Hiatal Hernia - Symptoms and Treatment

Hiatal Hernia is a dynamic condition with the upper stomach changing its position between the upper stomach and lower chest. In other words Hiatal Hernia is a anatomical situation in which small opening in the diaphragm allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest and causes heartburn from stomach acid flowing back up through the opening.

Causes of Hital Hernia

There are no specific reason for Hiatal Hernia rather there might be some causes for this disease like injury to that area of the body, inbirth weakness or increased pressure in the abdomen from coughing, straining while coughing ,pregnancy or lifting heavy objects etc. A hiatal hernia in turn can cause or contribute to gastroesophageal reflux. This happens when a hernia slightly displaces the lower esophageal sphincter, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus.

Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia

Follwoing are symptoms of Hiatal Hernia :

• Heartburn , worse when bending over or lying down
• Swallowing difficulty
• Chest pain
• Belching

Treatment of Hiatal Hernia

Some Treatment methods are :

• Medications that neutralize stomach acidity, decrease acid production includes following medications like Antacids,H-2 blockers and Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
• Avoiding large or heavy meals
• Not lying down or bending over immediately after a meal
• Reducing weight and not smoking
• surgical repair of the hernia, only in the case, if the hiatal hernia is in danger of becoming constricted or strangulated