Causes of an inguinal hernia and who is at risk of experiencing it

What are the causes of an inguinal hernia?

The causes of inguinal hernias, or groin hernias, are usually distinguished by type. This disease can even appear since the baby is 1 year old due to birth, or occurs in adulthood due to certain triggers.

Here are the differences between the two:

1. Abdominal muscle wall abnormalities from birth

One of the causes of an inguinal hernia is a congenital abdominal muscle wall abnormality.

As it develops in the uterus, the lining of the fetus' stomach forms a cavity that extends to the inguinal tract.

The inguinal tract is the place for the testes, sperm duct, and testicular sac (scrotum) in men.

The abdominal cavity should close a few weeks or as soon as the fetus is born. However, the muscles that cover it sometimes do not close completely, resulting in a gap in the abdominal wall adjacent to the inguinal tract.

Fat tissue and part of the intestine eventually degenerate into the inguinal tract through this opening.

Women can experience the same thing. Usually characterized by the ovaries moving down into the inguinal tract. As a result, a herniated lump forms.

2. Other triggers in adulthood

Several factors also cause your risk of developing an inguinal hernia to increase, including:

Have a parent or sibling who has an inguinal hernia.
There are parts of the abdominal muscles that weaken with age.
Are overweight or obese.
Frequent straining when urinating or defecating.
The stomach gets excess pressure.
Have a persistent chronic cough or sneeze.
Experiencing prolonged constipation.
Have cystic fibrosis, which causes a persistent cough.
Doing activities or lifting heavy objects.
Pregnancy.

People who have had an inguinal hernia or have had surgery to treat it are also at risk for this disease. In some people, inguinal hernias can even recur with causes that are difficult to determine.

How to prevent inguinal hernias

Source: The Lorry

Inguinal hernias can happen to anyone of any age. Even so, you can still prevent it by avoiding a number of factors that can increase the risk.

The causes of inguinal hernias that occur since fetal development cannot be prevented. However, you can anticipate the appearance of a hernia in adulthood in the following ways:

Maintain ideal body weight. If you are obese, consult your doctor to change your diet and determine the right type of exercise. Both of these methods are very effective in losing weight.
Not lifting heavy objects. If forced to do so, lift the object in the right way. Bend your knees and keep your torso upright when lifting weights.
Eating fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to prevent constipation.
Do not push when urinating or defecating.
Carry out prevention efforts against diseases that can cause prolonged cough, for example by not smoking.

Inguinal hernias do not heal on their own. You will need to undergo a hernia surgery procedure to reposition the organs and recoup the torn abdominal wall.

Without surgery, a lump in the groin caused by a hernia can cause pain and complications. Although it can happen to anyone, you can still prevent it by avoiding the risk factors.