Cause 2: Persistent and Forceful Coughing
One might rarely connect the act of coughing to the development of a hiatal hernia, but the link is indeed profound. A forceful, persistent cough generates significant pressure within the thoracic cavity. Every episode of such coughing exerts an instantaneous, vigorous strain on the diaphragm, which serves as the boundary between the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
Imagine the diaphragm as a sturdy wall designed to withstand daily pressures. But like any barrier subjected to repeated blows, the diaphragm too can show signs of wear and tear. Persistent coughing acts like those recurrent blows, weakening the muscle over time. If one visualizes the diaphragm as an elastic sheet, continuous coughing is akin to pulling and releasing it, causing it to stretch and eventually wear out.
Now, the act of coughing itself isn’t typically the primary issue. It’s a symptom, often indicative of other underlying health conditions. Chronic respiratory problems like asthma or COPD, infections that inflame the respiratory tract, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to continuous coughing. Thus, it becomes essential not just to address the hernia risk but to identify and manage the root cause of the cough. (2)
