Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Hernia) that could possibly cause Hernia includes:
Other conditions that might have Hernia as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Hernia. Our database lists the following as having Hernia as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Hernia as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Hernia. Our database lists the following as having Hernia as a symptom of that condition:
The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Hernia as a symptom.
This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances
may cause your symptoms.
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using,
including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
Read more about medication causes of Hernia
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Hernia may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Hernia.
Hiatal hernia typically results from muscle weakening that’s common with aging and may be secondary to esophageal carcinoma, kyphoscoliosis, trauma, or certain surgical procedures. It may also result from certain diaphragmatic malformations that may cause congenital weakness. Obesity and smoking are common risk factors.
In hiatal hernia, the muscular collar around the esophageal and diaphragmatic junction loosens, permitting the lower portion of the esophagus and the stomach to rise into the chest when intra-abdominal pressure increases (possibly causing gastroesophageal reflux). Such increased intra-abdominal pressure may result from ascites, pregnancy, obesity, constrictive clothing, bending, straining, coughing, Valsalva’s maneuver, or extreme physical exertion.
Sliding hernias are more common than paraesophageal hernias. The incidence of hiatal hernia increases with age (most occur in people older than age 40), and prevalence is higher in women than in men (especially the paraesophageal type). Contributing factors include obesity and trauma. No racial predilection exists.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
An inguinal hernia may be indirect or direct. An indirect inguinal hernia, the more common form, results from weakness in the fascial margin of the internal inguinal ring. In an indirect hernia, abdominal viscera leave the abdomen through the inguinal ring and follow the spermatic cord (in males) or round ligament (in females); they emerge at the external ring and extend down the inguinal canal, commonly into the scrotum or labia. An indirect inguinal hernia may develop at any age, is more common in males, and is especially prevalent in infants younger than age 1. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 5 out of 100 children have inguinal hernias.
A direct inguinal hernia results from a weakness in the fascial floor of the inguinal canal. Instead of entering the canal through the internal ring, the hernia passes through the posterior inguinal wall, protrudes directly through the transverse fascia of the canal (in an area known as Hesselbach’s triangle), and comes out at the external ring.
In males, during the seventh month of gestation, the testicle normally descends into the scrotum, preceded by the peritoneal sac. If the sac closes improperly, it leaves an opening through which the intestine can slip. In either sex, a hernia can result from weak abdominal muscles (caused by congenital malformation, trauma, or aging) or increased intra-abdominal pressure (due to heavy lifting, pregnancy, obesity, or straining).
About 10% of people develop some type of hernia during their lifetime, and more than 500,000 hernia operations are performed in the United States each year. Hernias are seven times more common in males than in females.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Usually, hiatal hernia results from muscle weakening that’s common with aging and may be secondary to esophageal cancer, kyphoscoliosis, trauma, and certain surgical procedures. It may also result from certain diaphragmatic malformations that may cause congenital weakness.
In hiatal hernia, the muscular collar around the esophageal and diaphragmatic junction loosens, permitting the lower portion of the esophagus and the stomach to rise into the chest when intra-abdominal pressure increases (possibly causing gastroesophageal reflux). Such increased intra-abdominal pressure may result from ascites, pregnancy, obesity, constrictive clothing, bending, straining, coughing, Valsalva’s maneuver, or extreme physical exertion.
A sliding hernia is 3 to 10 times more common than paraesophageal and mixed hernias combined. In fact, sliding hernias comprise 90% of hiatal hernias. The incidence of hiatal hernia is higher in women than in men (especially the paraesophageal type) and increases with age.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
In males, during the 7th month of gestation, the testes normally descend into the scrotum, preceded by the peritoneal sac. If the sac closes improperly, it leaves an opening through which the intestine can slip. In either sex, a hernia can result from weak abdominal muscles or increased intra-abdominal pressure. An inguinal hernia may be indirect or direct.
An indirect inguinal hernia, the more common hernia, results from weakness in the fascial margin of the internal inguinal ring. This type of hernia enters the inguinal canal through the internal inguinal ring and emerges through the external inguinal ring. The hernia extends down the inguinal canal into the scrotum or labia.
An indirect inguinal hernia may develop at any age, is three times more common in males, and is especially prevalent in infants younger than age 1.
A direct inguinal hernia results from a weakness in the fascial floor of the inguinal canal. Portions of the bowel or omentum protrude through the floor of the inguinal canal to emerge through the external ring extending above the inguinal ligament. Instead of entering the canal through the internal ring, the hernia passes through the posterior inguinal wall, protrudes directly through the fascia transversalis of the canal (in an area known as Hesselbach’s triangle), and comes out at the external ring.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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