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Hiatial Hernia Treatments

A hiatal hernia occurs when your stomach protrudes through your esophagus and diaphragm and into the chest. Roughly 15 percent of adults have such a hernia, although many have no symptoms. Most hernias are "sliding," meaning they come and go, but more serious ones are permanent. The most common symptom is heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, where stomach acid splashes up painfully into the esophagus. (Note: It's possible to have GERD without a hiatal hernia.)

  1. Prevent Heartburn

    • Avoid spicy, fried and fatty foods; citrus fruits; tomatoes; chocolate; and onions. Dairy products, including milk, cheese and sour cream can also cause problems. Beverages to avoid include fruit juices, lemonade, caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea, carbonated sodas (colas pack a double whammy with caffeine, too) and alcohol. Smoking and taking aspirin can also cause heartburn.

    Safe Foods

    • You probably will not suffer heartburn eating bananas, apples, baked potatoes, peas, carrots, egg whites, lean red meat, chicken breasts, multigrain breads and cereals, and fat-free or low-fat diary products.

    Drug Treatments

    • Over-the-counter antacids provide almost instant relief by neutralizing stomach acid, but they last only a few hours and do not curb acid production. The main ingredients are magnesium or aluminum hydroxide (Mylanta, Maalox), sodium bicarbonate (Alka Seltzer), or calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids).

      Stronger drugs that actually block acid production for a few hours were once prescription-only, but are now available over the counter. Brand names are Zantac, Tagamet and Pepcid.

      Proton-pump inhibitors are even stronger and last longer, blocking acid production for up to a day. Many are available only by prescription (Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium), but Prilosec is now available without prescription as a generic called omeprazole. Take these drugs at the same time every day (preferably morning) for continuous relief.

    Lose Weight

    • Eat smaller, more frequent meals to burn calories at a more steady rate and simultaneously keep acid production in check.

    Sleep Better

    • Stop eating two or three hours before bedtime. In bed, elevate your head so gravity can keep stomach acid down. Either boost the head of your bed with bricks or blocks under the legs, or use an extra pillow or a wedge-shaped pillow.

    Surgery

    • Surgery is your last resort if drugs don't work. Basically, your stomach is pulled down, the opening to the esophagus is made smaller, and the esophagus is anchored more securely to your diaphragm.

    Warning

    • A glass of milk used to be a favorite cure for heartburn, but its calcium and protein actually encourage more stomach acid and you soon feel even worse.

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