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Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. It is used in breathing.
Alternative NamesHernia - hiatal
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause is unknown, but hiatal hernias may be the result of a weakening of the supporting tissue. Increasing age, obesity, and smoking are known risk factors in adults.
Children with this condition are usually born with it (congenital). It is often associated with gastroesophageal reflux in infants.
Hiatal hernias are very common, especially in people over 50 years old. This condition may cause reflux (backflow) of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
Symptoms- Chest pain
- Heartburn, worse when bending over or lying down
- Swallowing difficulty
A hiatal hernia by itself rarely causes symptoms -- pain and discomfort are usually due to the reflux of gastric acid, air, or bile. Reflux happens more easily when there is a hiatal hernia, although a hiatal hernia is not the only cause of reflux.
Signs and tests- Barium swallow x-ray
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Reducing the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux) will relieve pain. Medications that neutralize stomach acidity, decrease acid production, or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that prevents acid from backing up into the esphagus) may be prescribed.
Other measures to reduce symptoms include:
- Avoiding large or heavy meals
- Not lying down or bending over immediately after a meal
- Reducing weightand not smoking
If these measures failure to control the symptoms, or complications appear, surgical repair of the hernia may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis)Most symptoms are alleviated with treatment.
Complications- Pulmonary (lung) aspiration
- Slow bleeding and iron deficiency anemia (due to a large hernia)
- Strangulation (closing off) of the hernia
Call your provider if symptoms indicate you may have developed a hiatal hernia.
Call your provider if you have a hiatal hernia and symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.
PreventionControlling risk factors such as obesity may help prevent hiatal hernia.
ReferencesOrlando RC. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 140.
What else can I help you with?
Which condition is a protrusion of part of the stomach through the esophageal opening in the diaphram?
its called hiatal hernia or hiatus hernia.
What is another name for a hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia can also be called a diaphragmatic hernia.
What is another term meaning diaphragmatic hernia?
Another term for diaphragmatic hernia is a hiatal hernia.
Is Pariet used to treat hiatal hernia?
Yes, Pariet is an option to treat a hiatal hernia.
which hiatal hernia is typically associated with short esophagus a- sliding hiatal hernia b- rolling/paraesophageal?
A short esophagus is typically associated with a sliding hiatal hernia (a-sliding hiatal hernia), rather than a rolling or paraesophageal hiatal hernia. In a sliding hiatal hernia, the gastroesophageal junction and a portion of the stomach slide up into the chest through the hiatus (an opening in the diaphragm). This type of hiatal hernia is more common and usually does not cause significant symptoms or complications. On the other hand, a rolling or paraesophageal hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach herniates through the hiatus and into the chest beside the esophagus, but the gastroesophageal junction remains in its normal position. This type of hiatal hernia is less common but may be associated with more significant symptoms and complications, such as gastric volvulus (twisting of the stomach) or strangulation of the herniated portion. In summary, a sliding hiatal hernia is typically associated with a short esophagus, while a rolling or paraesophageal hiatal hernia involves a different herniation pattern
What is the difference between a hiatal hernia and an abdominal hernia?
different from abdominal hernias in that it is not visible on the outside of the body. With a hiatal hernia, the stomach bulges upward through the
Why is an elevated head of bed recommended for hiatal hernia?
Because it keeps the stomach acid from flowing up into the Hiatal hernia at night.
Hiatal hernia cause shortness of breath?
yes
Best means of treatment for someone with this conditionhiatal hernia?
What is the best treatment for someone with hiatal hernia
Why does a hiatal hernia cause a burning sensation in the esophagus?
A hiatal hernia often is caused by weak muscles and tissue within and around the hiatus. In a sliding hiatal hernia, a small part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest. A valve between the esophagus and the stomach also moves up and away from the diaphragm.
Is it safe to smoke marijuana with a hiatal hernia and gerd?
i believe so, i have had a hiatal hernia for over 6 months now and have experienced no problems with marijuana other then making it when its uncomfortable more bearable.
Can hiatal hernia cause high blood pressure?
I have a hiatal hernia and I think that it is causing my high blood pressure. The blood pressure medication doesn't help only makes the pain worse.
