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What Is a Hiatal Hernia Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention By Quinn PhillipsMedically Reviewed by Kareem Sassi, MD
Reviewed: November 20, 2020 Medically Reviewed A hiatal Sometimes a hiatal hernia doesn’t cause any problems at all and doesn’t require any treatment. But in other cases, the narrow opening in your diaphragm can squeeze the part of the stomach that it surrounds, causing retention of stomach acid and other contents.
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These contents can back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Types of Hiata...
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Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia This is when part of your stomach pushes through the opening in your d...
These contents can back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Types of Hiatal Hernias
There are two main types of hiatal hernias: Sliding Hiatal Hernia This is when part of your stomach intermittently slides up into your chest through the opening in your diaphragm for your esophagus. The vast majority of hiatal hernias are sliding, also known as type 1.
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Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia This is when part of your stomach pushes through the opening in your d...
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The specific causes of a weakened diaphragm aren’t always clear, but the following factors may pla...
Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia This is when part of your stomach pushes through the opening in your diaphragm next to your esophagus, so that both your esophagus and part of your stomach are squeezed together. Signs and Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia But if your hiatal hernia is causing the backflow of acid and other stomach contents in your esophagus, you may experience the following symptoms: HeartburnAcidic or sour taste in your mouth or throat
Regurgitation of foods or beverages into your mouth A hiatal hernia can also lead to
Related
Connecting the Dots: Understanding the Link Between Hiatal Hernia and GERD
People with a hiatal hernia may be more likely to have acid reflux. Find out why.…
Learn More
Causes and Risk Factors of a Hiatal Hernia Hiatal hernias can happen because of weakening in the muscle tissue of your diaphragm, which allows your stomach to push up through the opening for your esophagus.
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The specific causes of a weakened diaphragm aren’t always clear, but the following factors may pla...
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PH Test A pH test measures the acid levels in your esophagus and can help determine whether your sy...
The specific causes of a weakened diaphragm aren’t always clear, but the following factors may play a role:Age-related changes to your diaphragmInjury from trauma or surgeryBeing born with a large hiatus (opening in the diaphragm) A weakened diaphragm usually isn’t enough to cause a hiatal hernia — you also need increased pressure in your abdomen to push the stomach up through the diaphragm. Increased abdominal pressure can come from the following factors:CoughingVomitingStraining during bowel movementsPregnancyStrenuous exerciseLifting heavy objects Hiatal hernias can occur at any age and affect both sexes. The following factors, though, make it more likely that you’ll experience one:Being 50 or olderBeing overweight or obeseSmoking
How Is a Hiatal Hernia Diagnosed To diagnose a hiatal hernia, your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam.If you’re experiencing frequent heartburn or chest or Esophageal Manometry This test measures muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow to assess its strength and muscle coordination.
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PH Test A pH test measures the acid levels in your esophagus and can help determine whether your sy...
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PH Test A pH test measures the acid levels in your esophagus and can help determine whether your symptoms are related to acid reflux. Duration of a Hiatal Hernia The duration of symptoms of a hiatal hernia vary greatly depending on the individual. In some cases, a hiatal hernia will slowly get worse over time and eventually need treatment.
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In severe cases, symptoms will not go away until a doctor performs surgery. Treatment and Medication Options for Hiatal Hernias Treating a hiatal hernia can involve lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.
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Recommended lifestyle changes are generally aimed at reducing Related
Are Heartburn Drugs Safe? Emergency surgery is needed for a hiatal hernia if your stomach is being squeezed so tightly that its blood supply is cut off.
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Surgery may also be needed if you have severe GERD that isn’t responding well to lifestyle measure...
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If needed, your surgeon may also repair your esophageal sphincter — the muscle that normally preve...
Surgery may also be needed if you have severe GERD that isn’t responding well to lifestyle measures and medication. To surgically repair a hiatal hernia, your doctor will pull the entire stomach back down into your abdomen and make the opening in your diaphragm smaller.
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If needed, your surgeon may also repair your esophageal sphincter — the muscle that normally preve...
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Prevention of a Hiatal Hernia
It is difficult to prevent a hiatal hernia, but there are steps you ca...
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If needed, your surgeon may also repair your esophageal sphincter — the muscle that normally prevents your stomach contents from flowing back into your esophagus. This surgery is usually done laparoscopically — involving several small incisions and using a flexible tube containing a light and camera to view the inside of your abdomen and chest.
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Prevention of a Hiatal Hernia
It is difficult to prevent a hiatal hernia, but there are steps you ca...
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However, in some instances, it can lead to GERD.Although a hiatal hernia can cause GERD, not all peo...
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Prevention of a Hiatal Hernia
It is difficult to prevent a hiatal hernia, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. If you have a hiatal hernia that leads to GERD, the following lifestyle changes can help prevent episodes of GERD:Losing weightReducing meal and portion sizeAvoiding acidic foods, like tomatoes and citrus fruitAvoiding caffeine and alcoholAvoiding peppermintLimiting carbonated beveragesLimiting fried and fatty foodsEating at least three to four hours before lying downKeeping your head and torso elevated at least 6 inches when you rest or sleepAvoiding tight clothing around your abdomen and waist
Complications of Hiatal Hernia In the majority of cases, a hiatal hernia will not lead to other health problems.
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However, in some instances, it can lead to GERD.Although a hiatal hernia can cause GERD, not all people with a hiatal hernia develop GERD — and most
Research and Statistics How Many People Have Hiatal Hernia The most common
Related Conditions to a Hiatal Hernia If a hiatal hernia causes chest pain, it can often be confused with chest pain caused by cardiovascular conditions, including a heart attack. In addition to chest pain, other
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