What Causes a Hernia?
The majority of hernias occur among adults, although some infants may also have hernias. Most hernias occur around the lower torso area when the ring of "corset" muscles and tissues around the middle abdominal area weaken, and increased internal pressure within the body push fatty tissues into protrusions. In more serious cases, organs such as the intestines may also add on to the bulge.While hernias generally do not have direct causes, there are several conditions that may indirectly lead to the formation of hernias. Failed embryonic closures in male fetuses, for example, can set the stage for inguinal hernia formation in later adult life. This abnormality happens during the formation of male sex characteristics during the fetal stage. Usually, a peritoneal pathway is formed when the testes of the male fetus descend. If the pathway fails to close upon birth, then the opening may serve as the site of protrusion for future hernias along the inguinal fold. Premature births may also set the stage for hernia formation, as muscle and tissue developmental problems are more likely to occur in such infants. Genetic disorders of the connective and muscle tissues also contribute to hernia formation, as it creates weak spots prone to protrusions.
A more common cause for hernia is the combination of increased pressure within the body and a pre-existing weak spot in the tissue or muscle wall at the potential formation site. Increased abdominal pressure can be inflicted by external factors. For example, jobs and activities that require frequent heavy lifting will increase pressure within the body and cause constant strains on connective tissues and muscles. Prior injuries also serve as protrusion sites, as muscles and tissues in this area tend to be weakened. Sports or sudden movements may also cause dislocations that may lead to hernia formation.
There are various pre-existing medical conditions that may set the stage of hernia development, as some conditions inflict internal pressure within the body while others are simply disorders of the connective tissue. Some of the more common conditions include the following:
Obesity: Individuals who
are severely overweight will naturally have large amounts of internal
pressure. Such internal pressure may easily push fatty tissues and
internal organs into hernias.
Cystic fibrosis: This is
a genetic condition that may include chronic coughing, which also
builds up internal pressure within the body. Individuals affected by
this disease may further encounter developmental problems, including and
not limited to weak muscle and tissue formation
Ascites: This is a
condition characterized by excessive fluid buildup in the peritoneal
(abdomen) cavity. As fluid accumulates, there will also be an increase
in abdominal pressure.
Severe constipation:
Straining during bowel movement due to constipation will also increase
abdominal pressure, and if accompanied by a weak spot in the abdominal
"corset" tissues, may result in a hernia. Straining during urination may
also have similar consequences.
Pregnancy: In later
stages of pregnancy, mature fetal development may also increase
abdominal pressure in women, something that may lead to umbilical
hernias.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A
genetic disorder, this condition is characterized by decreased collagen
and weakening of the connective tissues, thus leading to sites of
possible protrusion.
Who's at Risk?
There are several risk factors that may place an individual at a higher risk of having hernias than other. If you have multiple risk factors, or suspect that you may have hernia, then it is important to seek a doctor's opinion for immediate treatment, since they may be an indication of a more serious complication. Some risk factors include the following:
Age: Fibrous tissues and
muscles tend to weaken naturally through time, so older adults and the
elderly are more prone to hernias than younger individuals are.
Gender: Men are more
prone to inguinal hernias than women are. Pregnant women are more prone
to umbilical hernias than men are. Women, in general, are more prone to
femoral hernias than are men, due to a wider pelvic bone structure.
Genetics: Individuals
who have a family history of hernias are more prone to cases of hernia.
Some hereditary disorders involving the muscles or connective tissues
also place an individual more at risk for hernia. Infants of African
descent are also more prone to umbilical hernias than are infants of
other ethnicities.
Lifestyle: People whose
work requires heavy physical labor are more prone to hernias due to
constant straining of the muscle and connective tissues. Prior muscle
injuries can also lead to weakening of muscle tissues. Sports injuries
or sudden movements may also cause spinal hernias if a disc becomes
dislocated.
Surgery: Individuals who
had prior abdominal surgery are more at risk of developing hernias due
to weakened tissues around the surgery site. It is very important to
correctly take care of surgical wounds to minimize possible future
chances of hernia development.
Medical conditions:
Individuals who have medical conditions that increase internal body
pressure will be more prone to hernia formation. A disorder of the
connective and muscle tissues also increases the risks of hernia.
Premature infants are also more prone to hernias, as problems in tissue
and muscle development may serve as potential future protrusion sites.