Look for a visible bulge or lump in the groin, abdomen, belly button, or surgical scar area
Check whether the bulge becomes more noticeable when coughing, straining, lifting, or standing
See if the bulge gets smaller or disappears when lying down
Notice any pain, pressure, burning, or aching at the bulge site
Watch for discomfort that worsens with activity or at the end of the day
Check for a feeling of heaviness, weakness, or dragging in the affected area
Look for nausea, vomiting, constipation, or bloating with abdominal pain
Seek urgent care if the bulge becomes hard, tender, red, or cannot be pushed back in
Seek urgent care if there is severe pain, fever, vomiting, or inability to pass stool or gas
Get a medical exam for confirmation, since hernias are often diagnosed by physical examination
Ask a clinician about imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI if the diagnosis is unclear