A hernia is a localized bulge in the abdomen or groin. It is often harmless and pain free but it can also be uncomfortable and painful for some people. A hernia occurs when there is weakness in the muscular wall that keeps abdominal organs in place. The weakness in the muscular wall allows organs and tissues to push through. The bulge may disappear when you lie down and can sometimes be pushed back in, but even coughing may make it reappear.

Hernias can often be found in the groin, belly button, upper part of the stomach, or surgical scar areas. Activities and medical problems that increases pressure to the abdominal wall and may cause hernias include:
• Physical exertion
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Lifting heavy objects improperly
• Straining to urinate or have a bowel movement
• Constipation
• Enlarged prostate
• Persistent coughing
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Undescended testicles

You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice a hernia or experience the following symptoms from a hernia:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain
• Hernia cannot be pushed back into the abdomen

Depending on the type of hernia, medical professionals recommend watching and waiting if you do not have any noticeable symptoms and the hernia can be pushed back into the abdomen. Other medical professionals consider surgery to reduce the risk of strangulation of the gut, this is a complication where the blood supply is cut off to an area of tissue. If you experience strangulation of the gut, emergency surgery/procedures are required.