The Role of Urgent Care in Early Diagnosis and Management of Hernia: Treatment Options and Self-Care Tips

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent care facilities are medical clinics that offer immediate medical attention to patients with non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Many urgent care clinics offer walk-in care, without the need for an appointment. They are also typically open after regular business hours, on weekends, and on holidays—making medical care more accessible.

Services Provided by Urgent Care

Urgent care centers often provide a wide range of services, including:

• Treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, such as colds, flu, sprains, and cuts
• Diagnostic services, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and some laboratory tests
• Occupational health services, such as drug testing and physical exams
• Immunizations
• STD testing and treatment
• Sports physicals

Urgent care centers are staffed by licensed medical professionals, that could include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants. They have the necessary equipment and skills to provide expedited medical care to patients. Urgent care clinics are limited by their ability to provide emergency care. If your condition is life or limb-threatening, you should call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

Signs and Symptoms of Hernia

Hernias can range from mild to severe, so it's important to understand the symptoms and get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. The following are some common signs and symptoms of a hernia, as listed by the NIH and Cleveland Clinic.

A Bulge or Protrusion in the Abdominal or Groin Area

According to the NIH, one of the most common signs of a hernia is a bulge or protrusion in the affected area (usually the abdomen or groin area). This bulge may be more noticeable when you are standing or exerting yourself and may disappear when you lie down. In some cases, the bulge may be painful or tender to the touch.

Pain or Discomfort in the Affected Area

If you have a hernia, you may experience pain or discomfort in the affected area. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this pain may be sharp or dull and may worsen when you cough, lift heavy objects, or strain during a bowel movement. Pain in the area is a sign that you need to be seen by a healthcare professional immediately.

Nausea or Vomiting

In some cases, a hernia may cause nausea or vomiting. This is more common if the hernia is located in the upper part of the abdomen, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Vomiting due to a hernia is a sign that you need to be seen by a healthcare professional immediately.

Difficulty Passing Stools or Urinating

If you have a hernia, you may experience difficulty going to the bathroom. This is more common if the hernia is located in the groin area, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it's important to get medical attention as soon as possible, recommends the Cleveland Clinic. Providers at an urgent care clinic can perform a physical examination and order imaging tests to diagnose a hernia.

Common Types of Hernias

There are several types of hernias according to the NIH. Knowing about the different types of hernias and the risk factors for each can help you make an informed decision on when and where to get medical care.

Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia according to the Mayo Clinic. They occur when the intestines push through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall near the groin line. Men are more likely to develop this type of hernia than women, according to the Mayo Clinic, and risk factors include:

• Age - The risk of developing an inguinal hernia increases as you age
• Lifting heavy objects
• Chronic coughing

Femoral Hernia

Femoral hernias occur when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the femoral canal, which is located just below the groin. Women are more likely to develop this type of hernia than men, according to the Mayo Clinic. Risk factors for a femoral hernia include:

• Age - The risk of hernia increases as you age
• Obesity - Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on your abdominal muscles and increases your risk of developing a hernia, according to the Mayo Clinic
• Pregnancy - The added weight and pressure of pregnancy can increase your risk of developing a hernia according to the Mayo Clinic.

Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical hernias occur when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles near the belly button. This type of hernia is more common in infants and young children, but it can also occur in adults according to the Mayo Clinic. Similar to other hernias, the risk factors for an umbilical hernia include:

• Age
• Obesity
• Pregnancy

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias occur when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. This type of hernia is more common in older adults, according to the Mayo Clinic. Risk factors for developing an hiatal hernia include:

• Age
• Obesity
• Smoking - Smoking weakens the muscles in your abdomen and increases your risk of developing a hernia

Knowing the types of hernias and the risk factors associated with them may help you take steps to prevent them from occurring, such as maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. If you do develop a hernia, the NIH recommends seeking medical attention right away to prevent complications.

Going to Urgent Care to see if you have a Hernia

In many cases, going to an urgent care clinic is a great choice if you think you may have a hernia. However, there may be some limitations. Here is what you need to know about getting a hernia diagnosed and treated at urgent care.

Physical Examination

The first step in diagnosing a hernia is a physical examination. During this exam, your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, which may include feeling for a bulge or swelling in the affected area, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Imaging Tests

In some cases, your healthcare provider may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out complications, according to the Mayo Clinic. These tests may include an ultrasound or a CT scan. These tests can help your healthcare provider see the hernia and determine the severity of it.

Referral to a Surgeon or Specialist

If your healthcare provider is unable to diagnose your hernia or if the hernia is severe, they may refer you to a surgeon for further evaluation, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Hernia Treatment Options and Self-Care Tips

There are a few treatment options available for repairing hernias. As well as several self-care tips that can help you manage your symptoms and possibly prevent complications. According to the NIH, your treatment plan will depend on a few factors, including:

• The type of hernia you have
• The severity of your hernia
• Your overall health, and past medical history

Below, we’ll discuss the different treatment options currently available, as well as what you can do at home to help your road to recovery.

