What are the causes of hernia in the abdomen?

Nature/Nurture: Most hernias arise as "birth defects" during fetal development, others due to inherent weakness in the abdominal wall, and yet others due to predisposing factors such as prior abdominal surgery, obesity, smoking, chronic steroid use, heavy lifting. Common locations for hernias include the groin, the belly button, and the upper abdomen.

Many: While the exact cause for a particular person may be unknown, there are many factors that are associated with hernia disease such as collagen disorders which can be genetically determined, previous surgery, infection, trauma, or congenital (born with it). Although relatively uncommon, coughing can cause a hernia in the groin. There also is likely more than one factor in the cause.