What causes hernias?

Posted on February 20 2019

Hernias are the result of a mix of muscle weakness and strain. Based on the underlying cause, a hernia can grow rapidly or over an extensive period of time.

Most common causes of muscle weakness are:

  • The inability of the abdominal wall to close appropriately in the womb, which is an inborn defect
  • Age
  • Chronic coughs
  • damage due to an injury or surgical operation

The main factors that can strain the body and may result in a hernia, particularly if your muscles are frail, are:

  • Being pregnant, which will add more pressure to your mid-region
  • Being constipated, which will make you strain while having a bowel movement
  • Lifting heavy weights
  • Fluid build-up in the belly or ascites
  • Abruptly putting on weight
  • Surgery in the region
  • Persistent coughs or sneezes