If you experience any pain or discomfort associated with a hernia, it’s important to talk to your doctor about it. It’s unusual for hernias to cause pain, but it can happen if a hernia becomes trapped in the abdominal wall or twists (strangulates).
Symptoms of trapped or strangulated hernias usually come on suddenly and can include:
-Sharp or severe pain
-Pain that gets worse when you cough, bend over, or lift something
-Fever
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Loss of appetite
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention. Hernias can be serious and even life-threatening if left untreated. It’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis, because hernia and other conditions can cause similar symptoms and require different treatments.
Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
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How do you know if hernia pain is serious?
Hernia pain can vary in intensity and type, depending on the severity and location of the hernia. Certain hernias, such as femoral and inguinal hernias, can lead to more serious and intense pain. In general, any pain that does not subside with home or over-the-counter remedies should require medical attention.
If there is sudden or intense hernia pain that is accompanied by redness, swelling or fever, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. Any vomiting, nausea or difficulty urinating could be signs of a strangulated hernia, which is a medical emergency.
Other signs of a strangulated hernia include abdominal discomfort, tenderness in the affected area, and changes in bowel movements or appearance.
How do you know when a hernia is an emergency?
Knowing when a hernia is an emergency requires careful assessment of the signs and symptoms associated with the condition. If you have an inguinal hernia, you may experience any combination of pain and/or swelling in the lower abdominal area.
You may also have discomfort or pain when you lift, strain, or stand for long periods. Additionally, if a protruding lump is visible, or if you can feel the hernia, it is considered an emergency and should be evaluated right away.
Other signs that indicate an emergency with a hernia include extreme pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, loss of bowel or bladder control, and discoloration of the skin near the hernia. If any of these signs are present, immediate medical attention should be sought.
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a hernia, as they can indicate a potentially serious condition that needs to be treated right away. If you have any of the signs and symptoms discussed above, you should seek immediate medical help.
Does hernia pain hurt all the time?
No, hernia pain does not always hurt all the time. The amount of pain experienced with a hernia can vary greatly from person to person, and from day to day. The amount of pain and frequency also depends on the type of hernia, its size and position, as well as any other associated medical conditions.
Pain usually occurs when the hernia is bearing down, such as with standing, coughing, or straining. Many times, the discomfort may be relieved when appropriately fitted support garments are utilized.
Some hernias can become so large that the pain may be continuous, however the severity of this type of pain can range depending on the individual. Those people with a hernia should be examined by a healthcare provider regularly, and discuss their pain and any other associated symptoms.
It is also important to ask any questions or voice concerns regarding treatment options.
When does a hernia become life-threatening?
A hernia can become life-threatening when it is complicated, meaning it cannot be pushed back in and it cannot close on its own. If this is the case, the hernia can form a loop of the bowel that is blocked off, preventing the bowel from emptying properly.
This can lead to a condition known as strangulation, which can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. If any of these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention.
Can you live with a painful hernia?
Yes, it is possible to live with a painful hernia. The key is to manage the condition and treat it, which may include wearing a truss or special belt to support the hernia. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as weight management, avoiding heavy lifting, and maintaining good posture can help ease the symptoms of a painful hernia, as can over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen.
However, for some people, the pain associated with a hernia can be so severe that it requires more intensive forms of treatment, such as hernia surgery. Hernia surgeries can be divided into two categories: open, in which an incision is made and the hernia is repaired, or laparoscopic, in which the hernia is repaired using smaller incisions and a camera-mounted tool.
Your doctor can help you decide which kind of treatment is best for you.
What does it feel like when your hernia ruptures?
When a hernia ruptures, it is largely a painful experience. It can cause a sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen, especially when coughing or lifting objects. This pain might be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and a bloated feeling.
The area around the hernia might also become swollen, tender, and discolored. In addition to pain, a person may also experience other symptoms, such as feeling generally unwell or having difficulty breathing.
It is important to seek medical treatment right away if a hernia ruptures as this could indicate a medical emergency.
How can you tell if a hernia is strangulated?
The most common symptom of a strangulated hernia is a sudden and severe pain in the area of the hernia. Other symptoms that may indicate a strangulated hernia include nausea, vomiting, fever, and swelling.
In some cases, the area around the hernia may appear discolored or darker than the surrounding area. It is also important to look out for signs of shock, such as rapid breathing, fainting, and dizziness.
If you suspect you have a strangulated hernia, it is important to seek medical help immediately. A physician will be able to diagnose a strangulated hernia definitively through physical examination, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or X-ray, and potentially a CT scan.
If a strangulated hernia is not treated promptly, or if the blood flow to the hernia is cut off, it can lead to tissue death and even life-threatening complications.
