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Treatment for a Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is a common condition wherein the upper portion of your stomach protrudes into your chest cavity due to a weakness in the diaphragm. Many hiatal hernias have no symptoms and require no medical treatment.

  1. Anatomy

    • The hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm---the muscular wall separating the chest cavity from the abdomen.

    Features

    • The most recognizable symptom for a hiatal hernia is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a sharp burning feeling that moves from the lower abdomen up into your chest. It may also be combined with occasional acidic regurgitation when bending over.

    Considerations

    • Although there is a link between GERD and hiatal hernias, neither condition has been found to cause the other; often those with hernias do not have GERD, and many suffering from GERD do not have hiatal hernias.

    Prevention/Solution

    • People who smoke or are overweight have a higher propensity towards the development of hiatal hernias. If the hernia's blood supply is in danger of being cut off, laparoscopic surgery may be required to move the portion of stomach back into its proper place.

    Warning

    • If left unchecked, extreme GERD symptoms can lead to esophagitis.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Experts theorize that in addition to genetic factors, some hiatal hernias may be caused by pressures created in the abdomen from pregnancy and delivery, weight gain, or persistent coughing and straining during bowel movements.

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