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Nonacid Reflux Treatment for Hiatal Hernias

A hiatal hernia causes a person's stomach to push upward through a hole in the diaphragm muscle into the chest cavity and can cause acid reflux. Doctors may use other treatments besides acid reflux medication to treat a hiatal hernia.

  1. Large Meals

    • According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, patients with a hiatal hernia should avoid heavy or large meals that can aggravate symptoms of this condition.

    Posture

    • Hiatal hernia patients should refrain from bending over or lying down after a meal because these changes in posture can increase acid reflux.

    Weight Loss

    • People with a hiatal hernia may see an improvement in their symptoms after they lose weight.

    Smoking

    • Smokers with a hiatal hernia may improve their condition if they quit smoking.

    Surgery

    • Patients with a chronic hiatal hernia that does not respond to other forms of treatment may need a surgical repair of the hernia.

    Acid Reflux Medication

    • Doctors may treat acid reflux symptoms of a hiatal hernia with acid reflux medications that reduce stomach acid production, neutralize stomach acid or strengthen the sphincter muscle of the esophagus.

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