Problems With a Hiatal Hernia

The underlying cause of a hiatal hernia is unknown and tends to occur more frequently in obese people, middle-aged women and in those who smoke. In some cases, a hiatal hernia can be present at birth.

Features

• A hiatal hernia is a defect in the diaphragm that permits a portion of the stomach to pass through the diaphragmatic opening into the chest. Some people who have a hiatal hernia are unaware of the condition. They have no symptoms and do not require treatment.

Treatment

• If you experience constant symptoms such as burning, warmth or pain behind the breast bone, see your doctor. Changing your lifestyle or diet may relieve the symptoms.

Considerations

• People with more severe symptoms of heartburn may suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Hiatal hernia and GERD may occur together, according to Mayo Clinic.

Warning

• Many people with a hiatal hernia have no symptoms. Others may experience acid reflux as the efficiency of the muscle at the end of the esophagus is weakened. In severe cases, outpatient surgery may be required to return the protruding part of the stomach to the abdomen, preventing the reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus.

Types

• Two types of a hiatal hernia are sliding and para-esophageal. In a sliding hernia, the stomach and gastroesophageal junction slip up into the chest. With the para-esophageal hernia, a part of the greater curvature of the stomach rolls up through the diaphragm.