It is important to determine whether or not a stomach hernia needs treatment. Typically, if a hernia is causing pain or discomfort, or is becoming larger or more visible, then it is likely the hernia needs to be treated.
Additionally, if the hernia has resulted in a feeling of fullness or bloating, or if the hernia is tender to the touch, treatment is typically recommended. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend that the hernia be treated if it is interfering with daily activities such as exercise or work.
It is important to speak with a doctor if you think you may have a hernia as they can help determine whether or not the condition needs to be treated. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, evaluate symptoms, and in some cases, may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to obtain more information.
Your doctor can then determine whether the hernia needs to be monitored or treated. Treatment options typically include wearing a truss, which is a belt-like device attached around the hernia to help reduce discomfort, or surgery.
When should I worry about a hernia in my stomach?
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a hernia. It is important to see a healthcare professional right away if you experience any of the following: a bulge or swelling in your stomach or groin area that is either visible or that you can feel when you have your hand on your stomach, pain or discomfort in your stomach or groin area, nausea or vomiting, difficulty standing up straight or standing for extended periods of time, or a feeling of heaviness in your stomach or groin area.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away as hernias can worsen with time and may require surgical repair if left untreated.
How long can an abdominal hernia go untreated?
An abdominal hernia can go untreated for a long period of time, often years, although the timeframe is difficult to pinpoint. It is important to note that, although an untreated hernia may remain asymptomatic, it will most likely increase in size over time and can lead to serious health complications such as intestinal obstruction, infection or even life-threatening strangulation.
Once a hernia is diagnosed, it is important to discuss treatment options and necessary lifestyle modifications with a medical professional. Depending on the type, size, and location of the hernia, treatment options can include wearing a hernia belt, reducing any abdominal strain, and engaging in regular exercise.
In some cases, hernia surgery may be required. Based on the individual circumstances, the doctor may recommend that surgery be performed promptly or may defer surgery for a period of time.
Is it OK to ignore a hernia?
No, it is not recommended to ignore a hernia. A hernia is a bulge or protrusion of an organ through the surrounding tissue. Hernias can occur in the abdomen, groin and upper thigh. If left untreated, hernias can cause serious medical problems, including infection, bowel obstruction, strangulation and even gangrene.
For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as a bulge, pain, heaviness or discomfort in the affected area. If a diagnosis of a hernia is confirmed, your doctor will likely suggest a treatment plan, depending on the type and severity of the hernia.
Treatments can range from lifestyle changes, such as wearing a support belt to relieve discomfort, to surgery to repair the hernia. Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight help to prevent hernias, but if you have a hernia, it is important to get it treated.
What happens if a hernia goes untreated?
If a hernia goes untreated, it can lead to serious health risks, such as infection, strangulation, and blockage. If the hernia is incarcerated or strangulated, the blood supply to the hernia is compromised and can cause intense pain, swelling, and redness, and requires immediate medical attention.
Without treatment, an incarcerated hernia can lead to life-threatening complications such as obstruction of the intestines and gangrene. Strangulated hernias can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, and even sepsis, an infection that can be fatal without proper medical treatment.
Without timely treatment, complications from an untreated hernia can require surgery to repair the tissue and organs. Additionally, an untreated hernia can cause discomfort and pain through scarring and adhesion, which can often be uncomfortable and take a long time to resolve.
In short, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as you think you may have a hernia, as leaving it untreated can have serious long-term and short-term consequences.
When does a hernia become an emergency?
A hernia typically becomes an emergency when there is an emergency situation causing the hernia such as a sudden traumatic event that happened to the abdomen or other area where the hernia exists. Additionally, an emergency hernia could be caused due to intense pain and tenderness in the area of the hernia, nausea and/or vomiting, difficulty urinating, and an inability to pass gas.
Other causes of concern that could indicate an emergency hernia include the hernia becoming large and painful and/or the hernia becoming strangulated where blood is cut off from the organ and it needs to be dealt with immediately.
If any of the above symptoms or situations occur, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Can you live with a hernia for a long time?
Yes, it is possible to live with a hernia for a long period of time depending on the severity. However, if the hernia is severe and causing significant pain and discomfort, the recommended course of action is to have it surgically repaired.
Hernia surgery is a relatively common and safe procedure and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The exact length of recovery time varies individual-to-individual. After surgery, it is important to monitor any lingering pain, as it may be a sign of a complication or further medical attention may be necessary.
Although living with a hernia is possible, it is important to understand the risk factors associated with hernias, including constipation and excessive lifting or pushing. It is very important to follow the guidance of a medical professional to ensure that any necessary treatments are taken.
Follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure that the hernia has not gotten worse or that complications have not arisen.
In summary, although it is possible to live with a hernia for a long period of time if the severity is not severe, it is strongly recommended to speak to a medical professional about the best course of action and to follow their advice for treatment and monitoring.
What condition can be mistaken for a hernia?
