In a hiatus hernia, also called hiatal hernia, the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. A hiatal hernia may develop from an injury to the chest or diaphragm area, increased pressure in the abdomen, or from substantial weight gain. The condition may cause reflux of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Symptoms such as recurrent heartburn and acid reflux may require treatment, which can include lifestyle changes, medications or surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
According to the Cleveland Clinic, lifestyle changes may successfully treat a hiatus hernia. Losing weight may decrease the extra pressure in the abdomen area. Eating moderate to small portions at every meal helps to maintain a healthy weight. Limiting fatty foods, acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits or juice, foods containing caffeine, and alcoholic beverages helps to reduce stomach acid. Eating meals at least 3 to 4 hours before lying down reduces acid reflux and ensures that the stomach has a sufficient amount of time to empty before going to sleep. Elevating the head of the bed by 6-inches decreases gastric back-flow and helps to keep the stomach's contents in the stomach.
Medications
The doctor may recommend medications for heartburn or acid reflux, reports MayoClinic.com. Over-the-counter antacids neutralize stomach acid and also provide quick relief from symptoms. Medications called H-2-receptor blockers reduce acid production. H-2-receptor blockers don't act as quickly as antacids, but they provide a longer relief from symptoms. Medications called proton pump inhibitors block acid production and also heal an inflamed esophagus damaged by stomach acid.
Surgery
The doctor may recommend a surgical repair of the hernia if medication and lifestyle changes fail to control the symptoms or if complications appear, states Medline Plus. According to MayoClinic.com, a hiatal hernia repair operation requires the surgeon to pull the stomach down into the abdomen and create a smaller opening into the diaphragm. The surgeon removes the hernia sac and reconstructs the esophageal sphincter. The hernia might return after the surgery, but avoiding abdominal stressors such as weight gain, heavy lifting and straining, helps to reduce the risk of recurrence, notes the Cleveland clinic.
