How to Diagnose Hiatal Hernia With Ultrasound

Hiatal hernia is a condition characterized by distension of the stomach and its protrusion into the diaphragm region. Hiatal hernia can present at birth or can be acquired later on in life. Hiatal hernia that is acquired later mainly results from conditions such as cough, strain on the abdominal region during bowel movement and from pregnancy. Techniques typically used to diagnose hiatal hernia are barium swallow and endoscopy. However, ultrasound is another more recent means of diagnosing hiatal hernia.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for persistence of signs indicative of hiatal hernia such as regurgitation, inability to swallow, belching and hiccups. The presence of two or more of these symptoms is cause for concern and can be confirmed through a doctor's diagnosis.

• 2

  See your doctor for an ultrasound, if symptoms are recurring frequently. Ensure that the appointment is in the morning as a three-hour minimum fast is required prior to an ultrasound appointment.

• 3

  Drink plenty of water before your ultrasound appointment to fulfill the full bladder requirement. Any sort of distension of stomach or enlargement of the hiatus can be viewed clearly with ultrasound. Visible bulges on the hiatus muscle without any inflammation on the skin or other deformities surrounding the site in question can be attributed to a hernia.