Hiatal Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Disease Insights: hernia-hiatal

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Welcome to the ultimate guide on hernia hiatal. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.

Description for hernia hiatal

A condition where part of the stomach pushes into the chest through the diaphragm.

Symptoms of hernia hiatal

belching, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, regurgitation of food or liquid

Precautions for hernia hiatal

Avoid heavy lifting, Maintain a healthy weight, Take medications for acid reflux, Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Questions Covered:

what is hernia hiatal?
What are the usual symptoms of hernia hiatal?
How do doctors usually treat hernia hiatal?
causes of hernia hiatal?
How do doctors usually figure out if someone has hernia hiatal, diagnosis?
What are the ways to prevent hernia hiatal?

Answers:

Question: what is hernia hiatal?

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm and into your chest region. Hiatal hernias don't always cause symptoms. Hiatal hernia symptoms may include heartburn, acid reflux, and chest pain.

Question: What are the usual symptoms of hernia hiatal?

It's rare for even fixed hiatal hernias to cause symptoms. If you do experience any symptoms, they're usually caused by stomach acid, bile, or air entering your esophagus. Common symptoms include:
heartburn that gets worse when you lean over or lie down
acid reflux or GERD
chest pain or epigastric pain
trouble swallowing
belching

Question: How do doctors usually treat hernia hiatal?

Most cases of hiatal hernia don't require treatment. The presence of symptoms usually determines treatment. If you have acid reflux and heartburn, you may be treated with medications or, if those don't work, surgery.
Medications
Medications your doctor may prescribe include:
over-the-counter (OTC) antacids to neutralize stomach acid
OTC or prescription H2-receptor blockers that lower acid production
OTC or prescription proton pump inhibitors to prevent acid production, giving your esophagus time to heal
Diet
Hiatal hernia causes
acid reflux symptoms. Changing your diet can reduce your symptoms. It may help to eat smaller meals several times a day instead of three large meals. You should also avoid eating meals or snacks within a few hours of going to bed.
There are also certain foods that may increase your risk of heartburn. Consider avoiding
:
spicy foods
chocolate
foods made with tomatoes
caffeine
onions
citrus fruits
alcohol
Other ways to reduce your symptoms include:
stopping smoking
raising the head of your bed by at least 6 inches
avoiding bending over or lying down after eating

Question: causes of hernia hiatal?

The exact cause of many hiatal hernias is not known. In some people, injury or other damage may weaken muscle tissue. This makes it possible for your stomach to push through your diaphragm.
Another cause is putting too much pressure (repeatedly) on the muscles around your stomach. This can happen when:
coughing
vomiting
straining during bowel movements
lifting heavy objects
Some people are also born with an abnormally large hiatus. This makes it easier for the stomach to move through it.
Factors that can increase your risk of a hiatal hernia include:
obesity
aging
smoking
You may not avoid a hiatal hernia entirely, but you can avoid making a hernia worse by:
losing excess weight
not straining during bowel movements
getting help when lifting heavy objects
avoiding tight belts and certain abdominal exercises

Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has hernia hiatal, diagnosis?

Several tests
can diagnose a hiatal hernia.
Barium swallow
Your doctor may have you drink a liquid with barium in it before taking an X-ray. This X-ray provides a clear silhouette of your upper digestive tract. The image allows your doctor to see the location of your stomach. If it's protruding through your diaphragm, you have a hiatal hernia.
Endoscopy
Your doctor may perform an endoscopy. They'll slide a thin tube in your throat and pass it down to your esophagus and stomach. Your doctor will then be able to see if your stomach is pushing through your diaphragm. Any strangulation or obstruction will also be visible.

Question: What are the ways to prevent hernia hiatal?

Doctors don't know exactly what causes hiatal hernias or how to prevent them from happening.
But certain factors like living with obesity and smoking may increase your risk of a hiatial hernia, so maintaining a moderate weight and quitting smoking may help decrease your risk of developing one.

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Conclusion & Takeaways

Learning about hernia hiatal is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.