How do you know if a hernia is serious?

Depending on the type of hernia, if it is small, or if it not causing any problems, then you and your doctor may decide to wait and see what happens. But if the hernia is very large, or if it's trapped and can't be pushed back, and you are in serious pain, you may need emergency surgery.

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What are the 5 warning signs of hernia?

Some of the most common symptoms of hernias include:
  • A lump or bulge you can see or feel when you're in certain positions or during certain activities.
  • Pressure, pain, aching, tugging or pinching may be felt when the lump or bulge is out.
  • Discomfort may worsen when you're lifting, straining, coughing or laughing.

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How do I know if my hernia is getting worse?

Generally, hernias aren't life threatening, but you can develop serious complications. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should speak with your medical provider right away: sudden pain that gets worse quickly. nausea and vomiting.

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What are the symptoms of a bad hernia?

Q: What are the signs of a hernia emergency?
  • A painful bulge that doesn't reduce in size when you lay down and rest.
  • Worsening pain.
  • Nausea and/or vomiting.
  • Difficulty having a bowel movement.
  • Bloating.
  • Racing heart rate.
  • Fever.

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When should I worry about my hernia?

When to see a doctor. Seek immediate care if a hernia bulge turns red, purple or dark or if you notice any other signs or symptoms of a strangulated hernia. See your doctor if you have a painful or noticeable bulge in your groin on either side of your pubic bone.

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Hernia Symptoms - When Should You Be Worried?

22 related questions found

Is it OK to leave a hernia untreated?

If it is left untreated, a strangulated hernia can lead to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (severe inflammation of intestine) and sepsis. Since hernias can happen to anyone at any age, knowing warning signs of hernias and being aware of them are essential.

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How long can you be okay with a hernia?

Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia. If the hernia is small and you don't have any symptoms, or if the symptoms don't bother you much, you and your doctor may simply continue to watch for symptoms to occur.

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Can you feel unwell with a hernia?

For example, if the hernia is causing discomfort or pain, this can disrupt your sleep and cause you to feel tired during the day. In addition, hernias that are causing digestive symptoms, such as nausea or difficulty swallowing, can also lead to fatigue and weakness.

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How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?

When might I need emergency surgery? Seek immediate medical attention if there are signs that your hernia has become stuck or strangulated, which can be life-threatening and usually requires emergency surgery. Signs of this condition include: A hernia bulge that is suddenly larger than before.

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What aggravates a hernia?

A hernia is a tear in your muscle or tissue that allows part of your insides to bulge out. It can be a bulge of an internal organ or your intestines. Sometimes you can see the hernia, depending on its location and size. Certain activities can worsen the condition, like bending over or lifting heavy objects.

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What is the last stage of hernia?

In conclusion, end-stage hernia disease refers to a complex hernia that cannot be successfully repaired with component separation techniques, leaving the patient with no improvement in abdominal wall muscular function or QoL.

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What type of hernia is most severe?

Femoral hernias are one of the most serious types of hernia. They happen when tissue or part of the bowel slides through a weak muscle wall into the femoral canal at the top of the inner thigh or groin.

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How fast can a hernia progress?

A hernia can appear suddenly after bending, coughing, laughing, or lifting weights or heavy items, or it can form slowly over weeks or months. Symptoms may improve when you lie down, relieving pressure on the area.

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What is the red flag for hernia?

sudden, severe pain. being sick. difficulty pooing or passing wind. the hernia becomes firm or tender, or cannot be pushed back in.

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How do doctors confirm a hernia?

Your doctor will check for a bulge in the groin area. Because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you'll likely be asked to stand and cough or strain. If the diagnosis isn't readily apparent, your doctor might order an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.

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How do you know if your hernia is strangulated?

A history of trauma, heavy lifting, or chronic bulge may be elicited from the patient. The patient will usually describe a bulge and pain, which is worse when lifting or straining. When strangulation exists, the patient may present with bowel obstruction symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and obstipation.

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What happens if you don't get a hernia checked out?

Hernias will not go away on their own. If ignored or left untreated, they will only grow bigger and more painful. It's best to take care of the hernia within the first six hours of recognizing a problem or noticing a lump.

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Is hernia surgery major or minor?

Open hernia repair is a major surgery that's performed with the aid of general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation. It's done through one or two standard-sized incisions (three to six inches in length) that allow the surgeon to fully visualize and access the problematic area.

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Is walking good for hernia?

After any kind of hernia, walking can help keep your muscles strong and help reduce your risk of complications. This is especially true of surgeries on your abdomen. Walking helps your organs return to their proper place. It also gets your heart pumping, bringing blood to your surgery site, which helps your body heal.

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Can a hernia change bowel movements?

A hernia can affect the intestines, which may cause a change in digestion and bowel movements. People may experience constipation or narrow, thin stools. In severe cases, constipation with a hernia may indicate intestinal obstruction.

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Do hernias cause gas and bloating?

An inguinal hernia can cause someone to feel like they had an enormous meal when in fact they did not. This very common type of hernia can also make you feel bloated accompanied with pain in the groin and lower abdomen. Some of these easy to miss signs of a hernia can be potentially dangerous if not treated.

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Is hernia on the left or right side?

A doctor can often move an inguinal hernia back inside the abdominal wall with gentle massage. Inguinal hernias typically develop on one side of the groin and form on the right side more often than on the left. Some people who have an inguinal hernia on one side will have or will develop a hernia on the other side.

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What should you not do with a hernia?

If you have a hernia, try to keep it from getting worse:
  • Avoid heavy lifting when you can. Lifting puts stress on the groin.
  • When you must lift, don't bend over. Lift objects by using the legs, not the back.
  • Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water. ...
  • Maintain a healthy body weight.

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What happens if you wait too long to fix a hernia?

At some point the hernia will become larger and you will experience symptoms of pain, discomfort, a fullness in your groin or stomach, and it will eventually limit your activities.

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How much time off do you need for a hernia surgery?

Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. But if your job requires that you do heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you may need to take 4 to 6 weeks off from work.

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