A hernia generally grows over time, but the exact rate at which they grow will depend on a variety of factors. Typically, hernias develop gradually as a result of increased pressure on the walls of the abdomen.
This can be due to a number of causes such as physical activity, obesity, pregnancy, and even coughing or strain from constipation. Other factors such as hormonal changes, poor nutrition, smoking, and infection can also have an adverse effect on the development of hernias.
For example, a person may have a strain of muscle tissue that weakens the walls of the abdomen, causing the hernia to develop more quickly. Generally, smaller hernias may not grow any further, but if a person experiences ongoing pain or pressure, it may be an indication that the hernia is increasing in size.
Therefore, it is important to speak to a doctor if any changes are noticed or to develop a good hernia preventative plan.
How quickly can a hernia develop?
The speed at which a hernia develops can vary depending on the individual and the type of hernia. Generally speaking, the appearance of a hernia can happen suddenly (in as little as a few hours) or gradually over a period of time (sometimes up to several weeks/months).
In some cases, hernias may develop without any noticeable symptoms. However, they are often associated with a feeling of pressure in the abdomen, discomfort or an ache in the skin of the affected area, and a bulge or swelling where a piece of intestine is pushing through the abdominal muscles or where a weak area exists.
While age, family history, excess weight, and certain activities can increase the risk of developing a hernia, ultimately it is impossible to accurately predict if and when a hernia may arise. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms and talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.
What does the beginning of a hernia feel like?
The beginning stages of a hernia typically involve a feeling of fullness, discomfort, and a sense of something protruding from the stomach or groin area. The area may feel tender to the touch, and it may become slightly more noticeable when a person lifts something heavy, coughs, or sneezes.
Other symptoms of a hernia can include a pain that comes and goes, a feeling of pressure or weakness around the affected area, and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen. In some cases, a person may notice a bulge in the area, which may or may not be accompanied by pain.
How long does it take for a hernia to grow?
The amount of time it takes for a hernia to grow largely depends on the type of hernia and where it is located. A hernia can develop over time or it can appear suddenly, and some hernias may take several weeks or even months to become pronounced.
The most common hernias are inguinal hernias, which appear in the groin area, and these often take the longest to become noticeable. In addition, hiatal hernias, which are found in the abdomen and involve the stomach, can also take some time to develop.
In most cases, a hernia will gradually enlarge as the underlying muscles become weakened and the internal organs begin to press against the weakened area of the abdominal wall. However, if the hernia is not treated, it will continue to grow in size until it becomes quite pronounced and uncomfortable.
Can you tell if a hernia is coming?
The short answer is: it is possible to tell if a hernia is coming, though there are no exact signs or symptoms. The best way to tell is to be aware of any changes in the abdomen that resemble a bulge, as this can be a sign of an incipient hernia.
Other indicators may include feeling pain in the area of the bulge, experiencing a burning sensation, or having frequent respiratory difficulties. Additionally, symptoms that were present with a previous hernia can be more apparent when a new one is developing.
If any of these symptoms or signs are observed, it is important to consult with a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How do you tell if a bump is a hernia?
It can be difficult to tell if a bump is a hernia without a medical professional’s help. Generally, a hernia will feel like a small lump or bulge protruding from the abdomen or groin area that can be felt when pressure is applied on the area.
Typically, a hernia will feel tender, and the lump may get worse during certain activities such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. It may also be painful when the area is pressed on. Additionally, hernia lumps may get bigger when you are standing, and smaller when you are lying down.
If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect you may have a hernia, it is important to seek help from a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
What can be mistaken for a hernia?
Including neurogenic bladder dysfunction, muscle strain, diverticulitis, prostate cancer in men, ovarian torsion in women, heartburn, andconstipation. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction is a condition in which the bladder does not function properly due to a nerve disorder, and can cause symptoms that can be mistaken for a hernia.
Muscle strain can cause pain in the area of the hernia and can decrease flexibility, which may cause the person to think they have a hernia. Diverticulitis is a condition in which pouches form in the lining of the large intestine, and can cause abdominal pain and other symptoms that overlap with hernias.
Prostate cancer in men and ovarian torsion in women can cause symptoms that may be mistaken for a hernia. Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach irritates the esophagus and can cause pain in the area of the hernia that can lead someone to believe they have a hernia.
Finally, constipation can cause the person discomfort that may be mistaken for a hernia.
Can a hernia go away on its own?
No, a hernia will not go away on its own. A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through the wall of the cavity in which it is normally contained. It is caused by a combination of pressure, weakened tissue, and/or a defect in the muscle wall.
