There are various reasons for the occurrence of hernia, a medical condition, in which the body organs break through the weak cell walls forming a lump in that particular spot. Read the article to learn about the various types and 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 condition. In most of the cases, a surgery is recommended to treat it.
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 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 this problem.
Ascites
Ascites is a health condition in which excess fluids build up in the abdominal cavity, which reduces the strength of the abdominal wall leading to the 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 amongst people whose work involves lifting heavy objects and also amongst those exercising in the gym with heavy weights. It is advised that such people should wear the necessary support material 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 abdominal region. Extra pressure put on these weak muscles can lead to the problem.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is a common treatment for kidney failure in which toxins from the abdominal cavities are removed through a tube. This process, at times, weakens the abdominal wall, which raises the chances of developing hernia.
Strain While Urinating
If a person is experiencing strain while urinating or when passing stools, 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 both the sexes. 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 also suffer from it mostly due to weak muscles in the abdominal wall. Any part of the intestine or an 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 it at a young age or at the time of birth. A surgery is usually performed in this case.
Types of Hernia
Hernias are classified into different types depending on the places they occur and the various causes.
- 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 are formed inside the groin, resulting in a bulge.
- Femoral hernia is common in females. Swelling in the inner part of the thigh and 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.
Treatment
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 for treatment 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 the size of the outgrowth is small and is not causing a lot of trouble, then nonsurgical methods, like yoga can also help in curing it.
Extra care should be taken while performing heavy lifting work to prevent hernia, as it can affect anybody, anytime. However, all bulges in the abdomen are not due to hernia. There may be other reasons too. In case such a condition develops, visit a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
