A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through the wall of the cavity that usually contains it. It can cause symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, a sense of fullness, pressure or pain in the area, as well as visible lump or bulge.
If a hernia goes untreated it can cause several problems. These include pain, discomfort, especially when coughing, exercising, or straining; impaired breathing; and obstruction in the intestines, leading to severe abdominal pain and nausea.
If the intestines become obstructed, it can lead to leaking of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity. This can cause serious infection, blood poisoning, or death. Additionally, with an inguinal hernia (a hernia in the groin area) there is a risk of the hernia becoming irreducible and imprisoned, leading to a life threatening situation.
Other risks include the development of an abscess and the potential for the hernia to strangulate, or interfere with blood supply, leading to tissue damage. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential in order to prevent complications and address symptoms effectively.
What happens if a hernia is left untreated?
If a hernia is left untreated, it can cause serious medical issues or even death in some cases. Untreated hernias can lead to the obstruction of blood flow to the area, leading to infection, tissue death, and potentially an intestinal blockage.
If a hernia is strangulated, or the obstruction of blood flow is complete, the only way to save the portion of the intestine that is obstructed is to have surgery as soon as possible. If left untreated, the strangulated hernia can lead to gangrene, in which the tissue in the intestines can die and lead to a potentially life-threatening sepsis condition.
It is also possible that the intestines can become twisted, which can cause a twisted bowel syndrome where it is difficult to pass waste which can cause extreme discomfort and in some cases can lead to a perforation in the affected portion of the intestine.
For these reasons, it is important to seek medical help right away when a hernia is suspected.
How long can you let a hernia go untreated?
It is never recommended to let a hernia go untreated as the longer you wait, the more serious it can become. If a hernia is left untreated for too long, it can cause complications such as reduced blood flow to the hernia area, infection, tissue death, and permanent damage to surrounding organs.
Additionally, if the hernial sac contains any nearby organs, an untreated hernia can cause those organs to become trapped in the hernia and require surgical intervention to repair. It is best to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible if you suspect you have a hernia in order to avoid any potential complications.
How do you know if a hernia is serious?
The seriousness of a hernia can be determined by how long it has been present, the size of the lump, and any symptoms that you may be experiencing. A large hernia, one that is visible to the eye, that has been present for a long time is more likely to be serious and require intervention from a medical professional.
Symptoms can also be an indication of how serious a hernia is. Pain in the area of the hernia or difficulty eating or drinking can all indicate that a hernia may be more serious or require medical treatment.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to consult a medical professional to evaluate the hernia and determine the best course of action.
Can you live with an untreated hernia?
Yes, it is possible to live with an untreated hernia. However, this is not usually recommended by medical professionals, as it can lead to progressive and irreversible complications. An untreated hernia can lead to pain, a significant risk of strangulation, and the inability to properly digest food.
Furthermore, hernias can become incarcerated, which can cause serious health issues such as gangrene. These issues can lead to surgery being necessary to save the patient’s life. For these reasons, it is important to have an untreated hernia assessed by a medical professional and seek treatment to reduce the risk of further issues if necessary.
Can a hernia burst?
Yes, a hernia can burst. This is known as a hernia rupture. It can occur if the affected area gets too large or if it is placed under too much strain or pressure. The presence of a hernia can increase the risk of having a hernia rupture, particularly if it is not treated properly.
Ruptures can be very painful and can also cause other complications, such as bleeding and tissue death. Symptoms of a hernia rupture include sudden and sharp pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you suspect that you have a hernia rupture, it is important to seek medical help right away.
Surgery is usually recommended to repair the hernia and prevent it from rupture again.
When should I go to the ER for a hernia?
It is generally recommended to visit the ER if you are experiencing a sudden or severe onset of symptoms associated with a hernia. Symptoms that may warrant an ER visit include intense pain, swelling, or redness in the area of the hernia, as well as nausea and/or vomiting.
If you are feeling short of breath, lightheaded, or experience chest pain, these may be signs that you need to go to the ER. In addition, any signs of infection like fever, chills, or pus at the hernia site should also prompt you to seek immediate care.
It is best to contact your doctor for an appointment if your symptoms do not warrant a trip to the ER.
How long are you in hospital after a hernia operation?
The length of time you stay in the hospital after a hernia operation depends on a number of factors. It generally takes an average of one to two days to recover fully from this type of surgery. Depending on the complexity of the hernia, a physician may require the patient to stay in the hospital for an extended period to ensure proper recovery.
In addition, the type of anesthesia used and the patient’s overall health before the procedure may also determine their hospital stay.
In cases of elective hernia surgery, the patient may be allowed to go home the same day, if their recovery from the effects of the anesthesia is quick. During the hospital stay, the patient’s vital signs will be monitored and medications given to minimize the risk of infection as well as reduce pain and swelling.
After the procedure, a patient will typically receive instructions for self-care including activity restrictions and how to support the incision area.
Patients are usually given several days off from work following a hernia operation and should seek follow-up care from their surgeon or healthcare provider. Generally, it is recommended that patients begin taking participation in light physical activities a few days after the procedure.
