The most serious complication of a hernia is a “strangulated hernia”, where the hernia becomes trapped inside a hernia sac so that the blood flow to the tissues inside is cut off. Strangulated hernias can be extremely painful, and the tissue trapped inside the hernia sac can become infected and die.
The potential health risks of a strangulated hernia are very severe and can include shock and even death if not discovered and treated quickly. Other complications of hernias can include urinary or bowel incontinence, infection of the hernia sac or the tissue inside, and hydrocephalus (fluid buildup on the brain) in babies born with hernias.
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What are the signs of a serious hernia?
The most common signs of a serious hernia include:
1. Feeling a lump or bulge in the area of the hernia: This is one of the most obvious signs of a hernia and is often the first symptom noticed by patients. If a lump or bulge is present, it can typically be felt when you put your hand on the affected area.
The lump may move around and may be more noticeable when bearing down (such as when performing a Valsalva maneuver).
2. Discomfort, pain, and/or a burning sensation: Many patients will experience uncomfortable sensations in the affected area, including pain, a burning feeling and/or pressure. This discomfort can worsen over time, and may grow even more intense when bending over, lifting, coughing, or performing other activities.
3. Nausea or vomiting: In some cases, the pain and discomfort associated with a hernia can cause nausea and/or vomiting. This should be noted if it happens and discussed with your doctor.
4. Difficulty passing stool or gas: Depending on the location of the hernia, it can be problematic for patients with a hernia to pass waste or gas.
5. Bright red bleeding from the hernia site: If a hernia becomes incarcerated (trapped) or strangulated, the tissue located at the hernia site may appear to be dark or discolored, or even bright red in color.
This discoloration is an indication that the blood flow to the area is compromised and is an urgent medical condition that requires medical attention.
What is the main concern with a hernia if it isn’t treated?
If a hernia is not treated, it can become a serious health concern. In some cases, the tissue that is pushing through the opening in the abdominal wall can become trapped. This is called an incarcerated hernia.
This means that the tissue is stuck in the opening, and the blood supply to the tissue can get cut off. If the tissue does not get enough blood, it can die. This can be very painful and can cause infection or other complications.
If the hernia does not get treatment, it can also grow larger over time, leading to more health problems. Lastly, hernias can also put extra pressure on the abdominal muscles and organs. This can cause discomfort, back pain, and poor circulation.
What happens if you have a hernia for too long?
If you have a hernia for too long, it can become a very serious issue that needs medical treatment. Without treatment, the hernia can cause dangerous complications such as the herniated tissue becoming strangulated, which can lead to necrosis, infection, and even death.
Hernias can also cause discomfort or even pain and can make it difficult to do everyday activities. If you have a hernia, it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible so that it can be treated.
Depending on the type of hernia, your doctor may recommend surgical repair or other forms of treatment, such as wearing a truss or corrective underwear, to reduce the symptoms. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice in order to prevent further problems associated with the hernia.
Can you live for years with a hernia?
Yes, you can live for many years with a hernia. However, it is important to get it repaired to reduce the risk of complications. Left untreated, a hernia can become strangulated, which can drastically reduce blood flow to the affected area, leading to tissue death and infection.
This can lead to intense pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, and an inability to pass gas. Additionally, over time the hernia can progressively worsen, causing even more discomfort and potential complications.
For these reasons, surgical repair is generally recommended for hernias that cause discomfort or that are at risk of becoming strangulated. After repair, you can still live for many years without having further problems with the hernia, but it is important to engage in regular activities to strengthen your abdominal wall and muscles as well as maintain a healthy weight in order to reduce your risk of hernia recurrence.
Is it OK to live with a hernia?
Living with a hernia is not recommended, as this medical condition can be serious and require medical attention. A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through the muscles or other surrounding structures that normally contain them.
Hernias can be potentially life-threatening, so it’s important to seek the advice of a medical professional right away. If the hernia is not properly treated, it can become strangulated, which means that the blood supply to the organ or tissue is cut off.
This can cause serious complications if left untreated. Additionally, a hernia can be very painful, especially if you engage in activities that put a strain on the affected area. In cases of a mild hernia, a doctor may recommend rest and pain medication, but more serious hernias will likely require surgery to correct.
It is therefore best to speak with your doctor about the potential risks of living with a hernia and your best treatment options.
Which type of hernia is serious?
Generally, any type of hernia can be serious depending on its severity and size. In some cases, hernias are asymptomatic and do not usually cause any serious health risks but can become uncomfortable and potentially more serious over time.
The most serious type of hernia is normally an incarcerated or strangulated hernia. This is when a structure in the body, such as an organ, becomes trapped in the hernia. This type of hernia can cut off the blood supply to the trapped organ and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated quickly.
Other types of hernias can also be serious if left untreated for an extended period of time. Inguinal hernias, which occur in the groin, are the most common type of hernia and can cause discomfort and eventually lead to complications if not properly managed.
