Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the lower end of the esophagus or part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm.  Although the term rupture is commonly used to mean the same things as hernia, the difference is that a rupture is a tear or break in the tissue, while hernia involves weakening of the underlying organs.  It is commonly said to be a culprit to acid reflux.

Commonly, your esophagus goes beyond below your chest.  It traverses the diaphragm and goes through the stomach into a gap of the diaphragm known as esophageal hiatus.  People with hiatal hernias have a larger than normal esophageal hiatus.  It is believed that majority of cases in adult progresses over the years.

Causes of hiatal hernia

Hiatal hernia may be a birth defect or it may be acquired as the result of an injury.  Usually, this type of hernia results from a weakening of the muscles around the opening of the esophagus that leads into the stomach.  In cases of obesity, when the stomach is larger than normal, its contents are pushed back into the lower part of the esophagus.  This extra stress can result in herniation of the area.  Because the same kind of pressure occurs during pregnancy, hiatal hernia may develop a month or so before delivery and disappear when the baby is born.

Kinds of hiatal hernias

Below are some of the kinds of hiatal hernias:

• Sliding hiatal hernia.  This is considered as the most usual form of hernia wherein the gastro-esophageal junction and a segment of the stomach hangover the chest.  The junction may exist eternally in the chest, but oftentimes it protrudes while swallowing.
• Para-esophageal hernias.  This is a kind of hernia wherein the gastro-esophageal junction remains connected at the same height of the diaphragm, however segment of the stomach slips away in the chest alongside the esophagus.  It is not affected when an individual swallows.  It is also considered as a very rare kind of hiatal hernia.

Symptoms of hiatal hernia

An infant with this malformation may regurgitate food that is slightly blood-stained.  In adult, the most common symptoms are indigestion, heartburn, breathing difficulties, bringing up of food, discomforts during swallowing and flatulence.  Some people may have a slight hiatal hernia with so few symptoms that they are unaware of the disorder until it shows up on an x-ray developed for some other purposes.

Treatment for hiatal hernia

When this type of hernia is present at birth, it may correct itself when the stomach naturally descends to its proper place in the upper abdomen.  Until it does so, the infant is kept in an upright position day and night.  If the condition does not improve, surgical procedure is essential.

Most adults with hiatal hernia are advised to eliminate spicy foods, and to readjust their eating patterns.  They must eat in moderation or approximately every three hours instead of having three heavy meals each day.  Where obesity is a factor, weight loss is recommended.

Medications may be prescribed to reduce vomiting and heartburn.  Surgery is recommended only when other treatment is unsuccessful in relieving the patient of major discomfort.  Relieve yourself from hiatal hernia in order for it not to become acid reflux.

Related posts:

1. Reflux Laryngitis: A Disease Intertwined with Acid Reflux
2. Chest Pain: Learning About Why It is Connected to Acid Reflux
3. Lower Esophageal Sphincter: Its Link to Acid Reflux