What are the 3 types of hernias?
Hernias are an uncomfortable yet treatable medical condition that occur when an organ, intestine, or fatty tissue squeezes through a muscle or connective tissue wall. There are three main types of hernias: inguinal, hiatal and incisional hernias.
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia and usually occur near the groin. Most inguinal hernias affect men, as the weak spot in the abdomen is near the inguinal canal, which runs through the groin area.
An inguinal hernia may cause a bulge that is visible and may be painful, especially when lifting or straining.
A hiatal hernia occurs in the area where the stomach and esophagus connect. It occurs when part of the stomach passes through the hiatus – the opening in the diaphragm that the esophagus passes through – and into the chest.
This type of hernia can cause heartburn and other digestive issues.
Finally, incisional hernias can occur after abdominal surgery has taken place. When a surgical incision isn’t strong enough to hold in the organ or fatty tissue, it can push outward and create a visible bulge.
Incisional hernias are more likely to occur if the patient is obese, smoke, or strain during lifting activities.
These are the three main types of hernias. However, it’s important to consult with a physician if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms associated with hernias to ensure you receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
How urgent is hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery is typically considered elective, but can become urgent in certain cases. When the hernia is causing severe pain, difficulty walking, or other medical complications, surgery should be considered.
Signs of a strangulated hernia, such as swelling and discoloration, require immediate medical attention. If the hernia is incarcerated and cannot be reduced manually, which may present as a bulge refusing to go back in, then urgent surgery is typically recommended.
In these situations, the hernia can cause complications such as tissue or bowel damage. Additionally, hernia surgery is sometimes considered semi-urgent for hernias that have been large and have been present for a long time, as well as for recurrent hernias, particularly in patients who have had a previous hernia surgery.
Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes and quicker recovery.
Is hernia surgery a major surgery?
Hernia surgery is considered a major surgery, depending on the type of hernia and where it is located. A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through an opening in the muscle, and the surgery typically involves repairing the weakened area of the abdominal wall.
For inguinal, or groin hernias, this normally involves pushing the protruding organs or tissues back into place and then patching the weakened wall with a surgical mesh. Though the surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, it can involve an incision for more complex cases.
Recovery varies, with most people able to return to their normal routines in 1-2 weeks. However, the extent of the surgery and the recovery period can vary from person to person.
Can a hernia cause serious problems?
Yes, a hernia can cause serious problems if left untreated. Depending on the type of hernia, serious complications can develop, including gangrene and strangulation of the bowel. A strangulated hernia is a very serious condition in which the tissue of the intestine becomes trapped in the hernia and the blood supply to the intestines is cut off.
This can cause the tissue in the intestines to become necrotic, leading to infection and complications. In cases of strangulated hernia, surgery is necessary to reduce the risk of amputation or death.
Other serious complications that may arise from a hernia include bowel obstruction, blood pressure problems, painful urinary retention, and persistent abdominal pain. It is important to seek medical attention for a hernia as soon as possible in order to avoid more serious complications.
Can you live with a hernia for a long time?
Yes, it is possible to live with a hernia for a long time, depending on the type and severity of the hernia. Hernias are caused by a medical condition where a part of an internal organ is displaced, pushing through the muscle or tissue that is supposed to contain it.
The most common types of hernias are inguinal, hiatal, and femoral. Depending on the type of hernia, it may or may not cause symptoms. An inguinal hernia, which is the most common type, will typically cause a visible bulge on either side of the body.
Hiatal hernias may cause heartburn, acid reflux, and chest pain, and a femoral hernia will cause pain and swelling in the groin area.
In most cases, a hernia needs to be surgically repaired to prevent it from getting worse. However, if the hernia is not causing any discomfort or other symptoms, it may not need immediate treatment. In these cases, living with a hernia for a long time may be possible.
It’s important to consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment in your situation. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding heavy lifting and eating smaller meals, that can help a hernia from getting worse.
Is it OK to ignore a hernia?
No, it is not OK to ignore a hernia. A hernia is a medical condition that occurs when an organ, tissue, or other structure protrudes through a weakened muscle or connective tissue. Ignoring a hernia can lead to serious health complications, such as a strangulated hernia where the tissue becomes trapped, is unable to be pushed back, and the blood flow to the affected area is cut off.
If a hernia is left untreated, it can place additional strain on the affected area and lead to further tissue and organ damage. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
It is important to schedule an appointment with a doctor for a hernia diagnosis and get started on a treatment plan as soon as possible to avoid any additional health risks.
Does a hernia need to be treated immediately?
No, not necessarily. Some hernias do not require medical attention and can be managed by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight. However, if symptoms persist or the hernia is causing pain, there is a risk of the hernia becoming strangulated.
Strangulation can lead to serious complications, so it’s best to seek medical attention. A doctor can advise on the best course of treatment, which may include wearing a hernia belt, medication, or surgery.
Surgery is often recommended if the hernia has grown too large or become strangulated.