Hi ! Good evening. i am Dr Shareef answering your query. To distinguish if it is a hernia or not, you have to reach to the ER of a nearby hospital and get it clinically assessed by a general surgeon. Hernia could give rise to discomfort in the area without a visible bulge, but can be diagnosed by clinical examination. A hernial bulge in its initial stages will also be reducible while you relax, and comes out on increased intra-abdominal pressure. I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts. Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.