A hernia is considered an emergency when it is causing severe pain or is strangulated, where the blood supply to the hernia is cut off. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include persistent severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal swelling.
The longer a strangulation goes on, the greater the potential for tissue death and complications. If any of those symptoms present, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If the hernia is obstructed by fatty tissue or a piece of intestine and the structure becomes entwined in the hernia, then it can lead to a strangulated hernia, which is considered an emergency.
For people with a hernia that is not strangulated, they may experience pain, discomfort, and a visible lump in the affected area. In rare cases, an infection or hernia bulge can cause a hernia to become strangulated, so it is best to keep an eye on any irritation or changes with the hernia and seek medical help if necessary.
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When should you go to the ER for a hernia?
If you experience any obvious or concerning hernia symptoms that last longer than a few days or symptoms that become increasingly severe, it’s important to visit the emergency room (ER). Symptoms of a potential hernia that warrant an ER visit include fever, vomiting, increasing pain, heavy swelling, redness, and feeling generally unwell.
If you are showing signs of a strangulated hernia such as fever, nausea, and vomiting, or experiencing faintness and dizziness, go to the ER immediately as this is a medical emergency. Also, if you are experiencing chest pain, unmanageable pain, vomit that’s black or bloody, or abdominal swelling with increasing pain, it is wise to call for emergency service before going to the ER.
Seek medical attention if you have a hernia and you’ve had a recent injury or trauma in the same area. You should also see a doctor if you have any signs of infection, such as pus or warmth and redness around your groin area.
How do you know if hernia is an emergency?
The symptoms of a hernia can vary depending on the specific type and location, but it is typically marked by a bulge, swelling, or lump in the area of the groin, lower abdomen, or navel. Other symptoms can include pain or discomfort when lifting heavy objects, coughing, bending, or exercising.
Additionally, there might be a feeling of weakness or pressure in the area.
If there is sudden, unexpected, or severe pain in the abdomen or groin area, or if you feel faint or experience nausea or fever, it could be an emergency situation. Additionally, discoloration in the area, tenderness, or severe swelling could be a sign of a complication or rupture which is an emergency situation.
If you think you could have a hernia, it is important to speak to your doctor right away. If it is a medical emergency, your doctor will refer you to the Emergency Department.
When should I worry about hernia pain?
If you experience any pain in the affected area, this could be an indicator that you have a hernia. Pain can range from a mild, occasional discomfort to sharp, persistent pain. Generally, it is considered cause for concern whenever the hernia is accompanied by pain, and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Symptoms that should be watched out for include swelling, tenderness, or a burning sensation in the abdomen or groin area. Other indicators can be bulging along the affected area and a feeling of pressure when lifting or straining.
Additionally, some people experience difficulties when evacuating the bowels and experience pain when exercising. If any of these signs are experienced, it is important to seek medical attention to diagnose the hernia and determine treatment options.
How urgent is a hernia operation?
The urgency of a hernia operation depends on the severity of the hernia and the patient’s overall condition. A hernia can be either a sliding or an incarcerated hernia, which is a hernia that is stuck in the lining of the abdominal wall.
Sliding hernias are usually not considered urgent and can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as wearing a supportive belt, doing regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet. However, an incarcerated hernia can cause significant discomfort and requires urgent medical attention.
A strangulated hernia is a very serious condition and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. In this case, the hernia operation should be done as soon as possible.
Will the ER fix my hernia?
The answer to this question really depends on the severity of the hernia and the resources available. In some cases, the emergency room may be able to treat the hernia by reducing the protrusion, providing local or general anesthesia, or even giving medications or a tetanus shot.
However, if the hernia is complex and requires surgical repair, the emergency room will usually refer the patient to a specialist or to a surgical center. Therefore, it is best to contact your primary care doctor or specialist to assess the hernia and determine the best course of treatment.
What does a hernia flare up feel like?
A hernia flare-up typically causes pain and discomfort in the affected area. It may feel like a dull ache, a sharp and intense pain, or a burning sensation. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and can range from mild to severe.
Other symptoms of a hernia flare up can include pressure or heaviness in the area, nausea, and a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food. In some cases, a bulge may also be visible in the affected area.
What are the severe symptoms of hernia?
Hernia symptoms vary depending on the type and location, but some of the most severe symptoms include:
– A bulge or lump that is visible or palpable in the affected area. This is especially true for an inguinal hernia, which most often appears as a bulge in the groin.
– Pain or discomfort in the affected area that may become worse when lifting, straining, or after a period of standing or sitting.
– Painful/burning sensation when coughing, urinating, or having a bowel movement.
– Weakness, pressure, or feeling of heaviness in the affected area.
