How can we know if we have a hernia?

Hernia is a very common condition, and anyone develops it. It has very mild symptoms, which makes it difficult to spot. The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area. 

For example, suppose you have a hernia in your scrotum (inguinal Hernia). In that case, a lump is visible on either side of your public bone (where your thigh and groin meet).Now, the tricky part is that the lump disappears when you are lying down. For this reason, if you suspect Hernia, use your hand to feel the area when you are standing, bending, or coughing. Any sensation, discomfort, or pain in the area signifies that a lump might be present. 

Some types of Hernia, mainly Hiatal hernias, do show some specific symptoms. These include chest pain, trouble swallowing, and heartburn. But in most cases, Hernia does not show any symptoms. That is, Hernia is often found during routine physical or a medical exam for other conditions. Hence, the best way to know if someone has Hernia or not is looking for lump and discomfort or pain in that area. If so, it is safe to go for a CT scan for further diagnosis.