Pronounced: High-AY-tal HER-nee-uh
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.
The different types of hiatal hernias include:
Many people are born with the hiatal hernia but the cause is still unknown. It may result from a weakening of the supportive tissues.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
Most people with hiatal hernias have no symptoms.
Symptoms may occur when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus (swallowing tube). This is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can cause:
Because they often have no symptoms, hiatal hernias are sometimes only detected during a visit to the doctor for other ailments. A hiatal hernia is usually diagnosed with the following tests:
Hiatal hernias are usually treated only when there are symptoms. When GERD is present, the following measures may help:
For people who are obese, losing weight may relieve symptoms.
Avoid foods that can relax the muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and the stomach including:
Avoid foods and beverages that can irritate the internal lining of the esophagus, such as:
To minimize acid reflux:
If you smoke, quit. Smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and the stomach.
Elevating the head of the bed on 6-inch blocks or sleeping on a specially designed wedge reduces heartburn. This position helps prevent stomach contents from refluxing backward into the esophagus.
Antacids can neutralize acid and temporarily relieve heartburn.
For chronic reflux and heartburn, several types of medications may be prescribed to reduce acid in the stomach. These include:
Surgery may be needed if:
The following strategies may help to prevent a hiatal hernia:
RESOURCES:
American College of Gastroenterology
http://www.acg.gi.org/
National Institutes of Health
http://www.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG)
http://www.cag-acg.org/home.htm/
Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://www.cihi.ca/
References:
Hiatal hernia. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hiatal-hernia/DS00099 . Updated June 2009. Accessed July 10, 2009.
Hiatal hernia. Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001137.htm . Updated March 2008. Accessed July 1, 2009.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
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.
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