A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pokes through the diaphragm, according to the Mayo Clinic. The hiatus is the opening where the esophagus leads through the diaphragm and into the stomach. According to MedlinePlus, hiatal hernias are common, especially in people over age 50. A common complication of hiatal hernias is increased acid reflux.
Causes
Hiatal hernias are very common; MedlinePlus reports many people suffer from the condition and are unaware the hiatal hernia exists. The exact cause of the condition remains unknown, but MedlinePlus notes that hiatal hernia might be associated with advanced age, obesity and smoking. When infants and children suffer from the condition, it is often due to a congenital birth defect.
Symptoms
A mild hiatal hernia often goes undetected, and patients often show no signs or symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Larger hernias show symptoms, including heavy acid reflux, heartburn and chest pain. Heartburn worsens when a person bends over or lies down. A person with this condition may feel the increasing need to belch and experience nausea. Still, a hiatal hernia alone does not cause direct symptoms. The symptoms associated with the condition are caused by the increase in stomach acid reflux.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes in everyday habits could decrease acid reflux, the primary complication of a hiatal hernia. Instead of eating three large meals a day, eat six to eight smaller meals to decrease acid reflux. MedlinePlus also recommends remaining upright after eating a meal. Walking and physical activity is encouraged after eating. Weight loss and smoking cessation also can help control symptoms associated with hiatal hernias.
Medications
When home remedies or lifestyle changes do not decrease hiatal hernia symptoms, a medical professional might suggest or prescribe medications. Both over-the-counter medications and stronger prescription drugs help counteract hiatal hernia symptoms. Stomach acid neutralizers and medications that reduce production of stomach acid are often administered, according to the Mayo Clinic. Over-the-counter antacids provide quick relief, while H-2 receptor blockers provide longer lasting help.
Surgery
Surgery to correct a hiatal hernia is rare. The Mayo Clinic states that surgery is common in emergency situations and if medications do not resolve symptoms. The stomach may be repositioned and the opening, or hiatus, reduced in size. The hernia sac may be surgically removed. However, the Cleveland Clinic reports there is no guarantee the hernia will not return. It suggests that patients avoid heavy abdominal lifting, pressure or straining to decrease the risk of the condition recurring.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Hiatal Hernia
- MedlinePlus: Hiatal Hernia
- American Journal of Roentgenology: Association of Hiatal Hernia and Gastroesophageal Reflux--Correlation Between Presence and Size of Hiatal Hernia and 24-hour pH Monitoring of the Esophagus
- Cleveland Clinic: Hiatal Hernia
- MedlinePlus: Hiatal Hernia
