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Hiatus Hernia Symptoms & Treatment

A hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia is a condition where a part of the stomach pushes into the diaphragm. Some people are genetically predisposed to this condition, as they have a larger than normal esophagus hiatus. In other cases, it is the result of acid reflux. There are two different types of hiatus hernias, one that commonly presents with symptoms and one that usually does not.

  1. Identification

    • When you eat, food travels down the esophagus, which passes through the chest, the diaphragm muscle and into the stomach. This tube enters the stomach through a hole called the esophageal hiatus. In the case of a hiatus hernia, this opening is larger than normal. This larger opening allows a portion of the stomach to herniate, or slip up into the chest.

    Sliding Hiatal Hernia

    • The sliding hiatal hernia is the most common type of hiatal hernia. In this condition, the stomach only pushes into the chest when you swallow and then it moves back into its normal position. In most cases, this condition is present without any symptoms.

    Para-esophageal Hiatal Hernia

    • With this type of hernia, the stomach intrudes into the chest at all times. If the hernia is large enough, which is rare, it may hinder the passage of food into the stomach. Ulcers can develop as a result of the food getting stuck.

    GERD

    • If a hiatal hernia causes symptoms, it is in the form of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease ). This can lead to heartburn, trouble swallowing, chronic cough or sore throat, regurgitation and nausea.

    Treatment

    • If your hernia is causing symptoms, medication is available to treat GERD. In addition, you may need to change your diet to avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms. If the hernia is large and causing complications, you may need surgery to remove the hernia.

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