Go to A&E immediately if a known or suspected hernia becomes suddenly very painful, firm, tender or discoloured, or a bulge that normally settles stays out. Vomiting, fever or a swollen abdomen alongside the bulge also warrants immediate assessment. Call 995 for collapse, unresponsiveness or another life-threatening sign. Alexandra Hospital hernia warning signs · SingHealth abdominal pain guidance · SCDF emergency medical services
A hernia can trap tissue or part of the bowel. If blood flow to that tissue is cut off, urgent treatment is needed. Do not try to force a painful bulge back in or delay care to see whether it settles overnight. Alexandra Hospital hernia warning signs
- A new painful, firm or discoloured bulge → go to A&E now.
- Report vomiting, abdominal swelling or difficulty passing stool or wind.
- Call 995 for collapse or unresponsiveness.
On this page · Explain How the Bulge Has Changed · What If There Are Bowel Symptoms? · Frequently Asked Questions
Explain How the Bulge Has Changed
Say where it is and when you first saw it. Tell triage if it normally gets smaller when you lie down but now stays out. Mention previous hernia surgery or a prior diagnosis. If the pain has become constant, say when that changed. Alexandra Hospital hernia warning signs · SingHealth abdominal pain guidance
What If There Are Bowel Symptoms?
Tell the team if you are vomiting, your abdomen is swollen, or you have stopped passing stool or wind. These details can matter because a trapped hernia can obstruct the bowel. Alexandra Hospital hernia warning signs · Healthdirect bowel obstruction guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the bulge was painless until today?
Sudden pain, tenderness or a bulge that has become firm and stays out needs immediate assessment. Alexandra Hospital hernia warning signs
Is a long-standing soft bulge also an emergency?
Ask a doctor to assess a bulge if it has not been diagnosed. If it becomes painful, firm or discoloured, or vomiting develops, go to A&E. Alexandra Hospital hernia warning signs