The original answer was almost entirely incorrect. In addition to the bulge and pain caused by a hernia, a variety of other symptoms can be involved. Digestive issues such as bloating, nausea, and reflux can occur due to to the intestines becoming partially or completely trapped within the hernia, even without an evident bulge. Surgery is the only way to repair a hernia. If you suspect you have a hernia which is causing digestive symptoms, see a doctor. A strangulated hernia (where the intestine becomes irreducibly trapped in the hernia) is a medical emergency.
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