– Inguinal hernias can cause an achy feeling in the testicles in men or labia in women.
– In severe cases, hernias can lead to gastrointestinal or intestinal obstruction, urinary retention, or swelling of the scrotum in men.
In addition to these severe symptoms, a hernia can cause a variety of other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you suspect you have a hernia, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Untreated hernias can become serious and have life-threatening consequences.
Can you live with a painful hernia?
Living with a painful hernia is possible, but it is not something you would want to do for long. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing persistent pain or other symptoms associated with a hernia, as complications can develop if it is left untreated.
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak area in a muscle or tissue wall, creating a bulge or protrusion. Typically, hernias occur in the abdominal wall, but they can also occur in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin area.
Common symptoms associated with a hernia include pain at the site of the bulge, burning sensations, groin pain, or a feeling of heaviness. If the hernia becomes incarcerated or strangulated, it can lead to severe pain and can result in a medical emergency.
While you can live with a painful hernia, it is best to seek medical attention for diagnosis, treatment options, and possible surgery to repair the hernia.
What does it mean when a hernia starts to hurt?
When a hernia starts to hurt, it typically means that the hernia has become increasingly severe. Hernias are caused by strain and pressure on the abdominal muscles, so the pain is generally caused by the growing pressure on the affected area.
The pain can range from mild to severe and can feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation, or a dull, aching, heavy feeling. In addition to the pain, people with a hernia may also feel a burning or tingling sensation, and experience nausea, acid reflux, bloating, vomiting, and constipation.
If the pain becomes too severe, it is important to see a doctor to get it checked out, as hernias can be serious and result in emergency surgery if not treated properly.
How long should a hernia go untreated?
It is not recommended to go untreated for any amount of time when it comes to a hernia. Hernias can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including strangulation (blocked blood supply) and infection.
It is important to note that hernias can worsen over time, so it is important to seek medical care if a hernia is suspected. It is possible to have a hernia and not be aware of it, so if there are any signs of a hernia, such as a lump or bulge in the abdomen, pain or pressure in the abdomen or groin, or heavy feeling in the abdomen, it is important to see a health care professional to assess the symptoms and determine the best course of action.
Treating a hernia may involve conservative methods, such as rest, support garments, and changes in diet, or a surgical repair. It is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible to correctly and successfully diagnose and treat a hernia.
How much of an emergency is a hernia?
A hernia is considered to be a medical emergency if it is accompanied by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, bloating, or tenderness when pushing on the hernia area. If the hernia is incarcerated (trapped and unable to be pushed back in) or strangulated (restricted blood flow to the hernia contents) it is considered a surgical emergency.
Other more subtle signs that the hernia needs urgent attention include a bulge that is larger than usual, discoloration of the bulge, inability to reduce (push back in) the hernia, and pain or tenderness.
If you experience any of these symptoms, or any other symptoms that cause concern, it’s important to contact your physician as soon as possible.
At what point is hernia surgery Necessary?
Hernia surgery is typically recommended when the hernia is causing pain, is becoming larger, or is not improving with other treatments such as lifestyle changes, medications, or hernia trusses. If the herniation is causing the intestine to become blocked, emergency surgery is necessary.
Additionally, when the diagnosis of the hernia is uncertain, surgery may be recommended. Ultimately, the decision to undergo hernia surgery is based upon the condition of the hernia, the symptoms it is causing, and the patient’s individual health status and goals.
If the hernia is causing significant discomfort, does not respond to other treatment, or is causing complications, hernia surgery may be necessary.
How long does emergency hernia surgery take?
Emergency hernia surgery typically takes between two and three hours. However, the duration of the surgery will depend on the complexity of the hernia and the experience of the surgeon. If the hernia is larger and more complex, the surgery will typically take longer.
During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and will use special instruments to repair the hernia. In some cases, the surgeon may use a synthetic mesh material to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall.
Once the hernia is repaired, the incision is closed and the surgery is complete. After the surgery, patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days while they recover and they may need to take time off from work or other activities to properly heal.
Do they put you to sleep for hernia?
No, hernia surgery does not usually require the patient to be put to sleep. Depending on the type of hernia, the surgery is typically a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic hernia repair.
This procedure typically uses general anesthesia or spinal/epidural block anesthesia instead of putting the patient to sleep. General anesthesia involves the use of drugs to cause the patient to become unconscious, while spinal/epidural block anesthesia involves numbing the lower half of the patients body.
In addition to laparoscopic hernia repair, traditional “open” hernia repair surgery is also sometimes done, which involves the surgeon making a larger incision in the abdominal wall to access the hernia.
Open hernia repair usually requires the patient to be put to sleep under general anesthesia.
