What is Hiatal Hernia?
Hiatal hernia is a condition characterized by the displacement of the stomach part from the diaphragm into the chest cavity. It usually arises from the opening where the stomach and esophagus meet. This condition is especially common in older people and people who are overweight. Most cases of hiatal hernia do not cause symptoms and are usually detected incidentally. However, in some cases, it may cause symptoms such as burning, sourness, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes pain under the breast. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medication when necessary. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Hiatal Hernia Treatment
Treatment for hiatal hernia is generally aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. In most cases, lifestyle changes and medication are sufficient. Lifestyle changes include losing weight, standing upright after meals, elevating the head of the bed, and avoiding trigger foods (acidic, spicy, and fatty foods). Acid-regulating medications (proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers) and antacids can relieve symptoms by reducing stomach acid. In severe or complicated cases of hiatal hernia, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery may involve placing the stomach back into the abdominal cavity and repairing the diaphragm opening.
Stomach Hernia Symptoms
Symptoms of a hiatal hernia include burning sensation under the breast, sourness, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes abdominal pain. In severe cases, symptoms such as vomiting and food getting stuck in the esophagus may occur.
Hiatal Hernia Causes and Risk Factors
Although the causes of hiatal hernia are not fully known, factors such as weakness in the diaphragm and increased intra-abdominal pressure play a role. Aging, obesity, smoking and some physical activities may increase the risk.
Hiatal Hernia and Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are recommended for management of hiatal hernia symptoms. These include losing weight, standing upright after meals, elevating the head of the bed, and avoiding trigger foods.
Stomach Hernia Complications
Left untreated, a hiatal hernia can sometimes lead to serious complications, such as compression of the stomach part and reduced blood flow. These situations may require urgent intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia can sometimes be asymptomatic. But if symptoms do occur, they include burning under the breast, sourness, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes abdominal pain. In severe cases, symptoms such as vomiting and food getting stuck in the esophagus may occur.
Hiatal hernias are usually diagnosed with imaging tests such as endoscopy or barium x-ray. These tests allow a detailed examination of the structure of the stomach and esophagus.
Hiatal hernia treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, and lifestyle changes and medication are usually sufficient. Serious cases may require surgical intervention.
It can be difficult to prevent hiatal hernia completely, but lifestyle changes can be made to reduce the risk, such as losing weight, exercising regularly and avoiding heavy lifting.
Hiatal hernia can lead to complications in some cases, such as compression of the stomach part and reduced blood flow. Such complications may require urgent medical attention.