Inguinal hernias can be mistaken for a variety of more minor conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as muscle strain, indigestion, or Tummy aches. Several other conditions can appear very similar to a hernia and may be mistaken for a hernia even by medical professionals, including inflammation and infection of the area (known as an abcess or abscess), femoral hernias, cysts, lymph node swellings, and hydroceles (which are fluid-filled sacs that occur near the testicles or labia in the groin area).
Occasionally, the following conditions can be mistaken for a hernia: diverticulitis, varicoceles (enlarged veins around the testicles), and inguinal adenopathy. In addition, umbilical hernias can be mistaken for another medical condition known as an umbilical granuloma, which is a common benign growth in newborns.
Can you live with a stomach hernia?
Yes, you can live with a stomach hernia. Depending on the type and severity of the hernia, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, swelling, or discomfort in the abdominal area. It is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your particular hernia.
For some hernias, you may need to wear a hernia belt or truss, undergo hernia repair surgery, or engage in lifestyle modifications to reduce symptoms. It is also essential to stay hydrated and keep up with regular exercise to help the hernia heal and reduce stomach pressure.
Eating a balanced diet and avoiding straining or overexertion can also help minimize hernia-related discomfort. With the right care and management, you can successfully live with a stomach hernia.
When should I go to ER for abdominal hernia?
It is important to consult with your doctor to determine when the best time is to go to the ER for an abdominal hernia. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should go to the ER right away:
• Severe, sharp or burning pain in your abdomen, groin or scrotum
• A lump or bulge in or around your abdomen or groin
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal bloating
• Unexplained fever
• Blood in your stool
If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you notice any significant changes to your abdomen that may indicate a hernia, it is important to go to the ER in order to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, it is important to go to the ER immediately if your hernia becomes incarcerated or strangulated, which can be life-threatening complications caused by hernias. Symptoms of an incarcerated/strangulated hernia include severe, constant pain in the abdomen, a rapidly enlarging hernia, nausea, vomiting and tenderness.
How do you treat a hernia in the stomach?
Treating a hernia in the stomach typically depends on the severity of the hernia, the age of the patient, and other factors. Generally, the first line of treatment is typically a lifestyle change, such as avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity, wearing a support garment, or making dietary modifications.
If these lifestyle changes do not improve the hernia, or if it is determined that the hernia should be surgically repaired, then a doctor will typically perform a hernia repair surgery.
During the surgery, the doctor will either move the abdominal contents back into the abdominal cavity and sew the hernia shut or create a mesh patch to cover the hernia. The mesh is typically made of a synthetic material or animal tissue, and it allows the body to grow new tissue for healing.
After surgery, the patient will need to rest, follow the doctor’s orders regarding diet and medications, and take other precautions to prevent the hernia from returning. Recovery time varies from person to person, but a full recovery typically occurs within four to six weeks.
How serious is an abdominal hernia?
An abdominal hernia can be a serious condition, depending on the size and severity of the hernia. Small or uncomplicated hernias often don’t present major problems, but large, complicated hernias can cause severe discomfort and even emergency health issues.
In a small hernia, the hernia opening provides a route for fat to escape the abdominal wall, resulting in bulging or swelling. If this occurs, it’s important to consult a physician to discuss treatment options.
It’s important to avoid activities that will worsen the hernia which includes any activity that places excessive strain on the abdominal region.
Large hernias can become more serious as they can cause complications if not monitored or treated. If the hernia causes significant discomfort and the intestines protrude from the hernial opening, it needs immediate medical attention.
In some cases, these hernias can strangulate the intestines, leading to a blockage in the intestines, tissue death, and even sepsis.
In many cases, an abdominal hernia can be treated with laparoscopic surgery. This approach involves small incisions, where a surgeon can push the hernia back in or replace weakened abdominal walls with a synthetic or a tissue-based patch.
However, some hernias can worsen over time and may require more invasive open hernia repair surgery.
No matter the size and severity of the hernia, it’s important to consult a physician so they can assess the situation and determine the best course of treatment.
Do stomach hernias go away?
No, most stomach hernias will not go away on their own. While the symptoms may improve or even resolve without treatment, the hernia itself will remain without any medical intervention. This can lead to further, potentially serious health issues.
That is why it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified doctor if you think you may have a hernia. They can perform a physical exam and depending on the severity, may suggest surgery to correct the hernia.
Surgery is often the recommended treatment for most stomach hernias and these days can often be carried out on an outpatient basis using minimally invasive techniques that generally lead to quick and efficient recovery.
What are the signs of a serious hernia?
The signs of a serious hernia can vary from person to person and the specific type of hernia. However, the most common signs of a serious hernia include a lump, swelling, or bulge in the affected area; pain, burning, or discomfort in the affected area; nausea; vomiting; and constipation or difficulty passing stool.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away. You may also experience difficulty lifting objects or bending over, as these issues can be associated with a hernia.
Other, less common symptoms of a serious hernia can include abdominal bloating and pain in the testicles or labia. As hernias can progress without treatment, it is extremely important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
