Hiatal Hernia Symptoms & Treatment

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the opening of the diaphragm where the esophagus meets the stomach. Small hiatal hernias usually cause no symptoms or problems. Large hiatal hernias can let food and acid flow backward into the esophagus and may require surgery to repair.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of hiatal hernia include nausea, belching, heartburn and chest pain. Symptoms may get worse when laying down, lifting heavy objects or leaning forward.

Rare Symptoms

• In rare cases hiatal hernia symptoms will include esophageal obstruction, trouble swallowing and severe chest pain.

Medicines

• Hiatal hernia treatment includes medicine to relieve symptoms. Antacids and H-2 blockers such as Pepcid help with heartburn. Proton-pump inhibitors such as Prevacid help with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Surgery

• Surgical treatment of hiatal hernia includes removing the hernia, reconstructing a weakened esophageal sphincter, or pulling the stomach into the abdomen and making a smaller diaphragm opening.

Lifestyle Changes

• Lifestyle changes are used to alleviate hiatal hernia symptoms. They include avoiding foods which cause problems, avoiding alcohol, limiting fatty foods, losing weight, not exercising right after eating and not wearing tight-fitting clothing.