With an inguinal hernia, you may see a bulge or protrusion in your lower abdomen or groin. Some people never feel symptoms, other than seeing the bulge. However, many inguinal hernias are painful, especially when coughing, bending over, lifting heavy objects, or standing for long periods of time.

An umbilical hernia is caused when fatty tissue or part of the intestines pushes through the abdominal wall close to your belly button. You may see a bulge or protrusion with an umbilical hernia.

A hiatal hernia is when the upper section of your stomach or other organs, such as the spleen, pancreas, or colon, pushes through the diaphragm into your chest. While you won’t see anything physically noticeable, you may experience chronic heartburn after you eat or even difficulty swallowing. .

Type II, III, and IV hiatal hernias are also known as paraesophageal hernias. The stomach slides into the chest next to the esophagus in Type II paraesophageal hernias. Type III is a mix of sliding (Type I) and Type II paraesophageal hernias. Type IV is the largest paraesophageal hernia because other organs such as the colon or pancreas are also herniating into the chest. This happens when a portion of the stomach pushes into the esophagus.