While many people assume that hernias are only a problem that guys have to worry about, that is not true. Hernias can happen to anyone, no matter their gender or age. Knowing how to prevent hernias can be much more difficult than you may think.
A hernia is a weakness or opening in the wall of a membrane, tissue, or muscle that normally holds an organ in place. If the weakness or opening is large enough, it may allow a portion of the organ to poke through the hole, much like the inner tube poking through a hole of an old tire.
Hernias tend to happen more frequently in certain areas of the body, including the groin, abdomen, upper thigh area, and belly button area. Hernias can also occur in any place that you have an incision from surgery.
It can take many years for a hernia to develop or it may develop very rapidly and suddenly. Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle strain and weakness, but the type of strain and the cause of the weakness can vary.
Hernias are the most common in toddlers and babies. The majority of teens who are diagnosed with a hernia have had weakened muscles or other abdominal tissues from the time they were born, which is known as a congenital defect. In these types of cases, straining your muscles does not cause a hernia, but instead will only make a hernia much more apparent and painful.
Some of the most common types of strain on your body, combined with a weakness of muscles that can cause a hernia include:
• Lifting heavy objects
• Sudden weight gain or obesity
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Pregnancy
• Persistent sneezing or coughing
The most effective way to discover a hernia is through a routine physical exam, so make sure to make an appointment with your doctor today.
For tips on kids hernia prevention, contact Pediatric Surgical Associates, your Orange and Mission Viejo Pediatric Surgeons in Orange County, California.