What to do when a hernia starts to hurt?
If you start to experience pain associated with a hernia, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Depending on the severity and location of the hernia, medical attention might be needed immediately.
If the hernia is not severe and the pain is mild, certain steps can be taken to help alleviate the discomfort.
To start, it is important to avoid straining or lifting when performing activities like lifting heavy objects, using the bathroom, and any other activities that involve straining your muscles. If the hernia is in your abdominal area, avoid wearing tight clothing as this may cause more discomfort.
It is also important to maintain an upright position and avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Taking a break to lay down with the feet propped up to promote circulation can also be beneficial.
It is also important to avoid eating too many high-fat or processed foods, as eating unhealthy foods can cause inflammation. Eating foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep the digestive system functioning smoothly and reduce inflammation.
Drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly can also help alleviate pain associated with hernias.
Pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to help reduce discomfort, as long as they are taken as directed. It is important to speak to your doctor about using these medications, as different medications may be more suitable for certain hernias.
If the hernia is causing severe pain, your doctor may suggest undergoing surgery to repair the hernia. The most important thing is to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.
How long should a hernia go untreated?
It is generally recommended that a hernia should not go untreated for long. Hernias can worsen over time, becoming harder to treat the longer they are left untreated. Additionally, hernias can lead to complications such as blockages, strangulation, and increased pain.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have a hernia. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the hernia and work with you to determine the best course of treatment.
Depending on the type of hernia and its severity, this might mean that surgery is necessary. If a hernia can be managed without surgery, your doctor may advise lifestyle changes and medications to help reduce symptoms and prevent further complications.
What are the signs of a ruptured hernia?
The signs of a ruptured hernia can vary depending on the type of hernia and the size of the rupture. People may experience sudden and severe pain in the groins, abdomen, or the navel. This pain may increase with movement such as coughing or lifting something heavy.
Other common signs a person may experience with a ruptured hernia are nausea or vomiting, swelling or bulging of the skin in the area of the hernia, fever, or difficulty urinating or passing a bowel movement.
It is important to seek medical attention right away if these signs or symptoms occur because if not treated, a ruptured hernia can lead to infection and other complications.
Will the ER do anything for a hernia?
Yes, the ER can do something for a hernia. Depending on the type of hernia and the severity, the doctor at the ER may do a physical exam to determine what kind of hernia it is and how severe it is. The doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding heavy lifting as ways to reduce the risk of hernia worsening.
However, if the hernia is severe enough to require medical attention, the doctor may refer the patient to a surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. Surgery may be required to repair a hernia, sometimes requiring mesh to be inserted.
It is important to keep in mind that the ER will not perform surgery, but they can help to get you on the right track to get the necessary treatment.
Should I go to urgent care for a hernia?
It depends on the type and severity of your hernia as well as your overall health. If the hernia is accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever or difficulty breathing, you should go to an emergency room right away.
If these symptoms are not present, then you may consider going to urgent care.
It is important to speak with your doctor about the best type of care for your hernia. Your doctor may recommend that you see a specialist for surgery to repair the hernia, or give you advice on how to best manage the hernia with lifestyle changes and medication.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend that you wait and see how the hernia progresses before seeking more aggressive care. In some instances, hernia mesh – a device designed to strengthen the wall of the abdomen – may be another option for treatment.
In short, it is best to consult your doctor regarding your hernia and the best type of care for you. If the hernia is causing you significant discomfort or other symptoms, you may want to consider taking a trip to an urgent care center.
How much of an emergency is a hernia?
The seriousness of a hernia depends on the severity of the hernia and any related symptoms. Generally, hernias are considered to be medical emergencies if they are strangulated or irreducible, meaning the protruding intestinal tissue has become stuck and cannot be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
This can cause blockages and other problems, so if you experience abdominal pain, a fever, constipation, or any other related symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Other types of hernias, such as umbilical or inguinal hernias, may not require emergency care but, depending on their size, may need medical attention.
If the hernia does not cause pain or discomfort and remains small, you may not need treatment but should talk with your healthcare provider to determine the next steps.
When should I seek help for a hernia?
If you notice any symptoms of a hernia, such as a lump in your abdomen or groin area, or any pain or discomfort in your abdominal or groin area, you should seek medical help. Other warning signs include nausea, vomiting, difficulty urinating, and an inability to move your bowels.
If the lump is painful, it could be a strangulated hernia, which is a serious medical condition and should be seen immediately. In general, it’s best to seek help from a medical professional if you notice any hernia symptoms, no matter how mild.
Your doctor can diagnose the hernia and provide treatment options, as well as advice on how to prevent future hernias.
