Guide To The Causes, Risk Factors, And Complications Of An Inguinal Hernia

Chronic Sneezing Or Coughing

An individual who experiences chronic sneezing and coughing may develop an inguinal hernia as a result. There are several causes of chronic sneezing and coughing that can lead to increased pressure and vulnerability in the abdominal muscles along the inguinal canal wall. When an individual has severe allergies, they may frequently sneeze due to the allergen. Allergies can also cause someone to be more susceptible to contracting upper respiratory infections. Upper respiratory infections such as the flu, a cold, or pneumonia can cause an individual to cough severely to dislodge phlegm and fluid from their lungs and airways.

Individuals affected by lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asbestosis, and pulmonary fibrosis may cough frequently and severely as a result of their disease. In addition, frequent tobacco and marijuana smokers also exhibit harsh coughing that can cause increased pressure in their abdomen. The pressure bursts that occur in the abdomen of individuals affected by chronic coughing or sneezing can cause the intestine to take advantage of any weakness in the abdominal muscles adjacent to the inguinal canal and result in an inguinal hernia.

Age And Gender

Individuals of a certain age and gender are known to have a higher risk of developing an inguinal hernia than others. As an individual begins to age, muscle tone is lost and becomes weaker over time. Due to this natural part of aging, older adults and the elderly are more prone to developing an inguinal hernia than others. Due to the slight variation in the muscular structure of males in the pelvic region, men have a ten times greater chance of developing an inguinal hernia than a woman. It is estimated that out of every four men, one of them will experience an inguinal hernia at some point within their lifetime.

Indirect inguinal hernias usually occur in infants and are typically diagnosed before the individual reaches one year old. In rare cases, an indirect inguinal hernia may not begin to show in an affected individual until they reach adulthood. Out of healthy newborns, it is estimated between one and five percent are affected by an inguinal hernia. Among premature infants, it is estimated around ten percent are affected. Direct inguinal hernias are relatively rare among children but are prevalent among adults and seniors.