5 Surprising Causes of Hernias to Have on Your Radar
This is far from the only surprising way people can develop a hernia.
The health issue needs to be corrected with surgery.
Getting a hernia sounds like the opposite of a good time, so people paid attention when Suki Waterhouse recently revealed that she got one from wearing tight pants.
''Suki you never tweet anymore,'' she wrote on X. 'Have you ever considered I wore pants so tight 6 months ago it caused a hernia & I've been too scared to tell you?' The Daisy Jones & the Six star also shared a photo of herself onstage wearing second-skin pants and lying in what appears to be a hospital bed.
While most people have at least heard of a hernia before, the details surrounding what they are and what causes them may be a little vague. Can you actually get a hernia from wearing tight pants? According to doctors we spoke with, this is actually a thing. With that in mind, these are the most surprising causes of hernias to have on your radar—for the just in case, of course.
Meet the experts: Mir Ali, M.D., is medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA; Jennifer Wider, M.D., is a women's health expert and author of The New Mom's Survival Guide; Christine Greves, M.D., is an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida.
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a sac that's formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. This sac comes through a hole or weak area in a layer of the abdomen wall called the fascia that surrounds the muscle.
There are several types of hernias, and they're usually identified by their location and cause, according to Mir Ali, M.D., medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. The most common type is an inguinal hernia, which is a bulging of contents of the abdomen through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
However, you can also get a femoral hernia (in the upper thigh), hiatal hernia (in the diaphragm muscle), incisional hernia (through a scar from abdominal surgery), and umbilical hernia (around the belly button).
People may have no symptoms from a hernia outside of a visible bulge under the skin, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. But some people may feel discomfort, pain, heaviness, or a burning feeling, per the NIDDK. Symptoms may also get worse when you strain, lift, cough, or stand for a long periods of time.
As hernias grow, the small intestine may get stuck in the hole and lose its blood supply in a complication known as a strangulated hernia. This is life-threatening and may cause symptoms like sudden and severe pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting, according to the NIDDK.
Surprising causes of hernias
Any activity or medical issue that increases pressure on the stomach wall and muscles may lead to a hernia, Dr. Ali says. Lifting heavy objects is a big potential cause of a hernia—it can put pressure on the abdominal wall, straining the muscles and tissues in the area and leading to a weakening or tear if you go well beyond your usual capacity or don't use proper lifting technique, Dr. Ali explains. Having obesity also doubles the risk of a hernia. This is because excess weight puts constant pressure on the abdominal wall, which can make it more likely for weak spots to form, creating a hernia, Dr. Ali explains.
But there are other causes that aren't as well known. Keep these in mind.
Allergies
Having a chronic cough or chronic sneezing from allergies or another upper respiratory condition can raise your risk of a hernia. 'Anything where you're straining the abdominal wall can be an issue,' Dr. Ali says. When you increase pressure in the belly region, it can cause a hernia to form.
Constipation
Dealing with chronic constipation is a risk factor for developing a hernia. Why? Straining can put pressure on your intestinal wall, raising the odds the contents in your abdomen will push out through a weak spot, Dr. Ali explains.
Repeated pregnancies
Having several pregnancies can raise your risk of developing a hernia, says women's health expert Jennifer Wider, M.D., author of The New Mom's Survival Guide. 'As the fetus grows in the uterus, there is an increase [in] abdominal pressure," she explains. 'In addition, the hormones that are released during pregnancy relax the muscles, allowing the belly to grow." Both of these can increase the risk of an umbilical hernia (which is around the belly button).
Repeated pregnancies can repeatedly stress these areas of the body, explains Christine Greves, M.D., an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida. 'The abdominal wall muscles and connective tissue can weaken the more times they need to expand," she says. 'This puts women at a higher risk of hernia." Dr. Greves says it can be hard to prevent hernias from repeat pregnancies, but maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening core muscles may help. Though women should consult their doctor before beginning an exercise program postpartum.
Putting on or taking off tight pants
Wearing tight pants alone is unlikely to cause a hernia, according to Dr. Ali. 'In fact, when a patient has a hernia, there are belts that put pressure on the area to hold it in,' he says. But, straining hard to pull on tight pants or to take them off could cause a hernia, Dr. Ali says.
