Most hernias develop in the tummy (abdomen) or groin (where your legs join your abdomen). Some cause a lump under your skin, while others are internal and cannot be seen.

Some improve on their own but others may need surgery.

The symptoms caused by a hernia depend on where it is and how long you've had it.

Some common symptoms of a hernia include:

• a bulge or lump where the hernia is, such as where your legs join your abdomen (groin), upper thigh or tummy – the lump may get bigger when you cough, sneeze or cry, and get smaller when you lie down
• the skin over the lump seeming tight and stretched
• a heavy, dragging feeling in your leg from a femoral or inguinal hernia
• indigestion symptoms such as heartburn or reflux from a hiatus hernia
• pain in or around the hernia, usually with smaller hernias – this can be a sign of strangulation, when your muscle tightens around your internal organs

Although a large hernia may look uncomfortable, it may not be painful because the weak area of muscles becomes stretched, allowing the hernia to pass through it easily.

See a GP if:

Get help from NHS 111 if:

The treatment you're offered for your hernia depends on the type you have, what caused it, and whether it's a new hernia or it's come back after treatment.

Possible treatment for a hernia include:

• medicines to help the indigestion symptoms of a hiatus hernia
• losing weight, if you're overweight
• surgery to repair the hernia

Find out more

Living with a hernia guide (British Hernia Society)

You cannot always prevent a hernia, but there are things you can do to reduce your chance of getting some types.