Hiatal hernias, which occur in the stomach area, can cause difficulty with swallowing, chest pain, and even acid reflux, which is a serious condition if not managed quickly.
It is important to speak with a medical professional if you suspect you have a hernia, even if it is not causing any symptoms. Treatment options can range from observation and lifestyle changes to surgical repair and complications can become serious if left untreated.
What causes a hernia to worsen?
A hernia can worsen due to repeated strain or trauma to the area. This can come from heavy lifting or physical activity that puts pressure on the abdomen. Other causes of worsening hernias include coughing and sneezing, constipation, pregnancy, and being overweight or obese.
Additionally, hernias can become more serious when they become incarcerated or strangulated, which means that part of the intestines or other tissue has become trapped in the hernia and is not able to pass back through.
This can cause an obstruction or tear in the intestine, which can lead to serious complications. If a hernia is not treated, the hernia can cause further damage to the area and can even lead to life-threatening conditions.
It is important to see a doctor if you suspect you may have a hernia, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent it from worsening.
When does a hernia need surgery?
Hernias generally require surgery if the affected person is experiencing pain or obstruction in their abdominal wall. Symptoms of hernia that require surgery include difficulty with bowel movements, swelling around the site of the hernia, and a visible bulge or bump in the area.
Additionally, if the hernia has become incarcerated or is at risk of becoming stuck in the abdominal wall, surgery is often the best option. Surgery is effective in relieving pain and discomfort associated with hernias and can prevent potential complications further down the road.
Generally, minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery is used to repair hernias, as this form of surgery carries less risk than traditional open hernia surgery. When considering surgery for hernia, consulting a board-certified surgeon who specializes in hernia repair is recommended to make sure the most appropriate type of surgery is chosen for each individual case.
How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?
Firstly, it is important to consult with a medical professional that is experienced in diagnosing and treating hernias. They will be able to perform a physical examination and possibly imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to determine the severity of your hernia and if any complications have occurred.
Depending on the size and location of the hernia, and if any complications have occurred, surgery may be recommended in order to treat the hernia. Additionally, the type of hernia can also play a role in whether or not surgery is recommended, as some hernias can be treated with lifestyle modifications rather than surgery.
Ultimately, it is up to your healthcare professional to decide if surgery is the best course of action for you.
Can a hernia burst?
Yes, in severe cases of hernia, the hernia can burst. This is medically referred to as hernia rupture. A hernia can occur when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through the surrounding muscles and into another cavity of the body, such as the abdomen or groin areas.
When the hernia becomes larger, it can become stuck and put too much pressure on the tissues and cause a hernia rupture. This can be very serious and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated immediately.
Symptoms of hernia rupture include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, tenderness and warmth in the area, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
What type of hernia is life-threatening?
A life-threatening hernia is called a strangulated hernia, which occurs when a loop of intestine becomes trapped in the hernia, cutting off its blood supply. Strangulated hernias are a medical emergency and should be treated immediately.
Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include intense pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal swelling. If a strangulated hernia is left untreated, it can cause serious problems, such as tissue death and perforation of the intestine, which can lead to infection and potentially death.
Surgery is necessary to repair the hernia and restore normal functioning.
Which hernia is emergency?
A strangulated hernia is an emergency condition in which the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off. This causes the herniated tissue to become swollen, hardened, and very painful. In a strangulated hernia, the tissues within the hernia (typically intestines) may die due to the lack of blood supply.
Strangulated hernias typically require immediate medical attention; failure to do so may lead to life-threatening complications. Treatment for a strangulated hernia often includes surgical repair to repair and/or remove the herniated tissue.
Depending on the individual case and severity, doctors may also use medications to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Can an untreated hernia be fatal?
An untreated hernia can be fatal, although it is much rarer than other complications associated with the condition. If a hernia becomes strangulated or incarcerated, which means the organ(s) trapped inside the hernia becomes trapped and blood supply is cut off, it can lead to necrosis of the tissue and, in some cases, can be fatal.
Other serious complications include infections, blood clots, and gastrointestinal obstruction, all of which, if left untreated, may be life-threatening. It is important to take hernias seriously, so if you believe you might have one, it is best to speak with a doctor and potentially seek further treatment.
What would happen if a hernia is left untreated?
If a hernia is left untreated, it can cause a variety of health complications. There is a risk of the hernia becoming strangulated, which occurs when the hernia content is trapped in the abdominal wall and loses its blood supply.
This can result in serious damage to the organs contained within the hernia and lead to infection, tissue death, and possibly death. Another risk of leaving a hernia untreated is that it can cause the abdominal wall to become weakened and almost stretch to the point of tearing.
This can result in a large bulge that may be visible through the skin, accompanied by tenderness and pain. A hernia can also cause intestinal blockages and other serious complications that can even lead to the need for surgery.
It’s important to treat hernias as soon as possible to avoid any of these complications.
