An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal contents like the intestine push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall muscles into the groin area. There are two types of inguinal hernias: indirect, which follows the path of the testicles, and direct. A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm. Symptoms include heartburn. Hernias are classified based on their location and can be caused by increased abdominal pressure from obesity, lifting, coughing, or straining. Signs range from a painless lump to an irreducible, tender lump requiring surgery.