painful or bothersome, your doctor may recommend taking pain medication or anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the discomfort.
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia and prevent additional complications.