Can You Get a Hernia from Coughing?

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissues pushes through a weak spot or tear in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place, often in the abdomen. Hernias can develop in different parts of the body, such as the abdomen, upper thigh, belly button, and groin area.

What Causes Hernias?

There are several factors that can contribute to hernia development:

Congenital defects - Some people are born with weak spots or holes in the abdominal wall or groin area that makes them prone to hernias.
Pregnancy - The strain of carrying a baby can cause abdominal muscles to weaken and separate.
Being overweight or obese - Excess weight and fat can place extra pressure and strain.
Heavy lifting or straining - Lifting heavy objects, chronic coughing, constipation, or urinating can cause high pressure in the abdomen.
Prior surgeries - Incisions from past procedures can leave weak spots.
Aging - Muscles naturally weaken over time.
Family history - Inherited connective tissue disorders can increase risk.

Can You Get a Hernia from Coughing?

Yes, it is possible to get a hernia from chronic or intense coughing. When you cough forcefully over a period of time, it leads to increased pressure and abdominal strain that can potentially cause a portion of the intestines or abdominal tissue to push through a weak spot or opening, resulting in a hernia.

How Can Coughing Cause Hernias?

There are a few ways that coughing can contribute to hernia development:

The strong expulsion of air during coughing can increase intra-abdominal pressure.
Violent muscle contractions during coughing episodes can strain and separate abdominal muscles over time.
Ongoing force and pressure from chronic coughs weaken muscle or connective tissue, allowing a hernia to form.
Medical conditions causing frequent coughing like bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, or smoker’s cough put extra strain on the abdomen.

Types of Hernias Caused by Coughing

Some hernias commonly caused or aggravated by coughing include:

Hiatal hernia - Part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle into the chest cavity.
Inguinal hernia - Intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles.
Umbilical hernia - A portion of the small intestine pushes through an opening near the belly button.
Incisional hernia - Tissue bulges through a surgical wound that hasn't fully healed.

Symptoms of a Hernia

Common signs and symptoms of a hernia include:

A noticeable bulge or swelling under the skin, often increasing with coughing or straining
Pain or discomfort at the hernia site, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
Weakness, pressure, or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
Burning, gurgling, or aching around the hernia area

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the hernia. Some hernias cause very few symptoms, while others can lead to potentially serious complications.

When to See a Doctor

It's important to see a doctor if you notice any possible signs or symptoms of a hernia. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help prevent complications from worsening over time and lower the risk of emergencies occurring.

How Are Hernias Diagnosed?

To diagnose a hernia, doctors typically begin with a physical exam of the abdomen and groin. They may feel for any abnormal bulges or protrusions when the patient stands up, bends over, coughs, or strains.

The following tests can further evaluate a hernia:

Medical imaging - Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans give detailed views to identify hernia type, size, and location.
X-rays - Help rule out bone fractures or intestinal obstructions causing symptoms.
Endoscopy - Allows doctors to examine internal tissues through a tiny camera.

How Are Hernias Treated?

Treatment options for a hernia include:

Watchful waiting - No treatment beyond managing symptoms for minimal or non-bothersome hernias.
Medication - Pain relievers help manage discomfort from the hernia.
Surgery - Necessary for severe, worsening, or strangulated hernias. Repairs weak muscle tissue.

When Is Surgery Needed?

Doctors generally recommend hernia repair surgery if the hernia:

Is very large or causing increasing pain, GI issues, or other concerning symptoms
Shows signs of becoming strangulated with compromised blood flow
Is a femoral or incisional hernia, which tend not to improve on their own
Returns after a previous surgical repair

Surgery is also typically advised for hernias in infants, children, and pregnant women to prevent complications like intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery.

Types of Hernia Surgeries

Some surgical options include:

Open repair - A cut and incision allows the bulge to be pushed back into place and the muscle wall to be stitched closed.
Laparoscopic repair - Small incisions use tiny cameras and specialized instruments to place surgical mesh over weakened areas.
Mesh repair - Reinforces stretched tissues by surgically implanting screen-like mesh patches.

Discuss all treatment options thoroughly with your doctor to determine the best approach for your situation.

Can Hernias Be Prevented?

While hernias from long-term strain like chronic coughing can sometimes be challenging to avoid completely, certain preventive measures can reduce your risk overall.

Hernia Prevention Tips

Maintain a healthy body weight to minimize abdominal strain.
Follow good lifting mechanics when moving heavy items.
Treat respiratory conditions causing persistent coughs when possible.
Quit smoking to reduce smoker’s coughs long-term.
Avoid constipation with high-fiber diets and stay hydrated.
Use proper form and limit intensity when strength training.
Wear an abdominal binder or hernia belt during strenuous activity.

Speak to your doctor if you have ongoing symptoms concerning for a hernia, especially with repeated episodes of abdominal pain, swelling, or feeling that tissue is protruding through. Early intervention can help prevent complications down the road.

FAQs

What medical conditions can cause chronic coughing that leads to hernias?

Many respiratory conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, smoker's cough, and pertussis (whooping cough) often cause frequent, hard coughing episodes that can strain the abdomen and cause hernias over time.

Can you get an umbilical hernia from coughing?

Yes, violent coughing can definitely cause or worsen an umbilical hernia located around the belly button region. The intense abdominal pressure forces intestines or fatty tissue to protrude through an abdominal wall weak spot near the navel.

Is it normal for a hernia caused by coughing to heal on its own?

Hernias, especially larger ones, rarely heal without surgical intervention regardless of the cause. While very small new hernias might disappear over time with rest and reduced strain, hernias from chronic coughing tend to be too far progressed already and require surgery.

How can I manage coughs to lower my hernia risk?

Treating any underlying medical conditions causing coughs, avoiding triggers like smoke inhalation, using cough medications cautiously, employing proper coughing position/techniques, and actively working to suppress forceful coughs can help reduce strain.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.