Hernia

A hernia occurs when part of the intestines bulge through a weak spot in the wall of the abdomen. Hernias are usually treated with surgery to repair the abdominal wall and can be quite painful.

Hernias can be caused by:

• Lifting heavy objects


• Sudden weight gain


• Constipation

The most common type of hernia is an inguinal hernia. In an inguinal hernia, part of the intestines protrudes through the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal, near your groin. When a health care provider asks you to "turn your head and cough," s/he is checking for this kind of hernia.