Getting older
Inguinal hernias are most common in people between the ages of 75 and 80. There are a few reasons why getting older raises your risk of hernia, according to Dr. Ali. Those include muscles naturally weakening over time and a drop in tissue elasticity. That doesn't mean you're doomed to get a hernia as you age: Strength training exercises, especially around the core, can help to combat this, he says. But, again, talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions.
What to do if you suspect you have a hernia
If you think you have a hernia, it's important to get it evaluated by a healthcare professional. 'If there is some doubt, diagnostic studies like ultrasounds and CT scans can help identify a hernia,' Dr. Ali says.
Unfortunately, there's no pill or cream that can fix a hernia—surgery to repair the weak abdominal wall tissue and close the hole is the only thing that can permanently fix this, Dr. Ali says. Most hernias are closed with stitches or mesh patches.
Hernias don't usually come back after they're treated, according to Dr. Ali. But it is possible to get another one in a different location.
You Might Also Like
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss?
Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Here's How Moms Are Making School Exciting Again After Summer School
Summer break is cut short for students who are required to do summer school. Here's how their parents are ramping up for the new school year a bit differently. For many kids, summer is a time to unwind but, for those who've spent it in summer school, the break may have felt more like an extension of the academic grind. As the new school year approaches, these children might feel burnt out, discouraged, or even unmotivated. Parents will play a crucial role in helping shift their mindset from fatigue to anticipation, helping their child rekindle their enthusiasm and build positive momentum for the months ahead. Making the Most of Free Time Vanessa Gordon, mom of two and Hamptons travel and lifestyle expert, explains that her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, and summer school was offered complementarily by the school. Because of her ADHD and since she did not get her IEP until the latter half of the year (late April), her daughter would have struggled or potentially would have had to repeat the grade. Summer school was the most seamless solution. 'We felt it was a wonderful opportunity to help her stay academically inclined and focused during the summer months. It also gives her a chance to build better habits for success in a supportive environment. She genuinely loves learning, so we wanted to continue to foster that enthusiasm,' Gordon says. Although her daughter initially asked why she needed to attend summer school, Gordon says that she has become mature enough to process those feelings and understand that school, even during summer, is an important part of her growth. 'We talk openly about it, and she can see how her efforts pay off through her report cards and reading logs, which we keep to help measure progress and celebrate successes. This helps her feel proud of her hard work and see the value in staying engaged academically.' To help her child get excited for the new school year, Gordon plans to take advantage of the break in between sessions to recharge. 'Summer school hours are very manageable,' she notes. 'It runs only from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, so she still has a nice balance of structured learning and free time. We make sure there are plenty of opportunities for beach days and time outdoors.' After summer school has finished, Gordon also plans to continue to assist with reinforcing a consistent routine and positive learning habits to help her daughter feel confident and prepared. 'Over the summer, we set aside time to review her 5th-grade workbooks together, practice handwriting and cursive (skills that often get overlooked but are so important) and work on art projects both at home and outside at the local park and in other open-air settings.' Gordon says that spending time at the East Hampton Library is also part of their routine. It helps her mentally transition into a focused mindset and reminds her that learning can happen anywhere but still in a structured setting. The library offers plenty of additional structured activities like preteen nights, Saturday crafts, cooking classes, and team-building events – these fun experiences help keep her daughter motivated and looking forward to the school year ahead. 'We also take mini field trips to places like the local clam hatchery, pick-your-own farms, and our historical center, which keep her engaged and curious, especially as she always tells me how her mind is always so active,' Gordon says. 'These are also activities that she genuinely enjoys and they help her reconnect with the joy of learning. This also helps her start the new school year with a positive outlook and without that overwhelming feeling.' Building Excitement About School Nicole Pomije, mom of two and founder of The Cookie Cups, says that her daughter needed to attend summer school because her reading scores were below what they should be. 'I'm not sure what the actual number was but on the 'Fast Bridge Testing' that they do in Minnesota, she came up under the average for reading twice in her 1st grade year. Because of this, she was nominated by her teacher to be a part of 'Summer Explorers'—a 6 week program ending the week of July 25 that takes about 325 students from the district. After this program, Pomije says that her daughter has a week of art camp and some family traveling. 