Causes of Hernia

When any organ protrudes through the muscle wall resulting in a bulge, the condition is known as hernia. Since the intestine and other abdominal fatty tissues have a thin cell membrane covering, they are more prone to this medical condition. Though mostly observed in aging people, anybody can get affected by this medical condition. Hernias are classified into different types depending on the places they occur and the various causes. In most of the cases, a surgery is recommended to treat it.

Types of Hernia

The most common type is the abdominal wall hernia. When any organ bulges out from any weak spot in the abdominal wall, it is a condition of abdominal wall hernia. Indirect inguinal hernia, common in males, is caused due to an abnormal growth of the scrotum. Direct inguinal hernia develops when loops get formed inside the groin, resulting in a bulge. Femoral hernia is common in females. Swelling in the inner part of the thigh and in the groin region is a result of this type of hernia. Umbilical hernia occurs when the loop of the intestine protrudes from the weak walls of the abdomen. When the stomach loop grows and enters the lungs, it is a case of hiatal hernia. Excessive load on the abdomen tissues due to heavy lifting work or extreme coughing leads to incisional hernia. Normally, surgery is necessary for incisional hernia repair.

Common Causes of Hernia

Coughing
When a person experiences excessive coughing, a strain is felt in the abdomen region. This could lead to the development of a hernia in the abdomen, as it weakens the tissues in that region. In case of frequent instances of severe coughing, holding a pillow on the abdomen while coughing should help.

Family History
One of the common causes is a family history of the problem. It is noted that people who have a hereditary problem running in the family are more likely to develop hernia.

Ascites
Ascites is a health condition where in excess fluids build up in the abdominal cavity, which reduce effectiveness of the abdominal wall, thereby leading to development of hernia. Ascites is also a symptom of major health conditions such as hepatitis, heart failure and liver cancer.

Lifting Heavy Objects
People who consistently lift heavy objects for a long period are prone to the development of hernia in their abdomen. This is very common among people whose work involves lifting heavy objects and also among people exercising in the gym with heavy weights. It is advised that such people should wear necessary support while performing heavy lifting activities and also understand proper body mechanics.

Obesity
Obesity is considered to be one of the major causes of abdominal hernia. As obese people do not exercise, they have poor blood circulation and weak muscle tissues in the abdomen region. Extra pressure on these weak muscles can lead the problem.

Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is a common treatment for kidney failure which helps in removing the toxins from abdominal cavities, through a tube. This process at times weakens the abdominal wall, raising chances of developing hernia.

Strain While Urinating
If a person is experiencing strain while urinating or when passing out bowels, it could be a cause of hernia. Eating a good amount of fiber enriched foodstuffs and drinking lots of water are a couple of remedies to get rid of the strain.

Hernia in Women and Children

The causes in women and men are similar. Any of the above causes can lead to hernia in women as well. Apart from this, women are also at a risk of developing it during pregnancy. This can happen when there is a weak spot around the pubic bone where the connective tissues of the uterus attach to other tissues.

Children may suffer from it mostly due to weak muscles in the abdominal wall. Any part of an organ, the intestine or a abdominal tissue falling into the inguinal canal (a passage through the lower abdomen), can be a cause in children. Premature babies and children with a family background of hernia cases are more likely to develop hernia at a young age or, at times, even at birth. A surgery is performed in this case.

The treatment for hernia depends on the type and also on the stage at which it has reached. Surgery is considered to be the best option to treat it if it is at a latter stage. The hernia surgery recovery time is not very long and modern surgical methods ensure a quick and healthy recovery for all. If it is small or is not causing a lot of trouble, non surgical methods like yoga can also help in curing it.

As there are many causes and it can affect any person, any time. Extra care should be taken while performing heavy lifting work to prevent hernia. However, all bulges in the abdomen are not due to hernia. There may be other reasons too. In case of any such condition developing, visit a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.