How Do I Know If I Have a Burst Hernia?

Medically reviewed by Joshua Ellenhorn, MD, FACS, surgeon at Surgery Group LA · Reviewed October 14, 2026

Most hernias don't "burst." What people usually mean by a burst or ruptured hernia is a hernia that has become trapped (incarcerated) or strangulated, meaning the tissue inside has lost its blood supply. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency. Warning signs include sudden, severe pain at the hernia, a bulge that turns red, purple or dark, nausea or vomiting, fever, and being unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement (Mayo Clinic).

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have a hernia and develop sudden severe pain, a bulge that is red, purple or dark, vomiting, or you can't pass gas or stool. Trapped intestine can begin to die within hours once its blood supply is cut off (Cleveland Clinic).

Incarcerated, strangulated and ruptured hernias: what's the difference?

• Incarcerated hernia: tissue or intestine is stuck in the hernia and can't slide back into the abdomen, but its blood flow continues (Cleveland Clinic). It needs prompt evaluation because it can progress to strangulation.
• Strangulated hernia: the trapped tissue's blood supply is cut off. Without emergency surgery, the tissue can die (Cleveland Clinic).
• Ruptured hernia: a true rupture, where the hernia breaks through the overlying skin or the abdominal wall, is uncommon. It is an emergency when it does happen.

Symptoms that suggest a hernia is in trouble

• Sudden pain at the hernia that quickly gets worse (Mayo Clinic)
• A bulge that becomes firm, tender and won't go back in
• Redness, purple or darker skin over the bulge (Mayo Clinic)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, or a swollen belly

What a "normal" hernia feels like

An uncomplicated hernia usually causes a bulge that is more noticeable when you stand, cough or strain and smaller when you lie down. It may cause aching, burning or pressure (Mayo Clinic). That kind of hernia isn't an emergency, but it should be checked by a surgeon, because hernias don't heal on their own. Waiting too long can raise the chance of a complication.

What to do if you think your hernia is trapped

• Don't force the bulge back in.
• Don't eat or drink until you've been evaluated, in case you need surgery.
• Go to the emergency room or call 911 for severe pain, vomiting or color change.
• If the bulge is new or newly painful but you have none of the emergency signs, call your surgeon the same day.

How a trapped or strangulated hernia is treated

A strangulated hernia is treated with emergency surgery to free the trapped tissue, check that it is healthy, and repair the opening. If part of the intestine has been damaged, that section may need to be removed (Cleveland Clinic). Repairing a hernia on a planned basis, before it becomes trapped, is generally simpler. That's why we recommend evaluating a hernia early.

Planned hernia repair at Surgery Group LA

Our surgeons repair inguinal, umbilical, ventral and recurrent hernias, including robotic and laparoscopic approaches when appropriate. Learn more about hernia surgery at Surgery Group LA, or read about incarcerated vs. strangulated hernias.

Schedule an evaluation

For a hernia that is not an emergency, our board-certified surgeons see patients at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers, 8635 W 3rd St, Suite 880W, Los Angeles. Call (310) 861-7493 or request an appointment.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you think you have a trapped or strangulated hernia, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.