A hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Symptoms vary by type and severity, but common shared features include:

1. Visible or palpable bulge
   The hallmark sign is a lump that appears while standing, coughing, or straining and often disappears when lying down .
2. Local discomfort or pain
   Aching, burning, or dragging pain at the site, especially when bending, lifting, or at the end of the day; usually relieved by rest .
3. Heaviness or pressure
   A sense of weight in the groin, abdomen, or scrotum that increases with prolonged standing or exercise .
4. Cough impulse
   The lump enlarges with each cough or Valsalva manoeuvre and reduces easily with gentle pressure in uncomplicated cases .
5. Reducible versus irreducible
   Reducible hernias pop in and out; irreducible hernias remain out, are firmer, and carry higher complication risk .
6. Signs of incarceration/strangulation
   Sudden severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a tender, non-reducible mass with red or purple overlying skin indicate compromised blood supply and require emergency surgery .
7. Special patterns
   • Inguinal: groin lump radiating to scrotum in males
   • Femoral: lump below groin crease, more common in women
   • Umbilical: bulge at navel, obvious when baby cries
   • Incisional: swelling at old surgical scar
   • Hiatal: heartburn, chest pain, dysphagia without external lump

Any new or enlarging bulge accompanied by pain, nausea, or inability to reduce the mass merits urgent surgical evaluation.