Certain activities can worsen the condition, like bending over or lifting heavy objects. Hernias usually occur in your groin.
Persistent and intense pressure on the surrounding muscles, such as while coughing, vomiting, straining during a bowel movement, exercising or lifting heavy objects.
Certain activities tend to make hernia symptoms worse. These may include prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, coughing, laughing, sneezing, straining during a bowel movement, sexual intercourse, getting in and out of a car or bed, bending forward, or crossing legs.
If it is left untreated, a strangulated hernia can lead to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (severe inflammation of intestine) and sepsis.
Although it's normal to experience some hernia pain when you exercise, bend over, cough, sneeze, or lift something heavy, if the pain gets worse or you develop a sudden pain, you should contact your doctor immediately for advice.
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.
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.
How long can you live with a hernia? The absolute answer is that it is “unpredictable.” Some can live with a hernia for their whole life while others will develop a hernia related emergency within months of the development of their hernia.
A strangulated hernia happens when enough of the tissue or internal organ is trapped outside the abdominal muscle that its blood supply is cut off. The visible bulge of the hernia will become firm to the touch. If you suspect a strangulated hernia, rush to the ER for immediate treatment to prevent tissue death.
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.
Eat well, stay hydrated, exercise at levels that do not cause excessive pain to the hernia and get plenty of sleep. Remember #1 — try to keep a positive outlook – over 1 million people go through hernia surgery each year in the US.
It's important to note that while hernias can be painful, they don't all require immediate medical attention. It's important to seek medical advice if: you experience severe or persistent pain. the bulge or lump associated with your hernia becomes red or discoloured.
Key points to remember
Hernias don't go away on their own. Only surgery can repair 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.
To alleviate pain and pressure during a hernia flare-up, take deep, slow breaths, and relax. Focus on remaining calm and relaxing the body to encourage the muscles in the body, especially in the herniated area to relax and stop contracting around the bulge.
Use an ice pack.
If you have a hernia in the abdomen or groin, applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
What is the main cause of hernia? A hernia occurs when a weakness or a preexisting opening in your muscle or connective tissue allows an organ or other tissue to push through the barrier. Sometimes the weakness or opening is present at birth, but usually, it develops during your lifetime.
However, if the hernia contents get trapped in the defect, known as incarceration or if their blood supply is cut off, known as strangulation, we have an emergency.
Spontaneous rupture of an abdominal hernia is very rare and usually occurs in incisional or recurrent groin hernia. The rupture of abdominal hernia demands emergency surgery, to prevent further obstruction, strangulation of bowel and to cover its contents.
Hernia repair surgery normally only requires a 23-hour or less stay. Most patients go home the same day. Abdominal wall hernia repairs may require up to a two-day hospital stay due to the internal stitches and healing that is required.
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.
Hernias do tend to worsen over time. As the opening becomes weaker and wider, more tissue can push through it. The more tissue pushes through, the more likely it is to become trapped. This can be painful, and in extreme cases, can be dangerous.
How Long Can You Last? 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.
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.
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.