Have you noticed a swelling on your abdomen? Does it increase in size when you cough? Is it near the groin area? These symptoms can point to hernia, a condition that may require surgical intervention to heal.

Hernia, in the literal sense of the word, means to bud or to protrude. It refers to an area of weakness in a wall (mostly the abdominal wall) through which a sac-like structure protrudes. About 75-85 percent of abdominal hernias are those of the groin. Others include umbilical, incisional and femoral hernia.

An average person has two inguinal canals, one on each side of the groin region. In males, the spermatic cord passes through this canal, and in females, it is the round ligament (that supports the uterus). Undue strain, like that due to heavy weight lifting, may cause a part of the abdomen, often the intestine, to protrude through the inguinal canal.

Other causes for such a protrusion could include conditions that result in chronic cough, like tuberculosis, asthma or emphysema. Long-term constipation and old age (older adults with cancer of the prostate) and obese persons are also at risk. Smoking, pregnancy and appendectomy may also make you susceptible to hernia.

Inguinal hernia is more common in males than females. You may experience a dragging pain and swelling in the groin area that becomes prominent when standing and coughing. It may reduce in size when you lie down. The swelling may descend into the scrotum in males if it is an indirect inguinal hernia.

In the absence of timely intervention, the inguinal hernia may undergo incarceration or strangulation. The bowel may get stuck in the inguinal canal. When the bowel gets strangulated, the blood supply to that part of the tissue is cut off which can subsequently lead to a life-threatening situation.

Since this condition requires surgery, it is essential to differentiate it from other types of swellings, like an abscess, an enlarged lymph node, an undescended testicle or even an aneurysm.

Here is what you can do to prevent the onset of hernia:

Get constipation in control: Since chronic constipation is a risk factor for hernia, it is best to prevent it by consuming a high-fibre diet that includes plenty of vegetables, dry fruits, legumes and whole grains. Drinking a good amount of water is also recommended.

Stay alert while in the gym: If you are a gym buff, and heavy weight lifting is a part of your regime, then it is crucial to understand the significance of good posture. You must keep your back in the proper position while lifting, and when you turn, do not just twist your waist; move the whole body around.

Turn to yoga for help: Yoga has been known to be an excellent way of improving flexibility. Not only that, it also aids in straightening the abdominal muscle wall, thus nipping the problem in the bud. Take the advice of a certified yoga instructor to avoid unnecessary strain on your body.

Say no to smoking: Smoking may hamper cell growth, leading to the weakening of the abdominal wall. It also leads to chronic coughing, which can result in an increased strain. A number of therapies are now available to help you in the process of quitting.

Modify the intensity of your exercise: If you are constantly engaged in high-intensity workouts, consider reducing the load on your body. If you begin to feel like the training is too much for you, consult your physical trainer and have them decrease the intensity. You can also consider adding a rest day to your weekly regime.