Hernias happen when there is a weakness or opening in a tissue or muscle, allowing an organ, usually the intestine, to come through. Commonly, hernias happen when there is a weakness in the abdominal wall, for instance, allowing the intestines to break through. In fact, abdominal hernias are the most common of all, although they can also happen in the groin, the navel (belly button) area, and the upper thigh. In most cases, hernias aren't life threatening. However, they don't simply go away either, and surgery is often required to resolve it. It is important to be aware of the causes and risk factors of a hernia so that you will know when to seek medical attention should you develop one.

Causes and Risk Factors of a Hernia:

Muscle strain and muscle weakness are the causes of hernias. Hernias can develop very slowly, taking several months, or they can appear suddenly. The causes of muscle strain and muscle weakness, however, can vary. For muscle weakness, for instance, it could be caused by:

– The abdominal wall not properly closing in the womb, which is a congenital defect that causes babies to be born with a hernia

– Chronic coughing, for instance, in people with COPD

– Age

– Surgical trauma

– Injury

Human beings also strain their body regularly, which is generally not a problem. However, if you strain while having weaker muscles, this could lead to a hernia. Common situations include:

– Being pregnant, which causes pressure on the abdominal muscle

– Constipation, which results in straining during a bowel movement

– Lifting weights, including as an athlete, such as bodybuilder

– Having ascites, which is fluid in the abdominal area

– Experiencing sudden weight gain

– Having a persistent cough or sneezing uncontrollably, for instance, after an allergy attack

Risk Factors:

The causes and risk factors of a hernia also mean that there are certain types of people who are more likely to develop a hernia. These include:

– Those who have had a hernia in the past

– Those who have family members who have had hernia

– Those who are obese or overweight

– Those who have chronic coughs, such as smokers

– Those who suffer from chronic constipation, such as those who have irritable bowel syndrome

– Those who smoke

There are also a number of conditions that can indirectly make the chance of developing a hernia bigger, including cystic fibrosis. This stops the lungs from working properly, leading to a chronic cough. The chronic cough, in turn, can lead to a hernia.

Preventing Hernias:

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent a hernia. Nevertheless, you can make sure that you do not overly strain your body, thereby avoiding a hernia or at least preventing it from getting any worse. Some things you can do include:

– Stopping smoking

– Visiting your doctor if you are ill so that you don't develop a persistent cough

– Making sure you have a healthy body weight

– Trying not to strain while urinating or having a bowel movement

– Making sure you lift everything with your knees instead of your back

– Making sure that you do not lift things that are heavier than you can manage