Hiatal Hernia Definition & Overview

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Hiatal Hernia Guide

Christine Jeffries

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Definition

A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach moves up through a small opening in the diaphragm into the chest. The diaphragm is the muscular wall that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity.

Hiatal Hernia

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The different types of hiatal hernias include:

  • Sliding hiatal hernia—The most common type in which the herniated part of the stomach slides back and forth, into and out of the chest.
  • Fixed hiatal hernia—The upper part of the stomach permanently remains in the chest.
  • Complicated hiatal hernia—Several other types of stomach herniation may be seen. These are uncommon but more serious and may require surgery.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

More Hiatal Hernia Information

  • 0 comments

    Many people can actually live with a condition known as hiatal hernia and not even know that they have it. The reason is that in mild cases, there are virtually no symptoms.

    Hiatal Hernia
  • Hiatal Hernia

    Encylopedia entry for Hiatal Hernia.

    Hiatal Hernia(Hiatus Hernia)Pronounced: High-AY

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