human
My doctor says I have a hernia. What is it and what can I do about it?
assistant
A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of tissue or an organ through the muscle wall of the abdomen, usually caused by a weak spot in the abdominal wall. It can be either inguinal (near the groin) or femoral (near the hip). Symptoms may include pain, swelling, discomfort, and difficulty breathing due to compression of the internal organs. Treatment depends on the type of hernia, but typically includes surgery to repair the weakened area in the abdominal wall.