Why do i have to cough during the hernia exam?

Push the hernia out: A hernia consists of a hole in the abdominal wall through which the inner lining of the abdominal cavity stretches out to create a sac. Hernias may often be subtle and protrude only with increased activity. Coughing increases the pressure within the abdominal cavity, thus "inflating" the sac to make it more prominent on examination.

To make the diagnosi: Coughing increases intra-abdominal pressure and the hernia can be felt.