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Hernia

A hernia is where part of an internal organ, such as your bowel, pushes through a gap or weak area in the muscle that keeps your organs in place.

Types of hernia

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.

An illustration of a person's abdomen and thighs, with yellow dots and labels indicating the location of common types of hernia.
Types of hernia and where they happen
Type of hernia Where it happens

Hiatus hernia

In your chest

Umbilical hernia

Under or near your belly button

Inguinal hernia

Where your leg joins your abdomen (groin)

Femoral hernia

In your upper thigh, near your groin

Lumbar hernia

In or near your spine

Stoma hernia

Under or near a stoma (a stoma is where part of your bowel or bladder is brought through an opening that's been made in your tummy)

Symptoms of a hernia

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.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you think you have a hernia

They may refer you for tests or treatment if needed.

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:

You have a hernia and:

  • pain in or around the hernia
  • a bloated tummy
  • you feel sick (nausea) or you're being sick (vomiting)
  • you're vomiting blood or your vomit looks like coffee grounds
  • you're constipated
  • you have a high temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
  • you've suddenly become confused

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Treatment for a hernia

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
Information:

Find out more

Living with a hernia guide (British Hernia Society)

How to prevent a hernia

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

Do

  • try to lose weight if you're overweight, and keep to a healthy weight

  • be physically active – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week

  • try to quit smoking, if you smoke

  • see a GP if you have a cough that does not get better or keeps coming back

Page last reviewed: 19 May 2026
Next review due: 19 May 2029