(HealthDay News) — A hernia occurs when an organ begins to protrude through muscle, tissue, or the soft area surrounding it. A hernia typically occurs in the abdominal area.

The condition can affect both men and women, and at any age. Chronic coughing or sneezing, obesity, pregnancy and straining while lifting heavy objects are all common causes of hernia, the American Medical Association (AMA) says.

Surgery is usually the recommended treatment for a hernia. A supportive elastic band called a truss can also be used to help keep the hernia from protruding, and to protect the area. A hernia left untreated could progress to something much more serious, including intestinal strangulation, the AMA says.