This defect will not close without medical intervention. If left untreated, a hernia can lead to other medical complications, including intestinal blockage, pain, and infection. In some cases, the hernia can even become life-threatening.
Therefore, if you suspect that you have a hernia, you should visit your doctor and follow their recommended treatment plan to reduce the risk of any further complications.
Does a hernia hurt if you push on it?
Yes, a hernia can hurt if you push on it. Depending on the type of hernia you have, pushing on the area could cause a sharp, sudden and intense pain. A hernia can feel like a lump or bulge in the abdominal wall, groin area, or near the navel.
While a person can often move the hernia back inside, the hernia can quickly pop back out. Pushing on the area may cause pain due to tissue swelling and inflammation in addition to pressure from the pushing.
Additionally, pushing on an incarcerated hernia, which happens when the hernia becomes stuck outside the abdominal wall, can cause extreme pain. In this case, medical attention should be sought immediately.
How long can you have a hernia without knowing?
It is possible to have a hernia without knowing for an extended period of time. In some cases, hernias can be symptomless for weeks, months, or even years. However, once symptoms start to appear, it is important to get them checked out by a doctor.
Common symptoms of hernia include a lump or bulge in the groin area, discomfort or pain in the groin, a burning sensation in the area, and pain when lifting or straining. While symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed at first, they can become more frequent and severe as time goes on.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to go to the doctor to have it checked out. Even if a hernia is not painful, it can still worsen over time, leading to more complex problems, so it is important to get it looked at as soon as possible.
Can you just live with a hernia?
Although it is possible to live with a hernia, it is generally not recommended. Significant complications can arise if you choose to ignore the condition and not receive medical treatment. Hernias can become strangulated, which can cause an obstruction in the bowel or other organs, and may lead to gangrene and infection.
Hernias also enlarge over time, causing progressive pain and tenderness. Therefore, it is usually preferable to have a hernia diagnosed and treated promptly, rather than trying to live with it.
Is it a pulled muscle or a hernia?
It can be difficult to distinguish between a pulled muscle and a hernia, but there are some distinguishing factors that can help make the diagnosis. Pulled muscles are often caused by an acute injury, such as lifting a heavy object, coughing hard, or twisting the wrong way.
It typically results in a sudden, sharp pain that may spread over the affected area. On the other hand, hernias are typically caused by a combination of muscle weakness within the abdomen and increased pressure on the abdomen.
Hernias may cause a feeling of pressure, tension, or burning in the affected abdominal area as well as swelling. There may also be a tender lump or bulge present at the site of the hernia.
If the pain from either a pulled muscle or hernia is persistent and does not go away over time, it is important to seek medical help for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What happens if you don’t treat a hernia right away?
If you don’t treat a hernia right away it can cause serious complications. The risks and severity of complications depend on the type of hernia you have. It is important to understand that the larger the hernia grows, the more likely it is to cause problems.
Untreated hernias can become even more painful and lead to more serious complications such as incarceration or strangulation. Incarceration occurs when the intestine or tissue becomes trapped in the hernia and is unable to be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
Strangulation occurs when the blood supply is cut off to the trapped tissue and can be life-threatening. Other risks of not treating a hernia can include scrotal swelling, bowel obstruction, and infection.
If you suspect you may have a hernia, it is important to consult with a physician and receive proper treatment.
Do hernias get bigger if left untreated?
Yes, hernias can get bigger if left untreated. Hernias occur when a weak spot or tear in the tissue of the abdominal wall allows nearby organs or fatty tissue to protrude through the weakened spot. When left untreated, the hernia can increase in size or become more pronounced as the underlying muscle or tissue weakens or enlarges.
As the hernia grows bigger, it can cause more serious medical problems, such as skin irritation, organ obstruction, strangulation of the blood supply, tissue death, infection, and other serious medical conditions.
For these reasons, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if a hernia is suspected. While many hernias can be treated without surgery, some require surgery to repair the weakened area and prevent further damage.
What can happen if you leave a hernia untreated?
If a hernia is left untreated, this can lead to further damage in the area of the hernia and put added pressure on the surrounding organs. It can also result in gangrene, a serious medical condition where the tissue in the affected area begins to die due to lack of oxygen.
Other effects of leaving a hernia untreated include nausea or vomiting, localized pain, and an inability to pass stool or have a bowel movement. If there is a large hernia, the pressure can cause a blockage in the intestines which can lead to constipation, vomiting, and intense abdominal pain.
In some cases, leaving a hernia untreated can cause an intestinal obstruction which can be life-threatening. Due to the risk of further complications, it is important to seek medical advice and treatment for a hernia as soon as possible.
