Conditions / Hiatus Hernia

HIATUS HERNIA

A hiatus hernia is a condition when the upper part of the stomach or cardiac sphincter bulges through the diaphragm (a muscle separating your abdomen and chest). There are two major types of hiatus hernias:

1. Paraesophageal (next to the oesophagus)
2. Sliding

Sign and Symptoms

Major sign and symptoms of larger hiatus hernias include:

• Regurgitation of stomach contents (acid and food) into the oesophagus (acid reflux)
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty swallowing
• Heartburn
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Passing of black stools or vomiting of blood

Causes

A hiatus hernia develops due to the weakness of muscle tissue that allows the stomach to swell and bulge up through the diaphragm. It is not yet clear why this happens. But a hiatus hernia might be caused by:

• Being born with an unusually large hiatus i.e., genetic
• Age-related changes in your diaphragm
• After trauma or certain types of surgery
• Increase intra-abdominal pressure on the surrounding muscles, such as exercising, lifting heavy objects, straining while passing stools, vomiting, coughing.

Diagnosis

A hiatus hernia has usually an accidental diagnosis when a patient presents with heartburn or upper abdominal pain due to any cause. These tests or procedures include:

• Oesophageal manometry
• Upper endoscopy
• X-ray chest and abdomen

Treatment

A hiatus hernia is usually non-symptomatic in most people and they won’t need any treatment. However, in larger hiatal hernia with recurrent acid reflux and heartburn, you may need medication or surgery.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other healthcare professional. ALWAYS check with your doctor if you have any concerns about your condition or treatment.