A hernia (rupture) is usually noticed as a lump, commonly in the groin or the umbilical region.It appears when a portion of the tissue which lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) breaks through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. This can give rise to discomfort as the hernia enlarges and can sometimes be dangerous if a piece of intestine becomes trapped ('strangulated') inside.There is almost no limit to how BIG a hernia could get if left untreated!

The most common location for hernia is the abdomen. The abdominal wall - a sheet of tough muscle and tendon that runs down from the ribs to the legs at the groins - acts as 'nature's corset'. Its function, amongst other things, is to hold in the abdominal contents, principally the intestines.
If a weakness should open up in that wall, and it does not really matter how or why it happened (more on this later), then the 'CORSET EFFECT' is lost and what pushes against it from the inside (the intestines) simply pushes through the 'window'. The ensuing bulge, which is often quite visible against the skin, is the hernia.

Anybody, of either sex and at any age.

The wall of the abdomen, comprising muscle and tendon, performs several functions, one of which is to provide strong support to the internal organs which are exerting significant outward pressure. The opening of a gap in the tissue can occur of its own accord at a point of natural weakness, or by over-stretching a part of the tissue. Overexertion can cause it, but so could a simple cough or sneeze.
The occurrence of the gap in the abdominal wall is not normally, of itself, a problem. The problems result from the ensuing bulge of intestine through the gap. The effects felt by the patient can range from being perfectly painless, through discomfort, to being very painful indeed.

Almost every movement we make puts additional pressure on the internal tissues which, in turn, push out through the opening a little more each time. This also enlarges the opening itself. If unchecked, this process can continue even to the extent of allowing much of the intestine to hang down through the hernia.

In any case, it is essential to diagnose correctly whether the problem is a 'Groin Strain', a Torn Muscle or a HERNIA. One must avoid giving the treatment for one when the condition is another!
Sometimes, many find it difficult to distinguish which condition exists.
 BY NO MEANS is surgery required in all cases, especially where there is no swelling.
True experts in hernia would not rush into surgery, so it is essential to consult specialists who regularly see all these kinds of cases.

The opening of a hernia cannot heal itself, neither can any medicine be used to cure the condition.
The long term course, therefore, is for a hernia to become steadily worse as time goes on, sometimes slowly and sometimes quickly.
The only remedy for the condition is to repair the hernia surgically. Laparoscopy Surgery is slowly gaining popularing for the treatment of Hernias.