Written By: Ranita Ganguly | Updated : June 5, 2015 3:17 PM IST
In recent times, the term 'hernia' has become a very familiar one and in most families at least one member is likely to suffer from various complications caused by hernia.
Before we delve into the causes, let's find out what a hernia is?
Most of us do not know what a hernia actually is and most people tend seem to regard it as an overgrowth of tissue mass or fat. According to physicians however, hernia develops due to the protrusion of internal body organs towards the outer walls of the body. This abnormality generally occurs due to weakness in the muscles.
Though in many cases, hernia remains asymptomatic and does not cause problems, it may turn fatal in severe cases. Most often, hernia develops following surgery, but physicians have identified some other factors as well which may lead to hernia. These factors are as follows:
1. Tissue damage:
Tear in tissues due to injury are often linked with the development of hernia. Damage of tissue makes the path weaker for easy projection of internal organs, thereby leading to the problem.
2. Older age
The risk of hernia increases in the aged as compared to in younger adults. The reason being that the muscles, (including muscles of abdomen), weaken with age and allow the protrusion of the internal organs.
3. Gender
Males are more likely to develop hernia as compared to females. In most cases, men develop hernia in the groin area. The groin muscles in men are weaker, which facilitates hernia development.
4. Surgical procedure
Post operative hernia is very common and women (who have undergone abdominal surgery) are more likely to develop such form of hernia at some point in their life. This is also known as incisional hernia. This type of hernia commonly develops in obese women.
5. Birth defects
A bulge near the naval region may also be a type of hernia that usually arises after birth. A congenital defect in the abdominal wall leads to the development of this type of hernia.
6. Constipation
If you are suffering from chronic constipation, you may have to put more effort while passing stools. This heavy pressure may tear the soft abdominal tissues, which leads to hernia.
7. Genetic factor
Researchers have found that muscle weakness is genetically inherited. Hence, the chance of hernia is higher in individuals whose close relatives have suffered from such a condition.
8. Obesity
An excess deposition of fat over-stretches the abdominal muscles and slowly weakens them. Weakened muscles are the key reason for hernia development.
Image source: Getty images
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Reference:
Carbonell JF, Sanchez JL, Peris RT, Ivorra JC, Del Bano MJ, Sanchez CS, Arraezt JI, Greus PC. Risk factors associated with inguinal hernias: a case control study. European Journal of Surgery. 1993 Sep;159(9):481-6.
