Hiatal hernia: symptoms, causes, treatment

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Definition of a hiatal hernia

What is a hiatal hernia?

Hiatal hernia is a condition when the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscular wall that separates the stomach from the chest. This muscle helps prevent stomach acid from rising up into the esophagus.

When you have a hiatal hernia, it is easier for stomach acid to rise. Leaking of acid from the stomach into the esophagus is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease can cause complications in the stomach and throat.

How common is this condition?

Anyone of any age group can experience a hiatal hernia. However, this condition is more common in women, people who are overweight, and people who are over 50 years of age.

You can prevent getting this disease by reducing the risk factors. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms of hiatal hernia

What are the signs and symptoms of a hiatal hernia?

Most people with this condition often experience no symptoms. Even so, in general, some of the typical signs and symptoms that often appear are:

• burning sensation in the stomach,
• heartburn (heartburn),
• frequent burps, and
• in rare cases, difficulty swallowing.

Usually symptoms appear one hour after a person has finished eating. Leaning back or lying down can worsen heartburn. If the hernia has caused irritation of the esophagus, bleeding may occur.

There may be other signs and symptoms that have not been mentioned. If you have any concerns or questions regarding a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and feel severe pain in the chest and abdominal area, see your doctor immediately for further treatment.

In addition, you also need to get checked out if the condition is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or cannot pass gas. You may have a herniated pinching or disorder, which is a medical emergency.

Everyone's body can react in a variety of ways. Therefore, make sure you consult your doctor if you experience any complaints related to hernias, even if these complaints are not common.

Causes of hiatal hernias

What causes this condition?

The diaphragm normally has a kind of small hole called a hiatus. This hole is passed by the esophagus which is the link between the mouth and the stomach.

A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the diaphragm muscle is weakened so that the upper part of the stomach sticks out through the hiatus. It is not known exactly what causes the diaphragm to weaken, but it may be related to the following conditions.

• Born with a large hiatus.
• Decreased diaphragm muscle strength due to increasing age.
• Injury to the diaphragm, for example from impact or surgery.
• Continuous pressure on the muscles around the diaphragm due to coughing, vomiting, lifting heavy objects, the habit of straining during bowel movements, etc.

Risk factors for hiatal hernia

What increases my risk for a hiatal hernia?

Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing a hiatal hernia are:

• pregnancy,
• obesity,
• frequent coughing vigorously, and
• straining during bowel movements.

In addition, people over 50 years of age have a higher risk of developing a hernia on their diaphragm. This is because the diaphragm, like any other muscle in the body, weakens with age.

Hiatal hernia diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests to diagnose a hernia in the diaphragm?

Hiatal hernias are often diagnosed when a patient is tested to find out the cause heartburn , chest pain, or upper stomach pain. The following types of tests are usually performed.

• Endoscopy. Endoscopy is performed by inserting a long, small tube-shaped instrument with a camera through the esophagus. This tool can show the condition of your digestive tract and detect hernias.
• X-rays. You will have an X-ray after drinking the barium solution, which clarifies the color of your digestive tract.
• Esophageal manometry . This test measures the rhythm of motion and pressure of the esophageal muscles when you swallow.

What are the treatment options available?

The main treatment that can be done to treat hiatal hernias is to make lifestyle changes to be healthier. The goal of this treatment is to control symptoms and prevent complications.

The rising of the stomach can trigger an increase in stomach acid so that sufferers often experience ulcer symptoms. You can overcome this by making various efforts to prevent stomach acid from rising.

Limit or avoid various foods that trigger acid reflux, which can worsen symptoms. Do not lie down immediately after you eat, as this will make it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

Before going to bed, elevate your head about 10-15 on the mattress. Raising your head can help keep acidic fluids in your stomach while you sleep.

If these changes don't work, your doctor may prescribe medication. The types of drugs that are commonly prescribed are antacids, ranitidine, famotidine, and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole.

If symptoms cannot be controlled or complications arise, the doctor may recommend surgery to correct the position of the stomach. Complications can include sores, ulcers, or bleeding in the digestive tract.

Home treatment of hiatal hernias

What are some home remedies that can help with this condition?

Here are some lifestyle changes and home remedies to help you deal with hiatal hernias.

• Lose weight if it was previously excess.
• Eat slowly.
• Eat 4 - 5 times a day with small portions instead of three large meals a day.
• Avoid eating fried, spicy, or fatty foods until your condition improves.

A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach sticks out into the diaphragm muscle because a part of the muscle is weakened. Even though there is no specific treatment, you can consult a doctor to find out what treatment options can be done.