What Causese a Hernia
A hernia occurs when the muscular wall surrounding the abdominal organs (such as intestines) is weakened, causing organs and tissues to protrude or “herniate” through the muscle. This produces a bulge, known as a hernia.
If left untreated, the protrusion or hernia can widen which may result in serious complications. (e.g. intestine becomes trapped and potentially strangled) In Australia, hernias are common. Surgery is the best long-term treatment option, and more than 40,000 hernia surgeries are performed annually.
In Australia, hernias are common, more than 40,000 hernia surgeries are performed annually.
What Causes A Hernia?
Most hernias develop on pre-existing “weak“ spots of the abdominal wall
(e.g. groin, belly button).
When there is increased intra-abdominal pressure, a force pushes at this weak spot from the inside to the outside and may slowly start to form a small protrusion (hernia). This enlarges over time and can also contain some intestines or body fat.
In some cases, a hernia can occur after abdominal surgery, as the entry point of a previous operation can be a “weak“ spot.
Other causes of hernia can be attributed to:
- Constipation and straining to urinate
- Obesity and overweight
- Heavy lifting
- Excessive, long-term coughing
- Abdominal fluid