'It will be a good break to get ready for the fall back-to-school season that doesn't start until after Labor Day here. I believe the program not only will show that her test scores have improved, but has also helped her confidence with the skills she will need to succeed in 2nd grade.' Furthermore, she likes to do school supply shopping to get her daughter excited for the new school year. 'She's a 7-year-old girl, so shopping is always on the 'fun' list for her. I like to let her pick out what she wants, from cute headphones to pencil boxes. I have found that if she gets to pick her school supplies, she's excited to use them and show them off in school. It's not about price either – even the dollar tree has super cute items.' Fostering a Joy of Learning Nieka Richard, an assistant principal in California, explains that in her district, which serves approximately 5,600 students, they offer some families the option to enroll their children in a program called Extended School Year, or ESY. Unlike mandatory summer school, ESY is a targeted support and enrichment opportunity offered during the summer months to help reduce the learning loss that often occurs when students are out of school for an extended period. 'ESY is typically offered to students who meet specific criteria. These include students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities who require consistent support to retain skills and maintain academic progress. Additionally, ESY is extended to students who participated in our after-school intervention programs during the year, many of whom come from low-income households or have parents working extended hours,' she focus in her district is on targeted intervention and enrichment rather than retention. ESY is designed to support continued growth, close learning gaps, and prevent regression, especially for the most vulnerable student populations. Rather than being seen as a consequence of failure, it's a proactive approach to equity and academic support. Richard says that there are many ways that parents can get their child excited for the new school year after having to work through the summer. 'Families can engage in conversations that help students look forward to new beginnings such as new teachers, new friends, and new goals. Shopping for school supplies, updating backpacks and clothing items, or even setting small academic or personal goals together can build anticipation in a positive way.' She also recommends visiting the school campus before the year starts (if possible), attending fun orientations, and talking about favorite school subjects or clubs to help create a sense of connection and curiosity. Even if students have spent the summer in ESY, Richard sees it as a part of her job as an assistant principal to help students connect with the joy of learning. In collaboration with her teachers and staff, they do this by creating welcoming environments that feel safe, inspiring, and student-centered from day one. 'This includes offering choice in assignments, highlighting student strengths early on, and building relationships before diving deep into content,' she says. 'Most importantly, we remind students that school isn't just about grades, it's about collaboration, social and emotional learning, and growing into the best version of themselves. When students feel seen and supported, they find joy in learning, even after a summer of hard work.' Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Medscape
4 minutes ago
- Medscape
Investigate Shortness of Breath: Here's How
If a patient calls their primary care provider and complains about shortness of breath, an in-office examination is generally warranted. Your patient may explain how they're out of breath from everyday activities, like using stairs or getting winded from walking the dog, or just not being able to catch their breath. 'All new episodes of shortness of breath should be evaluated in real time by a clinician, ideally in person,' said Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, MHS, pulmonologist and associate professor, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. But if the patient has a diagnosed condition, a phone or virtual discussion could be enough. 'The only time I can see foregoing an immediate clinic visit is if a known cardiopulmonary diagnosis exists,' Galiatsatos said. For example, if you already know the patient has a pulmonary or cardiac condition and their dyspnea (shortness of breath) is similar to prior episodes of breathlessness, then an in-office appointment may not necessarily be needed, he said. Those could be managed by both an action plan that has already been discussed at prior visits. A Red Flag During Office Visits What if a patient is already in the office for another reason and casually mentions episodes of shortness of breath, how should the primary doctor proceed? Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, MHS Even if dyspnea is mentioned casually, it warrants a thorough history and focused physical exam, especially if this is new or worsening. This could be an early sign of a more serious problem, said Lijo Illipparambil, MD, pulmonologist and assistant professor of Clinical Thoracic Medicine and Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. When discussing such symptoms, Illipparambil recommends these questions: When do episodes occur — during exertion vs rest? How long have these symptoms been occurring? Are there other symptoms, like fatigue, chest tightness, wheezing, cough, or swelling? How limiting are the symptoms? Is the patient able to climb stairs, and if so, how many? Is walking across a room or doing daily chores causing them to be dyspneic? How to Be a Frontline Partner? Primary care doctors are essential in identifying early signs of cardiopulmonary disease. 