Written By: Muskan Gupta | Published : January 21, 2026 1:14 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Mriganka Sekhar Sharma
In today's busy world, it is easy for health issues to be pushed aside for things such as meeting deadlines and taking care of family responsibilities. One such issue that can be easily neglected is a case of a hernia. The truth about a hernia is that it may start very innocently, but it can escalate. What exactly happens when a person develops a hernia? One may think that a hernia refers only to males. The reality is that a hernia occurs when a body part protrudes through a weak spot in tissue.
According to Dr Mriganka Sekhar Sharma, MBBS, MS, Fellow American College of Surgeons, Director - General and Minimally Invasive Surgery (Unit-1) and Dr Amit D Goswami, MBBS, MS, FNB (MAS), FIAGES, FCLS, Associate Director - General & Minimally Invasive Surgery (Unit-1), "Among the earliest symptoms that are most common for a hernia is a lump, especially in the abdominal region or groin. It can be experienced while standing, coughing, lifting heavy material, or straining, but disappears when one is lying down. Many people, especially those with very hectic lifestyles, tend to overlook this symptom and think there is nothing much to it, perhaps due to being overweight or possibly straining their muscles. As a lump is not necessarily painful, there is nothing much to induce one to have it checked."
Pain associated with a hernia does not have to be sharp or stabbing. In most cases, the individual may have a dull sensation or feel like the area is pulling. This pain can be mild or severe when the individual engages in prolonged standing, exercising, or even desk work. In most cases, when individuals have these sensations due to their busy lifestyles, the pain is attributed to fatigue or stress.
The feeling of heaviness or pressure and weakness in the lower part of the abdomen and the groin area is the other sign that is often overlooked. Those with physically demanding or weightlifting jobs at the gym may think nothing of the pain they are experiencing since it is probably muscle soreness. However, the pain or pressure may build up over time because the hernia is worsening.
Some types of hernias, particularly abdominal hernias, may cause the individual to feel symptoms related to digestion. Heartburn or swallowing difficulties leading to irregular diet or stress, especially if the individual leads an active life, are some other symptoms that one might experience.
You should be concerned if you experience discomfort when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting a heavy object. This could be a sign that your abdominal wall is weak. Some people write off such conditions as a torn muscle when one has been actively involved in exercises. This can lead to a bigger hernia.
The doctor said that if the phenomenon is ignored, problems such as incarceration and strangulation can develop, in which the affected tissue becomes cut off from the blood supply. These are emergencies and often necessitate surgery. However, with early detection, surgeries can be scheduled.
In the whirlwind of one's busy schedule, one can very easily learn to live with pain. Constant bulges, pain, or digestive problems are something that shouldn't be ignored. Early indicators and a visit to the doctor can prevent future complications and promote speedy recovery. You must place the same emphasis on your health and wellness because the former is likely on par with the latter.
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