There are natural gaps in the muscles to accomodate blood vessels and other tissue. With a weakening of these muscles, the gaps may become big enough to allow the inner lining of the abdomen to push through. If this happens, a hernia is formed. They can also be caused by pressure on the muscles, for example through heavy lifting, sports activity or coughing. You may develop a hernia through being overweight, or if scars from previous surgery are overstretched.
Hernias often occur in the groin area, sometimes on both sides.
Left untreated, hernias usually get bigger and may cause some pain. Sometimes a section of intestine can slip into the hernia and become trapped, leading to obstruction or strangulation. This causes severe pain and vomiting and is a surgical emergency. This site has been developed by Acumen Solutions , specialists in healthcare applications on the internet.