What causes hernias?
Hernias occur as a result of increased pressure within the abdomen or a weak spot in the abdominal wall or a combination of the two.
Factors that cause hernias:
Age:
As we get older, our muscles lose their tone. Hernias are more common in older individuals as the posterior wall of the abdomen gets weaker through age.
Gender:
Hernias are more common in men than in women.
Occupation:
Lifting heavy objects and strenuous work leads to the development of a hernia as it causes more pressure on the internal organs which may protrude through the weak points of the abdominal wall.
Long term illness:
The following types of condition usually cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, for example, pregnancy, chronic coughing and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Other causes :
Inherited factors, especially in children; umbilical (navel) hernia.
Straining during urination or defecation may precipitate a hernia in adults.
Smoking and obesity are other factors which lead to the development of a hernia.
Obesity causes stress on the abdominal wall muscles which leads to the development of a hernia.
Factors that cause hernias:
Age:
As we get older, our muscles lose their tone. Hernias are more common in older individuals as the posterior wall of the abdomen gets weaker through age.
Gender:
Hernias are more common in men than in women.
Occupation:
Lifting heavy objects and strenuous work leads to the development of a hernia as it causes more pressure on the internal organs which may protrude through the weak points of the abdominal wall.
Long term illness:
The following types of condition usually cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, for example, pregnancy, chronic coughing and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Other causes :
Inherited factors, especially in children; umbilical (navel) hernia.
Straining during urination or defecation may precipitate a hernia in adults.
Smoking and obesity are other factors which lead to the development of a hernia.
Obesity causes stress on the abdominal wall muscles which leads to the development of a hernia.