Surgery

Surgery is often recommended for hernias that are causing significant pain or discomfort, or that have the potential to become “strangulated” (a complication where the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off). According to the NIH, the most common surgical approach for hernia repair involves putting the hernia back into place and strengthening the weakened area with sutures, mesh, or both.

“Watch and Wait”

If your hernia is uncomplicated and not causing any discomfort, your doctor may recommend a "watchful waiting" approach. According to the Mayo Clinic, this approach includes monitoring your hernia for any changes or symptoms. This approach is typically used for inguinal hernias in men, which are common and often don't require immediate treatment according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Manage Hernia Symptoms

Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage your hernia symptoms and prevent complications. Some lifestyle changes recommended by the Mayo Clinic include:

• Avoiding heavy lifting or straining, which can put pressure on the weakened area and worsen your hernia
• Maintaining a healthy weight, which can reduce the strain on your abdominal muscles
• Eating a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation, which can strain your abdominal muscles and worsen your hernia

Self-Care Tips for Managing Hernia Symptoms

In addition to making lifestyle changes, there are some self-care tips you can use to manage your hernia symptoms and prevent complications. Kaiser Permanente notes:

• Wearing a supportive garment, such as a hernia belt, to help keep the hernia in place and reduce discomfort
• Applying ice or heat to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to manage pain and inflammation
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol, which can weaken your abdominal muscles and increase the risk of complications

Common Misconceptions About Hernias

There are some common misconceptions about hernias that can lead to confusion and misinformation. Some of these misconceptions include:

Misconception #1: Hernias only occur in men.

Although men are more prone to develop a hernia due to their internal anatomy, according to the Surgical Associates of North Texas, hernias can develop in both men and women.

Misconception #2: Hernias are always painful.

Some hernias can be quite painful, however, many hernias are not painful at all according to the Mayo Clinic. This means that you should have any new or unusual bump examined by a medical provider.

Misconception #3: Hernias can be cured with home remedies.

Many hernias are small and do not cause discomfort, allowing people to live with them for a long time without the need for surgery. However, a hernia cannot be cured or fixed completely without surgery.

Misconception #4: Hernias will go away on their own.

This is false—hernias do not go away on their own, according to the Mayo Clinic. The only way to fix a hernia is to have surgery.

Potential Complications of Untreated Hernia

If left untreated, hernias can potentially lead to serious complications. Some complications, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic, include:

• Incarceration: This occurs when the hernia becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into place. It can lead to pain, swelling, and nausea or vomiting.
• Strangulation: This occurs when the blood supply to the hernia is cut off, leading to tissue death. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
• Intestinal obstruction: This occurs when a portion of the intestine becomes trapped in the hernia and cannot move through the digestive system. It can lead to severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Getting Hernia Care From a Primary Care Physician

Primary care physicians play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing hernias. When a patient presents with symptoms such as pain, swelling, or a bulge in the abdomen or groin area, it is important that they are able to get a physical exam and imaging tests as soon as possible. Prompt examination and testing will ensure that every patient gets a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. An expedited primary care appointment can sometimes be the best option.

Once a hernia has been diagnosed, primary care physicians can make a referral to a specialist for surgery or decide if a more conservative approach (like watchful waiting) is appropriate. Routine check-ups with primary care are important to prevent complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room For Hernia Treatment

Both urgent care centers and emergency rooms can provide medical care to you if you are experiencing the symptoms of a hernia. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Urgent care centers are designed to handle non-life and limb-threatening medical issues that require immediate attention but are not severe enough to require emergency care. They are typically open outside of regular business hours, including weekends and holidays, and offer shorter wait times than emergency rooms.

Emergency rooms, on the other hand, are equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies and severe medical issues that require immediate attention. They are open 24/7 and have access to a wide range of medical specialists and equipment.

For hernia symptoms, urgent care centers can perform a physical exam and order imaging tests (such as ultrasound or a CT scan) to confirm the diagnosis. They can also provide pain relief medication and refer patients to a specialist or surgeon for further treatment.

Emergency rooms can perform the same tests and provide the same treatments as urgent care centers, but they are typically more expensive. On average, emergency rooms are around 10 times more expensive than urgent care clinics, according to Debt.org.

Insurance Coverage for Hernia Treatment at Urgent Care

Insurance coverage for an urgent care visit will vary depending on your insurance plan. However, most insurance plans cover urgent care visits, and the cost is typically lower than a visit to the emergency room, according to Debt.org.

Before visiting an urgent care center for hernia symptoms, you can check with your insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage and get an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs. Some urgent care centers also offer self-pay and sliding scale options for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

Getting Hernia Care at Urgent Care

If you are having symptoms of a hernia, getting a timely diagnosis is important. Urgent Care clinics are a great option, as they are equipped to handle a variety of medical conditions, including hernias.

You can use Solv to find nearby urgent care clinics.