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A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach bulges through the diaphragm, the muscular partition separating your chest and abdomen. This upward shift can cause a range of symptoms and discomfort. Let's delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hiatal hernias in this blog. We have compiled all the facts including its types, symptoms, causes and treatment.
Synopsis
Types of Hiatal Hernias
There are two main types of hiatal hernias:
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Sliding Hiatal Hernia: This is the most common type, where the stomach and the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) - the muscular valve between the oesophagus and stomach - move upwards together through the diaphragm.
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Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia: In this case, the stomach herniates alongside the oesophagus, but the LES remains in its normal position within the diaphragm.
Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
Many people with hiatal hernias experience no symptoms at all. However, when hiatal hernia symptoms do occur, they can include:
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Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often worsened by eating, lying down, or bending over.
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Acid Reflux: Stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, causing a sour taste in the mouth.
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Regurgitation: The feeling of food or liquid coming back up into your throat or mouth.
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Chest Pain: Discomfort or tightness in the chest, which can sometimes be mistaken for heartburn.
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Difficulty Swallowing: This can be a sign of a large hiatal hernia.
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Feeling full or Bloated: Especially after eating.
Note: These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to consult an expert gastroenterologist in Patiala for a proper diagnosis.
Hiatal Hernia Causes
The exact cause of hiatal hernias is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute:
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Increased Pressure on the Abdomen: This can be caused by obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, or persistent coughing.
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Weakened Diaphragm: Age-related weakening of the diaphragm can increase the risk of a hiatal hernia.
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Congenital Factors: Some people are born with a larger hiatal opening, making them more susceptible to hernias.
Hiatal Hernia Treatment
Treatment for a hiatal hernia depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you experience no discomfort, lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Here are some options:
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Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding trigger foods like spicy or acidic foods, and elevating the head of your bed during sleep can all help manage symptoms.
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Medications: Over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications may be used to neutralise stomach acid and reduce heartburn.
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Surgery: In severe cases where lifestyle changes and medication are ineffective, surgery might be an option.
When to See a Gastroenterologist in Patiala
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Frequent or severe heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain that is severe or persistent
- Vomiting blood or having bloody stools
Early diagnosis and treatment of hiatal hernias can help prevent complications like oesophagal ulcers and strictures (narrowing of the oesophagus).
Book a consultation with our experienced gastroenterologist in Patiala for diagnosis and personalised treatment. You can also bookmark our blog page to read the latest blogs shared by our doctors on nutrition, lifestyle, diseases and treatment. We aim to disseminate medically accurate information through these blogs so that you can make well-informed decisions and not rely on myths and home remedies when you must seek immediate medical attention.
FAQ's
Following are some things that you can avoid to prevent Hiatal Hernia from worsening:
- Fatty foods
- Citrus foods
- Spicy foods
- Foods rich in sodium
- Alcoholic beverages
Yes, surgery is a solution that can offer a permanent solution. Lifestyle and dietary modifications can also help in managing this medical condition.
No, they do not heal themselves but can be managed through lifestyle changes. Surgical intervention is required to permanently treat it.
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