Can a hiatal hernia cause pain under left ribs& side? it hurts often but sometimes only when cough & i have a lump on each side of my ab muscles.

Possibly: Discomfort under the left rib cage may come from hiatal hernia but may also be due to other things such as gas entrapment in the upper left colon or even from pinched nerves in the rib cage or problem with the base of the left lung. It's best to have your physician examine and advise you,and if he/she feels it's advisable a referral to a gastroenterologist will be made.