'Generally, they are the first physicians who meet the patients and do most of the work-up initially. They coordinate care, especially with specialists, provide lifestyle counseling, and monitor chronic conditions like COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], asthma, and congestive heart failure,' Illipparambil said. Lijo Illipparambil, MD In many ways, they are the real central component for care of patients with dyspnea, he affirmed. 'They also have the advantage of longitudinal relationships, allowing them to notice changes over time and engage in shared decision-making to create sustainable health strategies and earlier intervention if needed,' Illipparambil said. Assessment Protocol Usually, a thorough physical exam, including checking vital signs, especially oxygen saturation and heart rate, is next, Illipparambil said. And additional testing should be considered including chest x-ray, EKG, and laboratory work-up, as well as referral to specialists if warranted. Red flags that warrant further testing include: Dyspnea at rest is always a reason for further testing, he said. 'It is not normal to be short of breath at rest; it is most often a sign of significant impending decompensation. Additionally, Illipparambil said, worsening shortness of breath over days/weeks can demonstrate a progressive process. Difficulty walking short distances or performing basic activities (eg, walking in the supermarket, pushing a stroller), especially as a change from their baseline, can be a sign of an active problem. Orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea are signs of heart failure that need further investigation. Unilateral leg swelling should always have a differential that includes deep venous thrombosis and possible pulmonary embolism if present when a patient is short of breath, he said. Expert Assessments and Symptoms Consider the shortness-of-breath assessments below, according to Galiatsatos: Airway diseases. COPD or asthma are examples. 'I would recognize due to inability to walk incline or when holding groceries — not walking through the grocery store, but once their arms are engaged, their breathlessness is noticeable,' he explained. Cardiac rhythm issues (especially low heart rates). Most people notice this breathlessness even within a few dozen feet or so of walking on flat surface, he cited. Pulmonary embolism (lung blood clot). This is more acute in occurrence, and patients often describe a heaviness and uncomfortableness in their chest. 'This is often accompanied by something that provoked the blood clot, long hours of sitting say from a long flight, or a trauma to the legs,' Galiatsatos continued. Heart failure. The key symptom here is the inability to lay down flat, he asserted. Patients may note having to sleep with several pillows, prompting their head and upper torso to be more and more vertical or abandoning sleeping in a bed and sleeping in a recliner, he also explained. Lifestyle Strategies The key is to be empathetic, collaborative, and goal oriented. 'This is indeed a delicate yet vital conversation,' Illipparambil said. There are several reasons for shortness of breath and approaching patients this way can help with patient openness and discussion. One thing that helps is the use of motivational interviewing techniques. For instance, he recommends asking permission to discuss weight, tobacco use, or other lifestyle habits that may be affecting shortness of breath can help establish a partnering role in these goals. Another way to approach, he continued, is focusing on functions such as walking without getting winded and changing habits toward a healthy lifestyle rather than just the number on the scale. 'Additionally, offering resources and referrals for nutrition, sleep study, physical therapy, etc., can go a long way. Medications, of course, can help, especially inhalers in COPD and asthma patients. Antihypertensives and other medications that help modify heart disease, and goal-directed medical therapy have been shown to improve symptoms in patients with heart failure,' Illipparambil also said. How Does Obesity Intersect With Shortness of Breath? Obesity is often linked to cardiopulmonary deconditioning, according to Trishul Siddharthan, MD, pulmonologist and associate professor of the Department of Medicine with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the UHealth — University of Miami Health System, both in Miami. 'Extra weight is a significant cause of shortness of breath in the general population and interacts with respiratory diseases like asthma to worsen symptoms,' Siddharthan outlined. Lifestyle changes and other strategies to cope are a shared decision, he said. 'I ensure I address the underlying medical condition while addressing enablers and barriers to weight loss.'
Fox News
5 minutes ago
- Fox News
Biohacker unveils his support for RFK Jr., MAHA movement
'Biohacker' and human biologist Gary Brecka discusses the MAHA movement and how humans can extend their lifespan on 'Fox & Friends.'
