In most cases, a stomach hernia is not life-threatening. However, depending on the type and severity of the hernia, there may be medical complications that can become life-threatening. For example, in cases of an umbilical hernia, part of the small intestine may become trapped in the hernia and cause a bowel obstruction.
If not treated promptly, this can be very dangerous and in some cases life-threatening. Additionally, hernia may cause an infection of abdominal tissues, which can also be life-threatening if not treated appropriately.
It is therefore important to seek medical advice as soon as you notice signs of a hernia. Symptoms include a bulge in the stomach area, a sensation of weakness, burning or heaviness in the area, and a feeling of discomfort which increases when bending over.
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for a hernia, to prevent the risk of any potential serious health complications.
What happens if you don’t fix a stomach hernia?
If a stomach hernia is left untreated, it can lead to potentially serious complications. As the hernia becomes larger, it can cause digestive blockages and constriction of the stomach, leading to a buildup of gas and acidic stomach contents that can cause pain and vomiting.
If the hernia becomes incarcerated, meaning it becomes stuck in the abdomen, its blood supply could be compromised leading to tissue death. This can cause infection and even sepsis. Hernias that remain uncorrected for a long time can become strangulated and require emergency surgery to prevent further damage or serious infection.
Overall, leaving a stomach hernia untreated can be very dangerous and can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications.
Can you live with a stomach hernia?
Yes, you can live with a stomach hernia. It is usually treated with diet and lifestyle modifications, but in some cases, surgery is recommended. A stomach hernia can cause discomfort, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux.
Depending on the severity of the hernia, its symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes such as eating smaller meals throughout the day, avoiding large meals or lying down after eating, avoiding certain foods that can trigger symptoms, reducing or eliminating smoking and alcohol, and getting enough physical activity and exercise.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend taking certain medications to reduce inflammation, reduce pain, or treat associated conditions like acid reflux. If the hernia is causing discomfort or is larger than 1 inch, then surgical repair may be necessary.
Surgery is usually done laparoscopically, and involves stitches and the application of a patch to close the hernia. In some cases, hernias can recur after surgery and therefore close monitoring is essential.
Despite the discomfort that a stomach hernia can cause, managing the condition with lifestyle modifications is possible and can ensure a comfortable life.
How long can a hernia go untreated?
Hernias should not go untreated for an extended period of time. The longer a hernia is left untreated, the more likely it is that complications such as tissue infections, blockages, and straining of the hernia can occur.
Without treatment, the hernia can worsen over time and may become so large that it is difficult to repair surgically. In some cases, untreated hernias can also cause life-threatening complications, such as incarcerations (where a part of the intestine can become trapped within the hernia or strangulations (where a hernia becomes twisted and the blood supply to an organ is cut off.
For these reasons, it is important to schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect a hernia. Early detection and treatment of hernias improves the odds of a successful outcome.
How do you know if a hernia is serious?
It is important to speak with a medical professional if you think you have a hernia. The exact severity of a hernia is something that can only be assessed by a doctor. Generally, if a hernia is causing pain, is enlarging over time, or is causing difficulty when moving or breathing, it is likely to be serious and will need to be checked by a doctor.
Another warning sign that a hernia may be serious is if you can feel a lump or bulge in your abdomen or groin that seems to increase in size over time. It is a good idea to talk to a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
How do you live with a hernia without surgery?
Living with a hernia without surgery is certainly possible, albeit not recommended. It is important to check in regularly with your doctor, as some hernias can lead to serious complications such as strangulation or the trapping of an organ.
If your hernia is considered small or reducible, your doctor may simply lay out a few precautionary measures you can take to reduce the risk of further complications. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, wearing a truss or belt to hold the hernia in place, and abstaining from activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as straining during bowel movements.
Taking over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve any pain you are experiencing may also be effective.
In severe cases, or if your hernia is inguinal, your doctor may suggest undergoing a laparoscopic hernia repair, which is a less invasive surgical procedure. It is always beneficial to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you and your hernia.
How do you know when it’s time to have hernia surgery?
As it varies from person to person, but the main signs and symptoms to look out for include pain in the affected area, a visible bulge, heaviness in the affected area, difficulty urinating, and/or a burning sensation.
If any of these symptoms become severe or persist over time, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider to discuss the potential of needing hernia repair surgery. A healthcare provider may also recommend surgery if the hernia appears to be strangulated (when circulation is cut off and the affected area begins to swell and turn red) or incarcerated (when the hernia cannot be pushed back, which is a sign of a blocked hernia) and risk serious medical complications.
Additionally, age and existing medical conditions can also impact the decision to move ahead with hernia surgery.
Generally, the earlier a hernia is identified, the greater the chances of a successful hernia repair surgery. However, the best way to know when it’s time for hernia surgery is to talk to a healthcare provider who can review your symptoms and discuss your options.
How do you fix a hernia in the stomach?
The best way to fix a hernia in the stomach is to have surgery. During the surgery, the hernia is pushed back into place, and a mesh is used to help keep it in place and prevent the hernia from recurring.
If the hernia is large, the surgery may require multiple steps to repair the area. Depending on the severity and location of the hernia, a tension-free or laparoscopic repair may be used. Tension-free repair is a minimally invasive surgery where stitches are placed along the hernia to close it.
Laparoscopic repair requires one or more incisions in the abdomen and uses laparoscopic instruments to push the hernia back into its normal position. After the surgery, you may need to wear a special belt for several weeks or months to help keep the hernia in place.
