A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach begins to squeeze through the diaphragm and then into the chest. The diaphragm is a thin sheet of muscle that separates the stomach from the abdomen.
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach begins to squeeze through the diaphragm and then into the chest. The diaphragm is a thin sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and has a small opening called a hiatus. There are four types of hiatal hernia. A sliding hiatal hernia is the most common type of hiatal hernia. In this type of hiatal hernia, the hernia tends to move up and down through the diaphragm. Symptoms may include heartburn, vomiting, bloating, trouble swallowing, acid reflux, frequent belching, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.
What causes hiatal hernia?
According to Dr Rajiv Manek, Consultant, General, Metabolic and Bariatric Laparoscopic Surgery, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, “A number of factors can lead to hiatal hernia in children and adults. The diaphragm can weaken over time as you age, causing the stomach to bulge. Increased strain on the abdomen due to coughing, vomiting, frequent bowel movements or being overweight. In some people, the diaphragm muscles are naturally weak or are born with a hiatal opening that is quite larger than usual, leading to a hiatal hernia. Certain lifestyle choices can also contribute to the prevalence of hiatal hernia. This includes choices such as excessive smoking, overeating (which puts pressure on the abdomen), physical activities that involve heavy lifting, and chronic conditions that lead to coughing, such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and bronchitis.”
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing a hiatal hernia is to see a doctor for timely medical intervention. The doctor may examine your abdomen closely and ask you about the symptoms you have been experiencing. In some cases, an upper endoscopy is performed, which involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera through the mouth to closely examine the esophagus and stomach and look for complications or major injuries. The barium swallow test is another type of test performed to detect hiatal hernia. In this test, the patient is asked to swallow a liquid containing barium, and then X-rays are taken to see how the liquid moves through the esophagus and stomach.
Treatment
Hiatal hernia treatment requires a multifaceted approach to achieve a quick recovery. Your doctor may suggest certain lifestyle changes, such as losing weight through diet or physical activity, quitting smoking, and avoiding foods that aggravate heartburn symptoms. He or she may also suggest certain medications to significantly reduce acid reflux and improve your health. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to effectively treat hiatal hernia.
