When to seek medical advice

See your GP if you think you have a hernia. They may refer you to hospital for surgical treatment, if necessary.

You should go the accident and emergency (A&E) department of your nearest hospital immediately if you have a hernia and you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • sudden, severe pain
  • vomiting
  • difficulty passing stools ( constipation ) or wind
  • the hernia becomes firm or tender, or can't be pushed back in

These symptoms could mean that either:

  • the blood supply to a section of organ or tissue trapped in the hernia has become cut off (strangulation)
  • apiece of bowel has entered the hernia and become blocked (obstruction)

A strangulated hernia andobstructedbowel are medical emergencies and need to be treated as soon as possible.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018