A hiatal hernia is a complication in which a section of the stomach bulges upwards through the chest through a diaphragm. The diaphragm refers to the muscle that aids you in breathing and is that one that divides the chest and the abdomen. As a rule, the stomach remains below the diaphragm. However, with a weak or an enlarged hiatus, stomach may slip upwards. This situation is referred to as hiatal hernia.
Learning the concepts of what is hiatal hernia can also be used to diagnose it early and manage it without much struggle.
Types of Hiatal Hernia
There are two main hiatal hernia types:
Sliding Hiatal Hernia
This is the most common type. The downwardly protruding portion of the esophagus and the upwardly sliding portion of the stomach are moved in and out of the chest. It tends to result in acid reflux.
Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia
Less common but more serious. One section of the stomach works its way through the hiatus, and remains there next to the esophagus. It may also cause a loss of blood supply to the stomach in other cases and this needs emergency intervention.
Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
Many individuals who have small size hernias do not have any symptoms. Symptoms occur when they are usually associated with acid reflux. Common hiatal hernia symptoms include:
- Heartburn or burning sensation in the chest
- Acid or food coming back up into the mouth
- Chest discomfort, especially after eating
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling full very quickly while eating
- Burping or bloating
- Nausea
A question often asked is: Where is hiatal hernia pain located on a woman?
The pain is usually felt:
- Behind the breastbone
- In the upper abdomen
- Spreading backwards or to the throat.
The women can occasionally misinterpret the pain to heart or gallbladder problems.
Causes and Risk Factors
The hiatal hernias normally happen as a result of straining the abdominal muscles. Common causes include:
- Heavy lifting
- Pregnancy
- Chronic coughing
- Obesity
- Aging (weakening of diaphragm muscles)
- Constant straining due to constipation
Hiatal Hernia & Acid Reflux
The hiatal hernia will facilitate an upward movement of stomach acid into the esophagus and cause GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Not all of them will have reflux, however, many do.
Hiatal Hernia Treatment
Lifestyle changes and drugs can adequately handle most of the cases before resolving to a surgical procedure. The following are standard practices of hiatal hernia treatment options:
1. Medications
- Antacids (to neutralize acid)
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (to decrease the production of acid)
- H2 blockers (lessen the amount of acid released during the digestive process)
2. Diet and Eating Habits
- Have smaller and more frequent meals.
- Avoid tomato, citrus and spicy and fried foods.
- Restrict coffee, chocolate, mint, soft drinks, and alcohol.
- Do not lie down immediately after meals
Hiatal Hernia Self-Care Tips
Technology and lifestyle management help decrease the discomfort to a big extent:
- Eat well to ensure that the abdomen is not pressed.
- Elevate your head end of the bed 6-8 inches to avoid night reflux.
- Tight clothes should be avoided and your stomach should not be pressed.
- Stop smoking to make the body less acidic and build better muscles.
- Do some exercises with the core (no heavy lifting).
These hiatal hernia self care habits can greatly improve comfort.
When Is Hiatal Hernia Surgery Needed?
Hiatal hernia surgery may be recommended if:
- Symptoms are extreme and not responding to medication.
- The hernia is large
- Paraesophageal hernia has been identified (because of the danger of entrapment of stomach)
- It is persistent bleeding, scarring or difficulty in swallowing.
The usually performed operation is Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, in which the upper section of the stomach is wound around the esophagus to avoid acid reflux and the gap between the diaphragm tightened.
The surgery is also usually safe, minimally invasive and the recovery is also faster as opposed to open surgery.
Final Thoughts
A hiatal hernia may be a frightening diagnosis, yet, so many individuals can cope with it with lifestyle modifications as well as with appropriate treatment. Complications may be prevented and discomfort eased by listening to symptoms and improving dietary habits and timely medical examination.
In case of persistent and severe symptoms, it is recommended to consult a medical specialist regarding further methods of treatment and the need to undergo surgery.