You should also follow-up with your doctor for regular check-ups to make sure the hernia does not come back.
How serious is an abdominal hernia?
Abdominal hernias can be very serious if left untreated. Depending on the type and size of the hernia, it can cause the abdominal wall to become weakened and may even lead to organ damage. If the hernia is small, it can often be managed with exercise, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
However, if the hernia is larger and symptomatic, it is important to seek medical attention because it may require surgical treatment. Surgery involves repairing or strengthening the abdominal wall to prevent the hernia from returning.
There is also a risk of complications during and after surgery, including infection, bleeding, and nerve injury. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about the seriousness of your hernia and any potential risks associated with treatment.
What can happen if a hernia is not treated?
If a hernia is not treated, it can cause severe physical, psychological, and financial discomfort. Without surgery, the hernia will not disappear and could get worse over time. A hernia that is not treated may cause tissues and organs to become trapped in the hernia, creating a risk of tissue damage, infection, and even death if left untreated.
In severe cases, a hernia can cause intestinal obstruction, in which the hernia stretches so much that it blocks the intestines and prevents intestine contents from passing. This can cause a variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
If a hernia becomes strangulated, in which the intestine is pinched off and the blood supply is cut off, the tissue may become necrotic, requiring emergency surgery. In addition, untreated hernias can lead to long-term discomfort, physical limitations, and impaired quality of life.
Finally, a hernia that does not receive medical attention can be quite expensive in the long run, as hernias often require multiple trips to the doctor or hospital and can lead to high medical bills.
Can a stomach hernia be cancerous?
No, a stomach hernia cannot be cancerous. Although hernias can develop in the walls of the stomach, and tumors (which can be cancerous) can also occur in this area, the two conditions are quite different.
A hernia is caused when the muscles in the abdominal wall weaken and a portion of the stomach begins to protrude through the muscle layer. This is usually caused by factors such as dehydration, overeating, exercise, or pregnancy.
A tumor, on the other hand, is the result of abnormal cell growth and, if cancerous, is serious. In general, tumors are not found in hernias, and hernias are not usually cancerous. Treatment for a hernia usually involves lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise, while treatment for cancer entails surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Should stomach hernias be removed?
The short answer is that it depends. Whether or not you should remove a stomach hernia depends on various factors, such as size, type, location and discomfort. Generally, the decision to remove a hernia is based on individual needs and risks.
If a hernia is small and causes no discomfort, generally it can be monitored and managed with lifestyle modifications rather than surgically removed. However, if a stomach hernia is large or causes considerable discomfort or pain, even if it is not growing, then surgery may be recommended.
Additionally, if the hernia is strangulated (meaning it has become trapped and is obstructing circulation to the organ or tissue), then it is essential to have it surgically repaired.
Surgery for a stomach hernia involves repairing the tear in the abdominal wall. This can be done through open surgery or laparoscopically. Depending on the surgery and the condition of the hernia, the doctor may nd it necessary to place a surgical mesh to support the repair.
It is very important to discuss with a healthcare provider whether the risk of surgery outweighs the benefits in an individual case.
In conclusion, if a stomach hernia is small, asymptomatic and not growing, it is often best to not undergo surgery and to manage the hernia with lifestyle modifications. However, if it is large, symptomatic or strangulated, then surgery will likely be the best solution.
It is necessary to discuss the individual case with a doctor to determine the best treatment option.
When should I worry about a hernia in my stomach?
You should worry about a hernia in your stomach if you experience any of the following symptoms: pain or discomfort in your abdomen, a heavy feeling in your abdomen, a bulge in your abdomen, a burning or aching sensation in your groin, or difficulty in moving or coughing.
It is important to note that hernias can vary in size and may be painful or even painless. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as a hernia can become life-threatening if the tissue bulging through the abdominal wall becomes strangulated.
A strangulated hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine becomes stuck in the hernia and prevents the circulation of blood. If left untreated, this can lead to serious complications, such as an intestinal blockage, intestinal perforation, or gangrene.
When should I go to ER for abdominal hernia?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms with your abdominal hernia, you should seek emergency care at the nearest hospital emergency room: severe abdominal pain or tenderness, blood in your vomit or stool, uncontrolled vomiting, fever, or an inability to pass urine.
It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to prevent your hernia from becoming a more serious medical condition. Additionally, if your hernia appears to be increasing in size over time, you should also seek medical care immediately.
If you are unable to reach your medical care provider or the hospital, call 911 for an ambulance and tell them you are experiencing an abdominal hernia.
Is it OK to live with a hernia?
Living with a hernia is generally not recommended, as it may cause complications which can be serious and even life-threatening. A hernia is an abnormal bulge that occurs when a portion of organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weakened area of muscle, often in the abdomen.
When living with a hernia, it is important to be aware of the associated risks and symptoms, and to speak to a doctor immediately if any appear.
The main risk associated with living with a hernia is strangulation, which occurs when the blood flow to the hernia is blocked. This can lead to severe complications. Other risks associated with living with a hernia include constipation, swelling and pain, especially when lifting, coughing or straining.
If these symptoms occur, it is important to contact a doctor as soon as possible, as hernias can often only be corrected through surgery. Treatment typically involves a mesh patch, which can act as a physical barrier to keep the hernia in place.
Without surgery, there is a risk that the hernia can become larger and cause more severe complications.
Living with a hernia can be difficult but, by speaking to a doctor and making lifestyle changes, it is possible to reduce its severity and the associated risks. It is also important to note that hernias can recur even after surgery, so ongoing care and monitoring are essential.
