Question: What can cause a hiatal hernia?
Answer: There are a number of contributing factors that can cause hiatal hernias:
- Sudden physical exertion, such as when weight lifting
- Abdominal injury that causes a hole or tear in the diaphragm
- Increased pressure in the abdominal cavity caused by constant hard coughing, vomiting, straining during bowel movements
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Tight clothing around the abdomen
- Constipation
