Hiatal Hernia - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
Below is an article on the topic Hiatal Hernia - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments compiled by the editors of Gootoplist.com. Gootoplist - a general information page about useful tips for life
NEW!Telehealth Resource Center
In rare cases, hiatal hernia can result in serious complications. This includes a strangulated hernia or esophageal ulcers. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for the following symptoms:
This article explores hiatal hernias, including their symptoms and diagnosis. It also explores how doctors approach hiatal hernia treatment.
With a hiatal hernia, the stomach is able to go up through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm. The hiatus is a sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. A typical hiatus lets the esophagus transfer swallowed food to the stomach. It does not allow the stomach to push up through it.
Often, a hiatal hernia is not a serious condition. In fact, less than 10% of people with the condition have symptoms. Doctors recommend treating hiatal hernias that cause symptoms.
Hiatal hernia complications are rare. However, hiatal hernia may occur with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This can lead to complications such as ulcers in the esophagus and bleeding in the digestive tract.
Seek prompt medical care if you have hiatal hernia symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce discomfort and the risk of complications.
Chest pain can be a symptom of hiatal hernia. However, it can also indicate a heart attack. Call 911 for chest pain that has not been previously evaluated for possible heart attack. Other serious symptoms that warrant immediate medical care include vomiting blood.
Hiatal hernia symptoms can vary in nature and severity between people. Most people have no symptoms or complications. When symptoms occur, they often relate to acid reflux into the esophagus due to GERD. Symptoms can range in severity from mild to severe and include:
There are two main types of hiatal hernias:
Muscle weakness or loss of flexibility in the diaphragm may play a role. A 2021 article explains that some cases of hiatal hernia are the result of injury due to increased abdominal pressure. This could occur with heavy lifting or violent coughing, straining, or vomiting. It is possible for babies to be born with a hiatal hernia as well. This birth defect is called congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
A number of factors increase the chance of developing a hiatal hernia. Not all people with risk factors will develop the condition. Factors linked to hiatal hernia include:
Preventing a disease or condition often relies on changing risk factors that you can control. You may be able to lower your chance of developing a hiatal hernia or complications of one by:
If a hiatal hernia causes symptoms, it may help to avoid foods that trigger them. This means limiting or eliminating the following:
Ask your doctor for guidance before making significant changes to your diet.
Learn about home remedies to soothe acid reflux and heartburn.
GERD is a condition closely related to hiatal hernia. The symptoms of the two conditions overlap. In addition, it is common to have both conditions. However, it is possible to have one and not the other, so they do not necessarily cause one another. Rather, it is likely that having a hiatal hernia increases the chances of having GERD.
To diagnose your condition, your doctor will take a medical history and possibly order testing. A physical exam and feeling your abdomen is unlikely to help with the diagnosis. However, your doctor may feel for lymph nodes around your neck and listen to your heart and lungs.
Questions your doctor may ask include:
Tests and procedures for diagnosing hiatal hernia include:
Hiatal hernias without symptoms often show up when doctors use these tests to diagnose other problems.
Hiatal hernia treatment often involves medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes. There are anecdotal stories that this at-home protocol may help push the stomach back down through the diaphragm:
Note: These steps are not backed by scientific evidence or studies. Before you try this method, talk with your healthcare professional for guidance.
Hiatal hernia treatment aims to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment depends on several factors. These include the severity of your symptoms, the type of hiatal hernia, the presence of other diseases, and your age and medical history.
Hiatal hernia treatment includes:
For hiatal hernia with GERD, drug treatment may include:
For people with a chance of complications from the hernia, surgery may be necessary. After pushing the stomach below the diaphragm, the surgeon will suture a mesh plug over the opening or use sutures to strengthen the area.
What to ask your doctor about hernia surgery.
Complications of hiatal hernia can be serious but are not common. They include obstructed hiatal hernia and strangulated hiatal hernia. A strangulated hernia cuts off blood supply to the stomach. It is a medical emergency.
When GERD is also present, acidic stomach contents back flow into the esophagus. With time, this can damage the esophagus and lead to the following conditions:
Here are a few commonly asked questions about hiatal hernia. The answers have been medically reviewed by Dr. Saurabh Sethi.
Many people with a hiatal hernia do not have symptoms. However, when symptoms do manifest, they are often linked to acid reflux. You may experience heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting.
Treatment for a hiatal hernia typically involves lifestyle and diet changes, medications to treat GERD, or surgery. You should discuss any at-home treatments or exercises with your doctor first.
A hiatal hernia is rarely serious, and you may not have any symptoms at all. However, hiatal hernias can lead to a strangulated hernia or esophageal ulcers. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, sudden or severe abdominal or chest pain, or bloody vomiting, seek immediate medical care.
Omeprazole can help relieve the symptoms of a hiatal hernia that occur with GERD. Omeprazole is a PPI, which means that it reduces the amount of stomach acid your body produces.
A hiatal hernia is a common condition that usually does not cause symptoms. If you have one that causes discomfort or acid reflux, treatments are available. Options include medicines to manage symptoms and surgery. Complications of hiatal hernia are rare.
Privacy Policy | Advertising Policy | Privacy Preferences Center | Do Not Sell My Personal Information
© Copyright 2022 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, a Red Ventures Company, Patent US Nos. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. All Rights Reserved. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law.
Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Above is the article Hiatal Hernia - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments shared by Gootoplist team. Next, I also write an article related to this article to synthesize the knowledge about how to fix a hiatal hernia yourself Hope to bring you useful information, thank you for your interest and follow. track!
