What Could Happen If I Don't Get Hernia Treatment?

A hernia might start as a minor inconvenience. You might notice a small bulge or mild discomfort that only bothers you when lifting something heavy. 

But don’t let that stop you from seeking treatment at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery in Snellville, Georgia. Dr. Aliu O. Sanni is a hernia repair specialist. He and our team have expertise in hernias and understand that they don’t go away on their own. 

Leaving a hernia untreated can lead to serious complications over time. Here, we look at the potential risks so you can make an informed decision about your health.

The facts about hernias and healing

Unlike a pulled muscle or minor strain, a hernia won’t improve without medical intervention. In most cases, it gradually grows as pressure inside the abdomen pushes tissue through the weak spot. 

What begins as a painless bulge may eventually cause aching, pressure, or more noticeable discomfort.

Hernias can cause increasing pain and limited activity

At first, you might be able to push the hernia back in or relieve symptoms by lying down. Over time, though, hernias often cause more persistent pain. The discomfort can limit your daily activities, making exercise, lifting, or even standing for long periods difficult.

You can also experience digestive issues, such as bloating or constipation, depending on the hernia’s location.

Hernias can be at risk of getting stuck

One of the biggest dangers of ignoring a hernia is the risk of incarceration, or getting stuck. This occurs when part of the intestine or tissue becomes trapped in the hernia and can no longer move back into the abdominal cavity. 

An incarcerated hernia can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to pass stool or gas. Once trapped, the tissue is at greater risk of losing its blood supply.

Hernias can become strangulated

If an incarcerated hernia cuts off blood flow to the trapped tissue, it becomes strangulated. Strangulation is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency surgery.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• A hernia bulge that turns red or purple
• Fever
• Vomiting

 Without quick treatment, strangulation can lead to tissue death, infection, and other serious complications.

A hernia’s impact on your overall health

Delaying hernia treatment can increase the risk of emergencies and also affect your quality of life. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and digestive issues can make daily tasks more difficult.

In addition, emergency hernia surgeries often carry more risks and longer recovery times compared with planned, elective procedures.

Don’t wait to seek care

If you suspect you have a hernia, the safest approach is to book an appointment with our expert team at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery. We can confirm your diagnosis and recommend the best treatment, which may include surgical repair.

Treating a hernia early often leads to better results for our patients and lowers the risk of serious complications.

If you choose to ignore a hernia, your issues won’t go away. Seek our timely care treatment to protect your health, avoid emergencies, and get back to living life without discomfort.

Are you suffering from a hernia? Call our friendly office staff to book an appointment at 770-559-0778 today. You can also use our online scheduling feature.