[header] How to know if you have a hernia [title] Assess your risk factors. [step] Although hernias can happen to anyone, certain factors might put you at a higher risk for herniation. These may be chronic conditions, or they may pass with time-for example, if you have a bad cough. 
Risk factors for hernias include : [substeps] Increased abdominal pressure coughing heavy lifting constipation pregnancy obesity advancing age smoking steroid use [title] Take note of any bulges. [step] A hernia is an imperfection in the muscular container of an organ.