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May 18, 2013
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Hernia FAQs (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

What causes a hernia?

Weakness in the abdominal wall may have been present since birth. But this weakness may not cause problems until later in life.

Hernias have other causes:

  • Aging


  • Injury


  • Surgery in the area that creates a weakness in the muscles


  • Incision from surgery itself creating a weak spot ( the bigger the incision, the higher the chance to develop an incisional hernia)


  • Family history


  • Premature birth


  • Previous hernia (People who have a hernia on one side may develop a hernia on the other side of the abdomen.)

Some conditions may increase the pressure against the abdominal cavity and cause a muscle to tear and a hernia to form or make a hernia worse:

  • Pregnancy


  • Lifting heavy objects (Some strenuous jobs can cause hernias over time.)


  • Strenuous physical activity


  • Coughing from smoking or other lung conditions


  • Sneezing (allergies)


  • Obesity


  • Straining during a bowel movement (with constipation) or urination


  • Exercise


  • Fluid in the abdominal cavity

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Hernia FAQs - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What were your symptoms of a hernia?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Hernias »

As defined in 1804 by Astley Cooper, ahernia as a protrusion of any viscus from its proper cavity.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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