A hiatal hernia is when a part of your stomach pushes up through a hole in your diaphragm muscle, the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. If you have a hiatal hernia part of your stomach is in the lower part of your chest.
A hiatal hernia is also called a hiatus hernia as the opening in your diaphragm that your stomach pushes through is called the hiatus.
Although most hiatal hernias aren’t serious or even cause any symptoms. If the hernia develops bigger and is left untreated, they can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms that indicate when you should seek medical attention . Read our blog around when to worry about hernia pain here.
A hiatal hernia often causes no symptoms. Some people experience hiatal hernia symptoms that are similar to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. This is because GERD occurs when acid and digestive juices move from your stomach back into your oesophagus. These symptoms include:
Some people may also suffer from hiatal hernia pain including chest and abdominal pain. Pain could be a sign that your hiatal hernia is getting worse, some people may feel pain during everyday activities such as coughing, lifting etc.
What causes a hiatal hernia is not entirely clear. However, hiatal hernia causes can include:
If you think you may have a hiatal hernia you should see your doctor. They will consider your medical history, examine you, and typically arrange for one or more diagnostic tests like an endoscopy which is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine inside the stomach and esophagus or barium swallow which is an c-xray of the upper digestive system.
Hiatal hernia treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication and surgery.
Hiatal hernia treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication and surgery. You doctor will discuss the best treatment options for your hiatal hernia based on multiple factors such as your general health and anatomy, the extent and location of your hiatal hernia, and the severity of your symptoms.
Lifestyle modifications include changing your eating habits such as eating smaller and more frequent meals, losing weight and stopping smoking.
Over-the-counter or prescribed stronger medications may be recommended to manage your hiatal hernia symptoms.
Hiatal hernia surgery may be advised if other hernia treatments have not worked and you continue to experience severe reflux problems or if there's a risk of serious complications. Keyhole surgery is usually used for a hiatus hernia. This involves making small cuts in your abdomen. Hiatal hernia surgery involves:
A laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the standard procedures to repair a hiatal hernia. It permanently relieves your hiatal hernia symptoms. During laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery, your surgeon wraps your upper stomach (called the fundus) around the lower part your oesophagus to create a permanently tight sphincter that prevents your stomach from moving back into your chest.
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and lasts for up to 90 minutes.
A hiatal hernia rarely has any noticeable symptoms. However, it can cause gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) where your stomach acid leaks into your oesophagus. GORD symptoms often worsen after a large meal, lying flat, or bending over including:
The fastest way to alleviate symptoms caused by a hiatal hernia is to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. These may involve lifestyle adjustments, medical treatments or hiatal hernia surgery. Your doctor will assess your general health and anatomy, your symptoms, the location of your hiatal hernia and its risk of complications.
Lifestyle changes can include avoiding large meals and trigger foods (like caffeine, alcohol, spicy and fatty foods), staying upright after meals and elevating your head while sleeping to help prevent acid reflux, breathing exercises to strengthen your diaphragm, losing weight, and stopping smoking.
Over-the-counter medications can quickly relieve acid reflux and reduce stomach acid.
Surgery is the only way to cure a hiatal hernia. Surgical repair may be necessary if your hernia is severe and non-responsive to conservative treatment.
The best treatment for a hiatal hernia depends on the severity of your symptoms, the extent of your hernia, and individual health factors. Hiatal hernia treatments include lifestyle changes, medications and surgery. You should consult with your doctor for a personalised treatment plan with the best approach for your specific situation.
The hiatal hernia finger test involves placing your fingers on your upper abdomen below your breastbone and inhaling deeply. If you have a hernia, it supposedly restricts your diaphragm’s movement.
However, there is no research to support this diagnostic method and it is not used by healthcare professionals. If you think you may have a hiatal hernia you should see your doctor. They will consider your medical history, examine you, and typically arrange for one or more diagnostic tests like an endoscopy or barium swallow.
The more severe symptoms of a hiatal hernia generally happen if your hernia is large or when complications develop. These symptoms can vary widely but may include:
If you experience any of these severe symptoms, you must seek medical attention. Strangulated or obstructed hiatal hernias, although rare, can be life-threatening.
Drinking plain water can help manage heartburn symptoms, but it’s important to avoid large amounts as this may increase your stomach pressure.
If your hiatal hernia is acting up and causing symptoms of GORD such as heartburn or acid reflux, you’ll need to eat the right foods to help soothe irritation and reduce these symptoms.
The best food choices if you have a hiatal hernia are those that are non-acidic, minimally processed, and high in fibre.
You should try to eat non-citrus fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, healthy fats, and whole grains. It’s best to avoid onions and garlic, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based foods, spicy foods, fried and fatty foods, sugary foods including chocolate, and mint. Also avoid alcohol, coffee, caffeinated teas and carbonated drinks.
Several conditions have similar symptoms to, and are mistaken for, a hiatal. These can include Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), indigestion, gastritis, angina or heart disease, biliary colic, ulcers, muscle injury, lipomas, and gynaecological problems.
As there are many conditions that share overlapping symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor for a medical evaluation. They may request diagnostic investigations such as an endoscopy, barium swallow studies, or imaging tests to help distinguish a hiatal hernia from other conditions.
Yes, bananas can be beneficial for people with a hiatal hernia. This is because they are low in acid and gentle on your digestive system.
If you have a hernia, you should avoid certain drinks that can irritate it or make your symptoms worse. These include:
Yes, omeprazole can be good for managing symptoms associated with a hiatal hernia, particularly if you have acid reflux. It is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces which can help alleviate your hiatal hernia symptoms.
An inflamed hiatal hernia can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
If these symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.
Yes, there are warning signs that a hernia is getting worse. These include:
If you have a hernia and experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. A strangulated hernia can be life-threatening if it isn't treated.
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