Hiatal hernia is common among individuals above 50 years due to changes in diaphragm with age. However, it can be diagnosed among obese individuals of different ages. Hiatal hernia can be treated with medicine and lifestyle changes. Nevertheless, advanced stages of hiatal hernia might require surgery for cure. If you are wondering about what is hiatal hernia, check out the detailed guide for symptoms, diagnosis and treatment here.
How A Hiatal Hernia Forms: Anatomy And Mechanism?
If the top of your stomach bulges into the diaphragm, a Hiatal Hernia might form. However, it is likely for individuals above 50 years or if they are obese. You might observe symptoms of Hiatal Hernia forming, however, symptoms are not always evident.
4 Types Of Hiatal Hernia: Sliding, Para-Oesophageal, Mixed, and Complex
Sliding hiatal hernia or type 1 forms when your esophagus slides through the widened hiatus. It further slides back to form type 1 hiatal hernia. It is the most common type that is detected in almost 95% of the patients.
Para-Oesophageal hernia or type 2 hiatal hernia firms when your stomach pushes into the chest up through the hiatus to form a bulge along with esophagus. It is often termed as rolling hiatal hernia.
Mixed or type 3 hiatal hernia forms when the stomach bulges through the gastroesophageal junction. Type 4 or complicated hiatal hernia forms when two abdominal organs such as intestines and pancreas or spleen bulges through hiatus.
Signs and Symptoms: What Does a Hiatal Hernia Feel Like?
The common symptoms of hiatal hernia include heartburn and backward flow of liquids or foods swallowed. Here are the other symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Feeling full or chest discomfort after eating
- Shortness of breath
- Blood vomiting, black stools indicating bleeding in the digestive tract
What Causes a Hiatal Hernia? Risk Factors Explained
Changes in the diaphragm due to age, injury to the area after surgery or trauma, birth with a large hiatus or continuous pressure in the surrounding muscles due to coughing, exercise, strained bowel movement, vomiting or lifting gravy objects cause hiatal hernia.
In addition, chronic sneezing, chronic obesity with body mass index (BMI greater than 30), pregnancy and child birth can cause hiatal hernia. Ensure you take preventive measures to avoid hiatal hernia and a bulging stomach into your diaphragm.
Hiatal Hernia Vs Gerd: How Are They Related?
Hiatal hernia is the structural condition wherein your stomach bulges into the diaphragm resulting in a weak esophagus. However, the anatomical change causes gastroesophagus reflux disease (GERD symptoms).
Diagnosis And Treatment Options
Hiatal hernia can be diagnosed through X-ray. Usually, you need to drink a special liquid containing barium to clearly make your digestive tract visible in X-ray. One of the other ways for hiatal hernia diagnosis is upper GI endoscopy wherein a camera and flexible tube is inserted in the oesophagus, stomach and upper part of small intestine to detect inflammation.
Oesophagus manometry is the other way to diagnose hiatal hernia wherein a tube is passed through your nose to record movement and pressure of muscles while you swallow. A 24-hour pH test might be an additional way to test acid content in the oesophagus.
Dr. Mostapha El Edelbi treats hiatal hernia with medicines and lifestyle change recommendations if diagnosed at early stages. However, severe stages might require surgery if Dr. Mostapha El Edelbi recommends.
Usually, surgery is recommended if your hernia causes complicated symptoms which medications fail to prevent, if there are side effects of medication and if your hernia is significantly large in size.
A hernia surgery helps pull your stomach follwed by the lower esophagus under your diaphragm. It additionally helps close the hole where hernia occurred and tighten the junction between esophagus and stomach to prevent further recurrence.
Final Words
To answer what is hiatal hernia, it needs to be mentioned that it is when your stomach bulges into the esophagus protruding out. You need to consider medical assistance for proper diagnosis and treatment to ensure faster recovery. You can consult Dr. Mostapha El Edelbi for appropriate medical assistance to treat hiatal hernia on time.
Connect with Dr. Mostapha El Edelbi now if you observe any of the symptoms for early medical assistance!
FAQs
What does a hiatal hernia feel like?
You will observe your stomach bulging through the esophagus if you have hiatal hernia. Ensure you consult a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
What causes a hiatal hernia?
Changes in the diaphragm due to age, injury around hernia after surgery or trauma, if you are born with a large hiatus or continuous pressure in the surrounding muscles due to coughing, strained bowel movement, exercise, vomiting or lifting gravy objects cause hiatal hernia.
What is the difference between a sliding and para-oesophageal hiatal hernia?
Sliding hernia is type 1 hiatal hernia wherein the esophagus slides in and back into the hiatus. Para-Oesophageal is type 2 hiatal hernia where the stomach pushes up into the esophagus.
Can a hiatal hernia cause chest pain?
Hiatal hernia can cause chest pain due to acid reflux. Ensure you connect with Dr. Mostapha El Edelbi for consultation in case of emergencies.
Does a hiatal hernia always need surgery?
Hiatal hernia can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include smaller yet frequent meals, staying upright immediately after eating instead of lying down, sleeping with head slightly raise to avoid rising acide level, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, wearing loose clothes to prevent abdominal pressure and maintaining a healthy weight. However, advanced stages might require surgical intervention for treatment.
What foods should I avoid with a hiatal hernia?
You need to avoid fatty foods, citrus fruits, and carbonated beverages if you are diagnosed with hiatal hernia. You can consume fibre, whole grains and probiotics as they support hiatal hernia treatment.
How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed?
Hiatal hernia can be diagnosed with upper GI endoscopy, X-ray and Oesophagus manometry. 24-hour pH tests might be included to check acid reflux for hiatal hernia in esophagus.