Overview
A hernia happens when an internal organ, usually part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall — most often in the groin or around the navel. It typically shows as a swelling that bulges when you stand, cough or lift, and shrinks when you lie down. Surgery is the only lasting fix.
Symptoms
- A bulge in the groin, navel or near an old surgical scar
- Swelling that gets bigger with coughing, straining or lifting
- Dragging or heavy sensation
- Aching or burning at the bulge
- Bulge that reduces when lying flat
Causes & risk factors
- Weakness in the abdominal wall (sometimes from birth)
- Heavy lifting and strenuous labour
- Chronic cough or straining at stool or urine
- Obesity or previous abdominal surgery
Treatment & self-care
Hernias do not heal on their own; a surgeon repairs the weak spot, often with a mesh, as a planned operation. Until repair, avoid heavy lifting and treat constipation or chronic cough that worsens the bulge. Do not strap or tie the swelling tightly at home.
See a doctor urgently if
- The bulge becomes suddenly painful, hard or cannot be pushed back
- Vomiting with a tense, painful hernia
- The skin over the swelling turns red or dark
- You cannot pass stool or gas