A hernia can be a painful, and even life-threatening medical emergency. If you suspect that you may have a hernia, we recommend coming in for an exam with an experienced member of the NYBG Colorectal team as soon as possible.
What Causes a Hernia?
In most cases, a hernia is caused by either a weakening or a tearing of the abdominal wall, and can be caused by any number of issues. This issue can be seen in either men or women and is most frequently caused by some kind of physical exertion that results in an undue amount of stress being placed on the abdominal wall.
Common causes of an abdominal hernia include:
- Weakened abdominal wall
- Frequent bowel straining
- Chronic coughing
- Improper heavy lifting
- Pregnancy
- Chronic obesity