Hernias occur when one part of the body pushes through an opening in another part. The most common types are inguinal, hiatus, and umbilical hernias. Causes vary and prevention is important, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting or smoking.
In general, a hernia occurs when one part of the body pushes through an opening in another part of the body. However, there are different types of hernias. The most common are inguinal hernias, hiatus hernias and umbilical hernias. The causes of hernias vary, and some types of hernia are more sensitive to certain activities than others.
An inguinal hernia most commonly occurs when the intestine hits a soft spot or tear in the lower section of the abdominal wall. As a result of the protrusion, it creates a painful bulge. It is especially evident when the individual with the inguinal hernia coughs, bends over, or lifts an object.
While the causes of inguinal hernia can be specific in nature, they can also occur without any cause. The most common causes of inguinal hernia include increased pressure within the abdomen and/or a pre-existing defect or weakness of the abdominal wall. For many individuals, if the abdominal wall is weak, an inguinal hernia will occur at birth because the lining of the abdomen has not formed properly. However, for those individuals who develop an inguinal hernia as an adult, causes can include:
• Old age
• Strenuous activities – such as lifting
• Continuous and strong cough, such as that associated with smoking
• Chronic constipation
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Chronic sneezing
A hiatal hernia typically occurs near the opening to the diaphragm, specifically, where the esophagus attaches to the stomach. When the stomach protrudes through that opening through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, it causes a hiatal hernia. The medical community still disagrees on the exact causes of hiatus hernia; however, some thoughts include:
• An injury to the area
• A birth defect such as weakness in the area or an exceptionally large hiatus opening
• Extreme pressure on the abdomen
• Chronic cough – for example, the type associated with smoking
• Chronic vomiting
• Pregnancy
• Straining during bowel movements
• Repeated lifting of heavy objects
An umbilical hernia usually occurs when the umbilical cord protrudes through a weak spot in the stomach muscles. It is usually seen in children but can happen in adults as well. Causes of umbilical hernia can include a birth defect—in most cases, they repair themselves before the baby is born. In adults, the typical causes are excessive pressure on the abdomen. Pressure can come from a variety of sources, such as:
• Lifting heavy objects
• Chronic cough – such as that related to smoking
• Multiple pregnancies
• Being overweight
• An overabundance of fluids in the abdominal area
Although the causes of hernias are relatively similar, a doctor will decide exactly what type of hernia an individual has. Once the cause of the hernia is determined, prevention is important. For example, if a hernia is caused by being overweight, maintaining a healthy weight will help prevent it from returning. Some individuals may be told not to lift heavy objects and others to stop smoking.
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