Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include: 
A bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you're upright, especially if you cough or strain
A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin
Weakness or pressure in your groin
Occasionally, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum
 Signs and symptoms in children Inguinal hernias in newborns and children result from a weakness in the abdominal wall that's present at birth. Sometimes the hernia will be visible only when an infant is crying, coughing or straining during a bowel movement. He or she might be irritable and have less appetite than usual. In an older child, a hernia is likely to be more apparent when the child coughs, strains during a bowel movement or stands for a long period. Signs of trouble If you aren't able to push the hernia in, the contents of the hernia may be trapped (incarcerated) in the abdominal wall. An incarcerated hernia can become strangulated, which cuts off the blood flow to the tissue that's trapped. A strangulated hernia can be life-threatening if it isn't treated. Signs and symptoms of a strangulated hernia include: 
Nausea, vomiting or both
Fever
Sudden pain that quickly intensifies
A hernia bulge that turns red, purple or dark
Inability to move your bowels or pass gas
