What causes a XXXX?
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with a hernia and are not sure what caused it? Learn from the hernia surgeons at the Advanced Hernia Specialists about what causes hernias, what factors put you at higher risk of developing one and how to prevent them.
Causes of XXXXX:
A XXXX is a hole or defect in the abdominal wall allowing things normally on the inside to escape to the outside of wall. Hernias are a common condition caused by strain combined with muscle weakness in the abdomen or groin. In some patients, hernias develop over a long period where, in others, they develop quickly. Some patients experience pain associated with hernias, while others are asymptomatic.
In many cases, if left untreated, hernias can cause dangerous complications. Spending a few minutes educating yourself on the causes and risk factors can help you prevent a hernia or, if needed, take the necessary steps to have the hernia treated. Treatment is common and can help you get back to your normal life quicker and with less pain.
Causes of XXXX
Common causes of hernias include:
Muscle weakness after surgery
Straining to urinate or have a bowel movement
Chronic coughing from conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
Injury from lifting heavy objects or weights
Strenuous exercise
Being pregnant multiple times
Congenital defect that occurs in the womb and present at birth
Enlarged prostate
Poor nutrition
Risk Factors
While risk factors vary based on the type of hernia you have, the most common risk factors for developing a hernia include:
Older age
Family history of hernias
Obesity
Pregnancy
Smoking
Born prematurely with a low birth weight
Chronic constipation
Cystic fibrosis
Chronic cough
Tips to Help Prevent a Hernia
If you think you are at risk of having a hernia, there are a variety of things you can to do help prevent them:
Eat a nutritious diet
Stop smoking
Lose weight (if you are overweight or obese)
Seek treatment for a persistent cough
Avoid straining when using the bathroom
Talk to your doctor about other specific things you can do to prevent yourself from developing a hernia.
Next Steps
If you think you have a hernia, schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons at the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The Hernia Center is Georgia’s first accredited Hernia Surgery Center of Excellence and offers you access to the most advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques for hernia repair.
